Choices is a thought-provoking story about five teenage girls in the city of York, Pennsylvania and how the issue of teen sex affects each of their lives..... Shauntice Johnston has faith in God but the world of domestic abuse she lives in has left her with very little faith in the male gender. And then comes Terry, and her obedience to God's Word (flee fornication) is tested. Angel Nichols doesn't know her earthly father, doesn't care about the heavenly Father and feels neglected by her workaholic mother. She has had numerous sex partners since she was thirteen, trying to fill the void inside of her. LaKeeta Wilson is a Christian, but instead of doing it God's way and waiting for marriage she purposely became pregnant out of wedlock. Bridgette Anderson practices abstinence in obedience to God, and, no matter what, she will not compromise her beliefs. But this saint still has her flaws. Hope Patterson is a plain dressing, soft-spoken timid Christian girl who lives a sheltered life because of her strict mother. The word 'sex' isn't in her vocabulary until she suffers a loss.
Burchett is the author of CHOICES: Five teenage girls - Shauntice, Angel, LaKeeta, Bridgette and Hope - make decisions about relationships. Published in 2007, Choices is out of print. The story has been updated, totally rewritten. Burchett is hoping to find an experienced literary agent this time📕
Katrina Burchett's Choices is a must read for teens who are facing many of the same issues Shaun, Angel, LaKeeta, Brigdette and Hope in their every day lives. Even though this story takes place in York, PA, it could easily be the streets of Philadelphia, Camden or NYC. In any diverse city, there will be too many girls who make the wrong decisions regarding sex, and Burchett's characters jump out and command our attention. Teens reading this book will be able to find compassion, truth, anger, friendship and the power of healing through a God that offers unconditional love. I can't wait to offer this to our students, I think it will fill a void for many and offer some good choices for them.
I'm so glad I purchased this book, it had so much substance and situations that I could relate to having once been a teen myself (a LONG time ago). Before I get into my review, here is a summary of the book:
Choices is a thought-provoking story about five teenage girls in the city of York, Pennsylvania and how the issue of teen sex affects each of their lives..... Shauntice Johnston has faith in God but the world of domestic abuse she lives in has left her with very little faith in the male gender. And then comes Terry, and her obedience to God's Word (flee fornication) is tested. Angel Nichols doesn't know her earthly father, doesn't care about the heavenly Father and feels neglected by her workaholic mother. She has had numerous sex partners since she was thirteen, trying to fill the void inside of her. LaKeeta Wilson is a Christian, but instead of doing it God's way and waiting for marriage she purposely became pregnant out of wedlock. Bridgette Anderson practices abstinence in obedience to God, and, no matter what, she will not compromise her beliefs. But this saint still has her flaws. Hope Patterson is a plain dressing, soft-spoken timid Christian girl who lives a sheltered life because of her strict mother. The word 'sex' isn't in her vocabulary until she suffers a loss.
My Review:
This is definitely a five reading glasses book. I love that the author takes the time to develop each character so you get to know them. I love that this is about Christian teens who are not afraid to share their faith and about those who are frightened about what having faith means. I love that the author chose to share the characters' flaws and not make them perfect. The story is well written, easy to follow and as the summary says, very emotional. I think I read through this a few days but It was so well worth the read. After I read it, I just wanted to shout from the rooftops to these young women having unprotected sex but moreso I wanted to fall to my knees and pray for these young women. While this is a Christian book geared toward teens and young adults, anyone reading will not feel like it's preachy. It has a good rhythm and really keeps you interested until the end. I can't recommend this book enough!
Disclosure: This is a book from my personal collection.
Reviewed by The Compulsive Reader for TeensReadToo.com
CHOICES is the story of five teenage girls, and the choices they make about premarital sex. Each girl is pressured in a unique way, and their responses are equally unique.
This Christian author is bold, and gets straight to the matter of teen sex in a non-judgemental way, offering advice, hope, and courage as each girl deals with the expectations set for them by their peers, society, and their families.
The dialogue is especially frank and honest, and the characters ring true. This is a book that is full of real experiences that doesn't flinch away from the darker aspects of life, but instead faces them, and sends out a strong encouraging message to the readers about living with what life deals you, and where to find the strength to do so.
Teens are loaded down with the weight of the world. Things that affect their lives at home alter how they feel and relate to others. Sometimes all it takes is some attention, reassurance and trust. With a close relationship to GOD, some teens already know the right choices to make when common sense just may not be so common; however, some teens have yet to recognize or understand that GOD loves them. For Shauntice, Angel, LaKeeta, Bridgette and Hope there are choices that they either need to make, or have already made that has in some way altered or is altering their lives.
Shauntice's father abuses alcohol as well as her mother. The abuse has stifled their family. Shaun has a close bond with GOD and it doesn't hinder how she praises HIM, however, it does keep her from seeing the goodness in guys who take an interest in her. When she finally gets the chance at a good guy, her judgment is off.
Angel's mother works, works, works. All Angel has ever wanted was to be loved. While she knows Nanny, her grandmother, loves her, she yearns for the affection from her mom. Sure she has all of the latest fashions, a credit card at her disposal and good friends, but the love is missing. Randy, her alleged boyfriend, is only around when it comes to the fringe benefits.
LaKeeta is pregnant and lonely. She knew that engaging in premarital sex was a risk, but she needed to finally have someone to love her. Now that she's made this decision she has to deal with all of the consequences associated with being a teenaged mom.
Bridgette has made the decision to abstain from premarital sex. As a Christian, she may know the word, but she's using it against people who've sinned. She's even gone so far as to stop speaking to her best friend LaKeeta.
Hope has a strained relationship with her mom. She has no friends and is not allowed do anything. When she tries to stand up for herself, her mother continues to be the driving force and when she does finally break free she finds that life with all of the perks may not be worth the risk.
While I liked CHOICES I feel like so much was left unsaid. I'm not sure if this was on purpose or in hopes for a sequel. I loved that GOD is present throughout the story, but I fear that maybe not all aspects of the story will come through as clearly as the author may have intended.
This was an intense book. The writing style was not the best as there was a lot of head hopping in the story, but the characters were well done and believably flawed. The story was fast paced and intense. At times the detail was almost too much, but I think that is what made the story so rich. This author tells it like it is and without reservation. I love that. I also think this book will really help some teens, so it was well worth my time to read it. If there had been no head hopping I would've rated it higher because I loved the story itself. I would definitely read another book by this author.
Burchett tackles heavy content with the ease of a life counselor in CHOICES, a story of urban girls whose lives entwine with accounts teens will surely recognize. Her characters are familiar and engaging, at times sounding years wiser than voices of adolescence. CHOICES is packed full of message, giving readers more than standard dramatic storyline, but relatable scenarios that guide readers through real-life circumstances. CHOICES is almost a version of a bible on its own, complete with verses, prayers, and advice that readers may consult. Every single page of this story leaves readers with ideas to consider.
it was a great book concerning teens and even adults in my opinion. From Angel letting a two bit boy mistreat her and him stating he only did it because she let him to Hope's ordeal with her parents to that piece of crap Roscoe.