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Chop, Chop #9
What I Want: A Stand-Alone Companion Novel to the Chop, Chop Series
Marco has always known that he’s different, but he has never let his birth defects keep him from getting what he wants. And what he wants is simple: to spend the rest of his life with the woman that he loves. But that might not be possible . . . and it might not have anything to do with how he looks.
Marco begins his story this way:
Feisímo.
My entire life, people have called me this.
Most often, my sister Grace – hissing it into my ear whenever she thought she could get away with it. Other times it was my classmates, counting on their words to be drowned out by the noise of other children on the playground during recess. Sometimes it would be a little kid at a restaurant, blurting out the truth before a mortified parent could shush them into silence. Occasionally it might be a stranger on the street, not actually saying anything, but glancing away in embarrassment for me, saying it all the same, even without any words.
Throughout the years, many different people have told me in many different ways, and despite my parents’ constant attempts to convince me otherwise, I know exactly what I am . . . what I’ve always been.
I have always known.
Feisímo . . .
Ugly as sin.
Marco begins his story this way:
Feisímo.
My entire life, people have called me this.
Most often, my sister Grace – hissing it into my ear whenever she thought she could get away with it. Other times it was my classmates, counting on their words to be drowned out by the noise of other children on the playground during recess. Sometimes it would be a little kid at a restaurant, blurting out the truth before a mortified parent could shush them into silence. Occasionally it might be a stranger on the street, not actually saying anything, but glancing away in embarrassment for me, saying it all the same, even without any words.
Throughout the years, many different people have told me in many different ways, and despite my parents’ constant attempts to convince me otherwise, I know exactly what I am . . . what I’ve always been.
I have always known.
Feisímo . . .
Ugly as sin.
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First published November 27, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 18, 2013
L.N. Cronk never ceases to amaze me with her story-telling. What I Want is the story of Marco, the youngest child of Laci & David from the Chop Chop series. Of all of their children, he was the one I wanted to learn more about. We learn in the series that Marco was born with a cleft palate and with no fingers on either hand except a thumb. And we learned that he was studying in Australia. So I really wanted to know first of all what kind of life he leads and second, how he ended up in Australia. Marco's is another beautifully told story of love and loss and overcoming obstacles. I highly recommend it, as much as I do the original series. You just can't go wrong with L.N. Cronk!
December 12, 2013
This was #9 in the Chop Chop series or a stand alone. I am glad I read the Chop Chop series as there are spots that will make you smile if you have read them.
This is Marco's story, Marco was a child adopted by Laci and David. Marco falls in love at 14 and as you read you think - hey I got this figured out - well guess what you don't. There are some awesome turns in this book, a few laugh out loud moments (mustache) and a lot of God. I love how it is a clean book but enjoyable.
I wish a few of the characters were a little more developed but because of the size of this book I understand why not but then why bring them in at all. What was the purpose of J's parents?
Quick read - bought it yesterday finished it today.
This is Marco's story, Marco was a child adopted by Laci and David. Marco falls in love at 14 and as you read you think - hey I got this figured out - well guess what you don't. There are some awesome turns in this book, a few laugh out loud moments (mustache) and a lot of God. I love how it is a clean book but enjoyable.
I wish a few of the characters were a little more developed but because of the size of this book I understand why not but then why bring them in at all. What was the purpose of J's parents?
Quick read - bought it yesterday finished it today.
December 30, 2013
Another amazing book!!!!!! I loved it!!!!! You can't judge a book by it's cover and you must always keep God #1 in all you do. We all struggle with something in our lives and when we are at our lowest who do we go too? He should be the person we go too all the time. With that being said, I should take my own advise. Thank you L.N. Cronk for reminding me of that. I really love your books and I hope there is another on on the way. :)
August 6, 2015
Marco is the youngest child of David and Laci. We don't see much of him in the Chop, Chop series so this is an excellent addition. It tells of his struggle with his sister, Grace, why he was in Australia when David was diagnosed, and how he went through life without ever considering himself handicapped even though he was born without fingers. An excellent read.
November 4, 2014
So I really ,over this book and the authors writing... But the thing keeping it from 5 starts for me was the end. It felt so rushed.... And I really didn't like what happened around 85% with Stewart. It didn't feel real and again too rushed. But overall a great book.
December 2, 2013
Another awesome read by Ms. Cronk! I hope you write at least a thousand more!
December 23, 2013
L.N. K. always writes with such warmth and feeling. Keep the books coming. I feel so good from reading your books L. N.
June 20, 2018
I really loved this book, because is engaging, terrific... and the story is simply wonderful.
March 31, 2015
Meet Marco, the hero of this unforgettable Christian contemporary romance. He is an adopted Latino and must contend with a congenital severe cleft palate along with finger anomalies on both hands. As a youngster, he befriends Bizzie, another orphan, who was born blind, in an effort to get her beyond his physical appearance. So begins his childhood romance with her that spans into adulthood.
Because of his love for Bizzie and possessing a brilliant technical mind he pursues a career in artificial vision prosthetics which takes him to Australia. There, he takes in a roommate named Josette. They forge a pact to keep everything proper between them as they live under the same roof. However, that gradually changes as they draw affectionately close to one another. Marco does not know of Josette's tragic past but they slowly open up to each other regarding their past difficulties.
Josette is a committed Christ-follower but Marco has let his passion for God diminish significantly as he studies his craft so she becomes an encourager to him. The story presents many unforeseen twists, turns and surprises as Marco struggles with his love both for Bizzie and Josette.
The dialogue involving the principals in this lovely, dramatic, and often humorous tale is superior in every way.....some of the finest I have ever read. Dear readers, if you cannot fall immediately in love with a man like Marco, you may need a check-up from the neck-up!
I could not fault the characters, plot, or intense emotional conversations at any point. Making it even more significant are the "God moments" throughout the story that bless us with Biblical truths designed to show how Jesus helps us through impossible situations.
This is another squeaky-clean wholesome read that I could give to my 15 year old granddaughter without a moment's hesitation.
Because of his love for Bizzie and possessing a brilliant technical mind he pursues a career in artificial vision prosthetics which takes him to Australia. There, he takes in a roommate named Josette. They forge a pact to keep everything proper between them as they live under the same roof. However, that gradually changes as they draw affectionately close to one another. Marco does not know of Josette's tragic past but they slowly open up to each other regarding their past difficulties.
Josette is a committed Christ-follower but Marco has let his passion for God diminish significantly as he studies his craft so she becomes an encourager to him. The story presents many unforeseen twists, turns and surprises as Marco struggles with his love both for Bizzie and Josette.
The dialogue involving the principals in this lovely, dramatic, and often humorous tale is superior in every way.....some of the finest I have ever read. Dear readers, if you cannot fall immediately in love with a man like Marco, you may need a check-up from the neck-up!
I could not fault the characters, plot, or intense emotional conversations at any point. Making it even more significant are the "God moments" throughout the story that bless us with Biblical truths designed to show how Jesus helps us through impossible situations.
This is another squeaky-clean wholesome read that I could give to my 15 year old granddaughter without a moment's hesitation.
June 15, 2015
Final feeling: rather depressing look at marriage and love
I'm left confused as to who the target audience is for this book. Not for the secular world, because there's no way they could relate or understand the characters' choices (or be drawn to Christianity). Not for married Christians who should be focusing on making marriage work rather than the opposite. Not for single Christians who should not be encouraged to get emotionally involved with a married person. The only audience that could could get some benefit are those who have specifically been betrayed by a spouse, but even in that scenario I felt the characters' choices were flawed and unwise.
Gave two stars instead of one for the writing. Would not recommend this book.
I'm left confused as to who the target audience is for this book. Not for the secular world, because there's no way they could relate or understand the characters' choices (or be drawn to Christianity). Not for married Christians who should be focusing on making marriage work rather than the opposite. Not for single Christians who should not be encouraged to get emotionally involved with a married person. The only audience that could could get some benefit are those who have specifically been betrayed by a spouse, but even in that scenario I felt the characters' choices were flawed and unwise.
Gave two stars instead of one for the writing. Would not recommend this book.
December 24, 2013
I love L N Cronk, she was my first real "author crush" as I began to explore e-books last year. the Chop Chop series was wonderful, and this new stand alone companion is really spectacular.
Marco isn't able to blame his birth defects as why he can't do something. His adoptive parents expected nothing less than Marco doing everything by himself. And things are relatively easy: he's smart, he's handy (no pun intended as you'll remember from Chop Chop). But Marco has fallen in love and that's NOT so easy. He's always gotten what he wants... until he can't have what he thinks he wants.
Why not? The one thing I can tell you is that faith and ego are involved. Who wins? .... Read and find out
Marco isn't able to blame his birth defects as why he can't do something. His adoptive parents expected nothing less than Marco doing everything by himself. And things are relatively easy: he's smart, he's handy (no pun intended as you'll remember from Chop Chop). But Marco has fallen in love and that's NOT so easy. He's always gotten what he wants... until he can't have what he thinks he wants.
Why not? The one thing I can tell you is that faith and ego are involved. Who wins? .... Read and find out
August 31, 2016
What an enjoyable read! I just wished it had been longer. But I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Cronk's books, and as another reviewer stated, I was happy that I read the previous 8 books in the "Chop Chop" series, and yes, parts of the book made me chuckle and laugh out loud. There were tears as well, but her stories are just so easy to read and I love them! Waiting on the next one, Leann......!
March 13, 2014
LOVED,LOVED,LOVED IT. First of all, Cronk is a genius. I have read all her books and you would think that hearing the same story would get boring. Not even close. Marco's story is incredibly captivating. Saying I couldn't put it down would be a huge understatement. Can't wait for more from her, with hopefully much longer stories.
August 3, 2015
Good
It's set up sort of like a diary. I enjoy reading from a male point of view and seeing it set up like a diary makes me feel closer to the character. The book is mostly about his connection to God and his love life, but it was enjoyable. He got a good, happy ending. Would recommend to others.
It's set up sort of like a diary. I enjoy reading from a male point of view and seeing it set up like a diary makes me feel closer to the character. The book is mostly about his connection to God and his love life, but it was enjoyable. He got a good, happy ending. Would recommend to others.
March 16, 2014
I don't know the last time I finished a book in one day! I highly recommend this! As a mom to adopted children I loved the story line with Marco and Grace. Beautifully written book about following God's will even when it isn't easy and when our desires dont always match up with his plan.
July 17, 2014
Another great book from L.N. Cronk
This book kept me awake at night I could not put it down. They make you think about your faith and what is important. You must begin with the first book Chop Chop to understand what is going on.
This book kept me awake at night I could not put it down. They make you think about your faith and what is important. You must begin with the first book Chop Chop to understand what is going on.
July 26, 2015
Real, very touching
Wow! I have read Chop Chop and this book in the last few days. God must be very pleased with how you reach out and tell readers they can succeed but only by keeping God first. Love your sense of humor too.
Wow! I have read Chop Chop and this book in the last few days. God must be very pleased with how you reach out and tell readers they can succeed but only by keeping God first. Love your sense of humor too.
December 1, 2013
Yet another fantastic book by L.N. Cronk! I always adore her books. This is a series I will read over and over again :)
March 28, 2015
Great read
I Read this in a day. A delightful read, with true struggles and real life limitations. Definitely a worthy read.
I Read this in a day. A delightful read, with true struggles and real life limitations. Definitely a worthy read.
March 31, 2015
Encouraging, uplifting, and heartwarming
This was a quick read, faith-based and it had a good ending.
I had previously read Chop, Chop and will plan to read more from this author.
This was a quick read, faith-based and it had a good ending.
I had previously read Chop, Chop and will plan to read more from this author.
April 27, 2015
A surprisingly good read from start to finish. I had this as a free e book from book hub so wasnt really sure what I would be getting, but read this almost from cover to cover in one sitting!
July 13, 2015
Really Inspiring
This book is really inspiring and I would recommend this book to married couples who have trouble with their marriage.
This book is really inspiring and I would recommend this book to married couples who have trouble with their marriage.
December 6, 2013
I never tire of Mrs. Cronk's books! She is a wonderful writer!
January 4, 2014
Another awesome book!
September 15, 2018
Marco has always known he would one day date someone with a disability. After all, someone who has a cleft palate and nubs for fingers can't expect someone normal to be interested in him. So when he meets Bizzy, who is gorgeous yet blind, he thhinks he's met the one, even though hes only 13. Even when she gets adopted at 14 and move from mexico to Canada, they still continue their relationship, just long distance. After he gets his degree and moves to Australia to continue his education, he plans for her to move there with him and attend the music program. They can get engaged and when their respective programs are done can get married and live happily ever after. Bizzy, however, has other plans. Marco isn't worried though, he knows in a few years everything will still follow plan. When he asks Bizzy to marry him a year later, and she says not now, he knows that's it for them. Going home to his best friend and roommate Josette, he shrugs it off saying obviously someone else will come along. Is Mrs Right staring him right in the face though?
I've read a couple of books in this series, but the way the series is set up you don't need to read them all. they're each written as stand alone novels, just with the same characters. Parts of this book seemed to be jumbled though. There would be a chapter that was 40 pages then the next would be 2 or 3 pages, which was rather odd since each chapter was an event, so some event were really descriptive and others were just briefly touched upon
I've read a couple of books in this series, but the way the series is set up you don't need to read them all. they're each written as stand alone novels, just with the same characters. Parts of this book seemed to be jumbled though. There would be a chapter that was 40 pages then the next would be 2 or 3 pages, which was rather odd since each chapter was an event, so some event were really descriptive and others were just briefly touched upon
February 6, 2017
I had initially rated this book as a three, but as I rehashed the story in my mind I realized that L.N. Cronk had done something that very few, and I mean only a handful, Christian authors do; to write a book where the main character has a physical disability.
If you have read the Chop, Chop series you will have already met the main character, Marco. I must also admit that I almost did not finish reading this book, it moves a bit slow in the beginning and it is not easy to read about a character steeped in self-pity. Nor did I like the character of Bizzy, her entitled attitude was another reason to stop reading. I should have trusted Cronk, she always does the unexpected, and once the backstory was out of the way it turned into a beautiful unconventional love story. And I generally DO NOT read anything that even hints at romance. I found the plot believable and Marco's self confidence & acceptance is genuine. Cronk always highlights that living a life surrendered to the teachings of Jesus Christ has a cost, and that following Him will always take you where you never thought you'd be. It is a short book, can be read as a stand alone, and I recommend it to teens & young adults as well. Nicely done.
If you have read the Chop, Chop series you will have already met the main character, Marco. I must also admit that I almost did not finish reading this book, it moves a bit slow in the beginning and it is not easy to read about a character steeped in self-pity. Nor did I like the character of Bizzy, her entitled attitude was another reason to stop reading. I should have trusted Cronk, she always does the unexpected, and once the backstory was out of the way it turned into a beautiful unconventional love story. And I generally DO NOT read anything that even hints at romance. I found the plot believable and Marco's self confidence & acceptance is genuine. Cronk always highlights that living a life surrendered to the teachings of Jesus Christ has a cost, and that following Him will always take you where you never thought you'd be. It is a short book, can be read as a stand alone, and I recommend it to teens & young adults as well. Nicely done.
February 6, 2018
The description of this book was more interesting than the actual book, in my opinion. The writing was fine but I couldn't really figure out what the point of the book was. The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking, when's the interesting part coming? Or, where's the action? Honestly, the book starts off making Marco sound very creepy. He's madly in love with this girl and some of the sentences give Marco a very stalker-ish kind of vibe. But he doesn't turn out to be a stalker of any kind. Overall, the book left me unfulfilled.
February 13, 2020
Excellent!
I've read many Christian fiction books & this one is one of the best! From sadness to humor, to romance to faith....this book runs the gamut of emotions! Every character draws you in. L.N. has an amazing ability to tell a story, woven together with a lesson of faith. Fabulous read!
I've read many Christian fiction books & this one is one of the best! From sadness to humor, to romance to faith....this book runs the gamut of emotions! Every character draws you in. L.N. has an amazing ability to tell a story, woven together with a lesson of faith. Fabulous read!
January 31, 2019
Good story
I enjoyed this book and all the Chop chop series.Loved the characters but most of all how they wanted God's Will for their lives and how they prayed for one another no matter what
I enjoyed this book and all the Chop chop series.Loved the characters but most of all how they wanted God's Will for their lives and how they prayed for one another no matter what
December 14, 2019
Great readI loved the fact that there’s no foul language
Your books are a wonderful reading experience. I highly recommend them they do not disappoint .Thank you so much.God bless you
Your books are a wonderful reading experience. I highly recommend them they do not disappoint .Thank you so much.God bless you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews