What do you think?
The Choice
A captivating, ingenious novel by the author of
The Good Sister
about a woman faced with an impossible choice after attacking an unknown assailant, urging readers to ask What would you do?
It's the end of a night out and Joanna is walking home alone. Then she hears the sound every woman footsteps behind her, getting faster. She's sure it's him--the man from the bar who wouldn't leave her alone. So Joanna makes a snap decision. She turns, she pushes. Her pursuer tumbles down the steps and lies motionless, facedown on the ground. Now what?
Addictive and compelling, The Choice follows the two paths Joanna's future might take, depending on the choice she makes. If she calls the police right away, she can save the man's life. Yet doing so puts her own innocence at risk, as she waits for judgment on a charge of assault and the hope that her husband and everyone she loves will stand by her. But if she runs and goes home as if nothing has happened, no one will ever know. No one saw her do it, and it's only up to Joanna to keep quiet...forever.
It's the end of a night out and Joanna is walking home alone. Then she hears the sound every woman footsteps behind her, getting faster. She's sure it's him--the man from the bar who wouldn't leave her alone. So Joanna makes a snap decision. She turns, she pushes. Her pursuer tumbles down the steps and lies motionless, facedown on the ground. Now what?
Addictive and compelling, The Choice follows the two paths Joanna's future might take, depending on the choice she makes. If she calls the police right away, she can save the man's life. Yet doing so puts her own innocence at risk, as she waits for judgment on a charge of assault and the hope that her husband and everyone she loves will stand by her. But if she runs and goes home as if nothing has happened, no one will ever know. No one saw her do it, and it's only up to Joanna to keep quiet...forever.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2020
About the author
Gillian McAllister
19 books14k followersAs you find me, it's autumn 2025 and my latest novel is Famous Last Words, a thriller with a marriage at its centre. It asks the question: what would you do if your husband is caught up in a siege in central London? Only, the police tell you he isn't one of the hostages: he is the gunman... I hope you like the answer!
Upcoming in spring 2026 is Caller Unknown, a thriller about a woman whose teenage daughter is kidnapped, and she decides to pay the ransom, meet the kidnappers direct, and not tell the police.
As to me, otherwise, I am the author of these novels:
Everything But The Truth (2017)
Anything You Do Say (2018) called The Choice in America
No Further Questions (2018) called The Good Sister in America
The Evidence Against You (2019)
How To Disappear (2020)
That Night (2021)
Wrong Place Wrong Time (2022)
Just Another Missing Person (2023)
Famous Last Words (2025)
My most popular novel is probably Wrong Place Wrong Time, which was selected for the Radio 2 book club and was the Reese's Book Club August '22 pick. It debuted at number 4 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List and number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List.
When not writing (which is basically never), I can be found walking my dog Wendy and parenting my small toddler. The best moments of my day always are the first sip of my coffee, the moment I step into the bath at night, and my son telling me he loves me. And that rare thing that happens only once a year - a novel idea.
Upcoming in spring 2026 is Caller Unknown, a thriller about a woman whose teenage daughter is kidnapped, and she decides to pay the ransom, meet the kidnappers direct, and not tell the police.
As to me, otherwise, I am the author of these novels:
Everything But The Truth (2017)
Anything You Do Say (2018) called The Choice in America
No Further Questions (2018) called The Good Sister in America
The Evidence Against You (2019)
How To Disappear (2020)
That Night (2021)
Wrong Place Wrong Time (2022)
Just Another Missing Person (2023)
Famous Last Words (2025)
My most popular novel is probably Wrong Place Wrong Time, which was selected for the Radio 2 book club and was the Reese's Book Club August '22 pick. It debuted at number 4 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List and number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List.
When not writing (which is basically never), I can be found walking my dog Wendy and parenting my small toddler. The best moments of my day always are the first sip of my coffee, the moment I step into the bath at night, and my son telling me he loves me. And that rare thing that happens only once a year - a novel idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 634 reviews
March 28, 2020
A defining moment in your life. A major crossroads. And is often the case, once The Choice is made...there’s no going back.
Joanna steps out with her best friend for drinks. Another typical Friday night - girls’ night! But when one man in the bar won’t leave Joanna alone it was time to call it a night and just go home. But Joanna's sixth-sense tells her that creep from the bar is following her. One decisive motion is all it takes. Now the consequences. What to do? What choice to make.
Gillian McAllister writes a compelling novel that will take you down two separate paths. I was completely caught up in the character’s struggle as she dealt with her decisions. It will have you questioning what actions you yourself would take in that split second.
This book was previously released under the title Anything You Do Say and I was excited when it was re-released here in the US. Though I nearly missed out because of the title change.
This was my second book by this author and am surely looking forward to her next.
Thank you to Edelweiss and G. P. Putnam's Sons - Penguin Publishing Group for an ARC to read and review.
Joanna steps out with her best friend for drinks. Another typical Friday night - girls’ night! But when one man in the bar won’t leave Joanna alone it was time to call it a night and just go home. But Joanna's sixth-sense tells her that creep from the bar is following her. One decisive motion is all it takes. Now the consequences. What to do? What choice to make.
Gillian McAllister writes a compelling novel that will take you down two separate paths. I was completely caught up in the character’s struggle as she dealt with her decisions. It will have you questioning what actions you yourself would take in that split second.
This book was previously released under the title Anything You Do Say and I was excited when it was re-released here in the US. Though I nearly missed out because of the title change.
This was my second book by this author and am surely looking forward to her next.
Thank you to Edelweiss and G. P. Putnam's Sons - Penguin Publishing Group for an ARC to read and review.
May 7, 2020
Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t…
I remember, as a younger, single woman, going to a bar with a friend, and having drinks sent over. If you acknowledged the sender with a raised glass as a “Thank You” it was misconstrued as an invitation to join you. If you did not, you were labeled as rude.
Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t...
Joanna and her friend, Laura, are out for a drink, and their husbands are at home. They just want to catch up with each other, but a situation like the one above escalates into something unwelcome.
They decide to leave the bar earlier than planned and go their separate ways.
Laura hears footsteps behind her. A man is following, his hood is covering his face from the rain, but she recognizes the red trainers. She turns to push him and he tumbles down the stairs and is motionless.
Stay and Help? (reveal) or
leave so you will not face charges of assault. (Conceal)
Both scenarios are written in alternating chapters.
Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t.
After reading this book, I have decided that “sliding doors” scenarios do not work for me personally.
Perhaps I would’ve enjoyed this more if I had read the whole “reveal scenario “ followed by the whole “conceal scenario” (or vice versa) followed by an epilogue letting me know which decision Laura ended up making.
But the flipping between each possibility, every other chapter, did not allow me to become engrossed in either storyline, and I found myself bored and just wanting the story to end, so I could move on to my next book.
This was a thought provoking premise that just didn’t work for me stylistically.
Already released under the title “Anything You Do Say” in the UK, and making its US debut under this title on June 2, 2020
Thank you to the author and Publisher for providing a digital ARC through Edelweiss in exchange for a candid review!
And, to DeAnn for the buddy read and discussion on this one!
I remember, as a younger, single woman, going to a bar with a friend, and having drinks sent over. If you acknowledged the sender with a raised glass as a “Thank You” it was misconstrued as an invitation to join you. If you did not, you were labeled as rude.
Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t...
Joanna and her friend, Laura, are out for a drink, and their husbands are at home. They just want to catch up with each other, but a situation like the one above escalates into something unwelcome.
They decide to leave the bar earlier than planned and go their separate ways.
Laura hears footsteps behind her. A man is following, his hood is covering his face from the rain, but she recognizes the red trainers. She turns to push him and he tumbles down the stairs and is motionless.
Stay and Help? (reveal) or
leave so you will not face charges of assault. (Conceal)
Both scenarios are written in alternating chapters.
Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t.
After reading this book, I have decided that “sliding doors” scenarios do not work for me personally.
Perhaps I would’ve enjoyed this more if I had read the whole “reveal scenario “ followed by the whole “conceal scenario” (or vice versa) followed by an epilogue letting me know which decision Laura ended up making.
But the flipping between each possibility, every other chapter, did not allow me to become engrossed in either storyline, and I found myself bored and just wanting the story to end, so I could move on to my next book.
This was a thought provoking premise that just didn’t work for me stylistically.
Already released under the title “Anything You Do Say” in the UK, and making its US debut under this title on June 2, 2020
Thank you to the author and Publisher for providing a digital ARC through Edelweiss in exchange for a candid review!
And, to DeAnn for the buddy read and discussion on this one!
February 17, 2020
Imagine your out enjoying drinks with your girlfriend when a male bar patron decides to join the two of you at your table. Failing to get the hint to go away he becomes more and more persistent. He eventually makes a play to grab you and rub himself up against you. Horrified you and your friend call it a night and leave the bar immediately.
As you make your way to the train station, alone, you begin to hear footsteps behind you. You speed up and they speed up. You stop and they stop. This can't possibly be happening. The man from the bar has followed you. He's gaining on you so you: stop, turn, and push. Now you are left looking at his motionless body at the bottom of the stairs. What do you do? Stay and help or run and hide?
This book explores this choice. In the Reveal chapters our MC, Joanna, has decided to call 999. In the Conceal chapters she has chosen to run away. We as readers learn the fall out from each decision. Neither way works in Joanna's favor.
I love the idea behind this book. Don't we all ask ourselves at times "What would we do?" I know that I certainly have.
I did grow weary of Joanna half way through the book. Being in her head became tiresome and a bit tedious and I just could not muster any sympathy for her plight. My heart went out to the victim and to her husband Rueben who, inadvertently, finds himself also a victim in the aftermath: To stand by your wife or not to.
I was also slightly disappointed with the ending. There was one answer I wanted to know at the end of the book and I didn't get that answer. 3 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As you make your way to the train station, alone, you begin to hear footsteps behind you. You speed up and they speed up. You stop and they stop. This can't possibly be happening. The man from the bar has followed you. He's gaining on you so you: stop, turn, and push. Now you are left looking at his motionless body at the bottom of the stairs. What do you do? Stay and help or run and hide?
This book explores this choice. In the Reveal chapters our MC, Joanna, has decided to call 999. In the Conceal chapters she has chosen to run away. We as readers learn the fall out from each decision. Neither way works in Joanna's favor.
I love the idea behind this book. Don't we all ask ourselves at times "What would we do?" I know that I certainly have.
I did grow weary of Joanna half way through the book. Being in her head became tiresome and a bit tedious and I just could not muster any sympathy for her plight. My heart went out to the victim and to her husband Rueben who, inadvertently, finds himself also a victim in the aftermath: To stand by your wife or not to.
I was also slightly disappointed with the ending. There was one answer I wanted to know at the end of the book and I didn't get that answer. 3 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2020
2-3 stars
I so wanted to love this book, I really did. I love the whole Sliding Doors concept in books and two different story arcs, but I just couldn’t get into this book. Maybe it was the premise or the fact that Joanna simply drove me batshit crazy or that none of the characters are particularly likable. Her husband is a Grade A jerk who is constantly condescending toward Jo, although admittedly, Jo is a woman child in her 30’s who hasn’t matured past age 16.
I also struggled with the whole premise. Why two women who are married and in their 30’s are in a bar on a Friday night taking random selfies with men and letting them buy their drinks is beyond me. Do people really act like this? And this wasn’t a one-off girl’s night; this was a Friday night ritual. There is no excuse for any sort of sexual harassment, but the whole set up was just so off.
Joanna’s drivel ended up driving me mad and I found myself skim reading just to get this book over with. She is just so immature and directionless that I really couldn’t stand to be “with” her anymore. Finally, the other thing that I couldn’t get past was that this book takes place in London, but in the Conceal storyline, Joanna keeps referring to her weight in pounds (US) and not kg or stone, which would be the proper metric in the UK.
I am clearly in the minority in the assessment of this book, so I urge you to give it a go for yourself as there are plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews out there.
Thank you to Penguin Publishing Group for my copy of this book via Edelweiss
I so wanted to love this book, I really did. I love the whole Sliding Doors concept in books and two different story arcs, but I just couldn’t get into this book. Maybe it was the premise or the fact that Joanna simply drove me batshit crazy or that none of the characters are particularly likable. Her husband is a Grade A jerk who is constantly condescending toward Jo, although admittedly, Jo is a woman child in her 30’s who hasn’t matured past age 16.
I also struggled with the whole premise. Why two women who are married and in their 30’s are in a bar on a Friday night taking random selfies with men and letting them buy their drinks is beyond me. Do people really act like this? And this wasn’t a one-off girl’s night; this was a Friday night ritual. There is no excuse for any sort of sexual harassment, but the whole set up was just so off.
Joanna’s drivel ended up driving me mad and I found myself skim reading just to get this book over with. She is just so immature and directionless that I really couldn’t stand to be “with” her anymore. Finally, the other thing that I couldn’t get past was that this book takes place in London, but in the Conceal storyline, Joanna keeps referring to her weight in pounds (US) and not kg or stone, which would be the proper metric in the UK.
I am clearly in the minority in the assessment of this book, so I urge you to give it a go for yourself as there are plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews out there.
Thank you to Penguin Publishing Group for my copy of this book via Edelweiss
Read
March 21, 2023I didn't pay attention enough but the concept is cool. Bloop.
June 8, 2020
Every choice we make is a defining moment in our life. What we do or don't do - impacting everything that comes after that moment. Once a choice is made, there’s no going back - or is there?
The premise of this book caught my attention. Told in 2 separate storylines we follow Joanna and the different paths her choice leads her - to either face the consequences of her actions or conceal them. Joanna is walking home alone on a deserted street when she hears footsteps behind her. Having just fled from a rough man in a club she becomes fearful he's after her. As her pursuer catches up to her, she pushes him down the steps in a panic. Her attacker tumbles and lands face down in a puddle. He's not moving, not breathing. Jo is faced with the biggest decision of her life, does she call for help or does she walk away and pretend she was never there?
The story takes us through both of these choices. We see firsthand what becomes of Joanna as she owns up to her choice and deals with the injury she inflicted on this man. We also see what becomes of her as she grapples with keeping a secret of this magnitude. I loved the psychological toll both sides portrayed - Joanna's struggles were poignant and palpable.
Still, I struggled a bit to stay focused with this one and never felt fully connected to Joanna. I found being in her head started to feel tiresome after awhile and as a whole the unresolved ending left me feeling a bit disappointed.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Penguin Publishing Group for an advance copy of this book - available now.
The premise of this book caught my attention. Told in 2 separate storylines we follow Joanna and the different paths her choice leads her - to either face the consequences of her actions or conceal them. Joanna is walking home alone on a deserted street when she hears footsteps behind her. Having just fled from a rough man in a club she becomes fearful he's after her. As her pursuer catches up to her, she pushes him down the steps in a panic. Her attacker tumbles and lands face down in a puddle. He's not moving, not breathing. Jo is faced with the biggest decision of her life, does she call for help or does she walk away and pretend she was never there?
The story takes us through both of these choices. We see firsthand what becomes of Joanna as she owns up to her choice and deals with the injury she inflicted on this man. We also see what becomes of her as she grapples with keeping a secret of this magnitude. I loved the psychological toll both sides portrayed - Joanna's struggles were poignant and palpable.
Still, I struggled a bit to stay focused with this one and never felt fully connected to Joanna. I found being in her head started to feel tiresome after awhile and as a whole the unresolved ending left me feeling a bit disappointed.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Penguin Publishing Group for an advance copy of this book - available now.
August 23, 2020
4.5 stars
Remember punk rock? Remember The Clash? Remember their great old song that was perfect mood music for hammering the dents out of your car? It went like this:
Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double...
That right there is the perfect encapsulation of the dilemma in this clever novel. This is the first sliding doors novel I've read, and I found it fascinating. Here's how it works:
The set-up:
Joanna is walking alone late at night in a not-so-nice London neighborhood. A man is behind her and she pushes him down some stairs because she fears he may mug or assault her. He is severely injured and he might even die. No one is around. No one has seen what she did. She did not intend to hurt him that badly. Should she stay and call emergency services, confess what she has done, and take the consequences required under the law? Or should she just leave him there and never tell anyone what happened? Reveal? Or conceal?
If I go there will be trouble...If I stay it will be double...
After the set-up, the novel alternates between the two possible trajectories Joanna's life will follow depending on which choice she makes. The Reveal chapters take her through the legal system, the fear, the humiliation, and the efforts to rebuild her life and relationships. The Conceal chapters show how she begins to self-destruct and her life unravels from the weight of keeping such a heavy secret.
This was a riveting read. It also has some moral and ethical heft as you slide back and forth between the two paths and consider which one you think you might have taken. Which form of punishment is worse? Is it fair to have to pay such a heavy price for a crime that was sort of an accident? It also shows how the choices you make for your own life can significantly alter the lives of those you love, in ways you never intended.
Remember punk rock? Remember The Clash? Remember their great old song that was perfect mood music for hammering the dents out of your car? It went like this:
Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double...
That right there is the perfect encapsulation of the dilemma in this clever novel. This is the first sliding doors novel I've read, and I found it fascinating. Here's how it works:
The set-up:
Joanna is walking alone late at night in a not-so-nice London neighborhood. A man is behind her and she pushes him down some stairs because she fears he may mug or assault her. He is severely injured and he might even die. No one is around. No one has seen what she did. She did not intend to hurt him that badly. Should she stay and call emergency services, confess what she has done, and take the consequences required under the law? Or should she just leave him there and never tell anyone what happened? Reveal? Or conceal?
If I go there will be trouble...If I stay it will be double...
After the set-up, the novel alternates between the two possible trajectories Joanna's life will follow depending on which choice she makes. The Reveal chapters take her through the legal system, the fear, the humiliation, and the efforts to rebuild her life and relationships. The Conceal chapters show how she begins to self-destruct and her life unravels from the weight of keeping such a heavy secret.
This was a riveting read. It also has some moral and ethical heft as you slide back and forth between the two paths and consider which one you think you might have taken. Which form of punishment is worse? Is it fair to have to pay such a heavy price for a crime that was sort of an accident? It also shows how the choices you make for your own life can significantly alter the lives of those you love, in ways you never intended.
May 8, 2020
*This one is now available!
3 Sliding Doors Stars
This tale features an alternating timeline where the main character has made a choice and now must live with the consequences. Joanna is out with her best friend when a guy at the bar just will not leave her alone. The two women leave the bar and separately head for home.
As she heads for the Tube, Joanna hears footsteps and feels that the man is following her and getting closer. She makes a split decision to push him away before he attacks her. He falls down a set of stairs and lies at the bottom. What would you do? Would you escape or would you check to see if he’s OK?
The book then explores both of those choices and the fallout for Joanna and her husband.
This is the second book that I’ve read with this format (the other was “After the End”) and I’ve learned these books are not my cup of tea. This one did bring up some interesting ethical and moral thoughts. I know some other readers have loved this one, so if it sounds intriguing, check it out and decide for yourself.
This was a fun buddy read with Jayme.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Gillian McAllister, and GP Putnam for the complimentary copy of this one to read in return for an honest review.
3 Sliding Doors Stars
This tale features an alternating timeline where the main character has made a choice and now must live with the consequences. Joanna is out with her best friend when a guy at the bar just will not leave her alone. The two women leave the bar and separately head for home.
As she heads for the Tube, Joanna hears footsteps and feels that the man is following her and getting closer. She makes a split decision to push him away before he attacks her. He falls down a set of stairs and lies at the bottom. What would you do? Would you escape or would you check to see if he’s OK?
The book then explores both of those choices and the fallout for Joanna and her husband.
This is the second book that I’ve read with this format (the other was “After the End”) and I’ve learned these books are not my cup of tea. This one did bring up some interesting ethical and moral thoughts. I know some other readers have loved this one, so if it sounds intriguing, check it out and decide for yourself.
This was a fun buddy read with Jayme.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Gillian McAllister, and GP Putnam for the complimentary copy of this one to read in return for an honest review.
June 27, 2024
Audiobook.
Sublime narration by Katharine Lee McEwan.
Listening to this story intermittently over a period of a week or so was like going on a long trek through the Sierras, ultimately ending up on a high mountain peak with stunning views as far as the eye can see.
If this analogy doesn't work for you, please stop reading now.
The beginning: it's like when you first start a hike you are at a low altitude, often walking through dense forest. Not a lot to see. Kind of flat, a little redundant, but easy-going. I was only mildly intrigued by the central conceit of the novel: After a woman--Joanna--experiences a violent encounter, she must CHOOSE how she is going to react. Her two choices and the aftermath of each (diametrically-opposed) decision, form the rest of the tale. Will she ACT and then go public with what occurred (these are the chapters titled REVEAL); or will she RUN AWAY and keep what happened to herself (chapters titled CONCEAL).
The book progresses onward, alternating between those two narratives.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
Two different stories, yet: they are fundamentally the same.
Can the author pull this off, I wondered?
Back to the analogy…Once you hit the switchbacks on a trail, you begin to climb. You are starting to breathe a little harder. The trees are thinning out and, as you zig your way up the seventh zag on the side of the mountain you may wonder if it’s going to be worth it. Sure, you catch a few glimpses of the rolling valleys beyond, but at this point it’s the momentum that keeps you going. It is the same manner in which Ms. McAllister pushes you into wanting, almost needing to know what’s around the next bend.
By the time you make it above the tree line, both scenarios have played out and you have gotten to know intimately the other characters in Joanna’s life. The only one that mattered to me was Reuben. Ah, Reuben. What a good man he is. And the love that Jo has for him—mostly described through Jo’s thoughts rather than as acts—is the stuff of fairytales. (Relevant to this topic: my only criticism of this book is the smattering of rather unimportant and uninteresting secondary characters: Reuben’s father, among others.)
Okay, hold up: I need to stop a sec so I can take a drink of water and retie my bootlaces before the last push up the hill. Here is where I realize that I am completely CONSUMED by this story. I am in love with the narration, the writing, the copious sprinkling of perfect similes and metaphors and reflective observations about how the consequences of one single decision by one single person play out on other people’s lives.
Wait, did you see that butterfly flutter by just now?
(The butterfly effect? Hello???)
OK, another half mile and I’ve made it. I tug off my pack, breathe in a deep breath, and take in the view. It’s astounding. My legs ache and I’ve got a nasty blister forming on my right big toe, but, holy cow, I don’t care, because I have reached the pinnacle.
I have gotten to the end of the book.
No one but the birds will hear the sound of my hands clapping together, but that won’t stop me from offering Ms. McAllister a long and enthusiastic standing ovation.
Bravo.
Sublime narration by Katharine Lee McEwan.
Listening to this story intermittently over a period of a week or so was like going on a long trek through the Sierras, ultimately ending up on a high mountain peak with stunning views as far as the eye can see.
If this analogy doesn't work for you, please stop reading now.
The beginning: it's like when you first start a hike you are at a low altitude, often walking through dense forest. Not a lot to see. Kind of flat, a little redundant, but easy-going. I was only mildly intrigued by the central conceit of the novel: After a woman--Joanna--experiences a violent encounter, she must CHOOSE how she is going to react. Her two choices and the aftermath of each (diametrically-opposed) decision, form the rest of the tale. Will she ACT and then go public with what occurred (these are the chapters titled REVEAL); or will she RUN AWAY and keep what happened to herself (chapters titled CONCEAL).
The book progresses onward, alternating between those two narratives.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
Two different stories, yet: they are fundamentally the same.
Can the author pull this off, I wondered?
Back to the analogy…Once you hit the switchbacks on a trail, you begin to climb. You are starting to breathe a little harder. The trees are thinning out and, as you zig your way up the seventh zag on the side of the mountain you may wonder if it’s going to be worth it. Sure, you catch a few glimpses of the rolling valleys beyond, but at this point it’s the momentum that keeps you going. It is the same manner in which Ms. McAllister pushes you into wanting, almost needing to know what’s around the next bend.
By the time you make it above the tree line, both scenarios have played out and you have gotten to know intimately the other characters in Joanna’s life. The only one that mattered to me was Reuben. Ah, Reuben. What a good man he is. And the love that Jo has for him—mostly described through Jo’s thoughts rather than as acts—is the stuff of fairytales. (Relevant to this topic: my only criticism of this book is the smattering of rather unimportant and uninteresting secondary characters: Reuben’s father, among others.)
Okay, hold up: I need to stop a sec so I can take a drink of water and retie my bootlaces before the last push up the hill. Here is where I realize that I am completely CONSUMED by this story. I am in love with the narration, the writing, the copious sprinkling of perfect similes and metaphors and reflective observations about how the consequences of one single decision by one single person play out on other people’s lives.
Wait, did you see that butterfly flutter by just now?
(The butterfly effect? Hello???)
OK, another half mile and I’ve made it. I tug off my pack, breathe in a deep breath, and take in the view. It’s astounding. My legs ache and I’ve got a nasty blister forming on my right big toe, but, holy cow, I don’t care, because I have reached the pinnacle.
I have gotten to the end of the book.
No one but the birds will hear the sound of my hands clapping together, but that won’t stop me from offering Ms. McAllister a long and enthusiastic standing ovation.
Bravo.
October 3, 2022
Fantastic novel! Katharine Lee McEwan's narration is brilliant. Highly recommend. 👍
Read
April 13, 2022This novel has a unique premise, concerning a moral dilemma, and had me intrigued at first.
It certainly illustrates how life can change in an instant.
However the different scenarios were confusing and the repetitiveness was annoying.
I was left wondering why this novel is categorized as a mystery/thriller as I kept waiting for something to happen.
This was a book club read and I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did.
It certainly illustrates how life can change in an instant.
However the different scenarios were confusing and the repetitiveness was annoying.
I was left wondering why this novel is categorized as a mystery/thriller as I kept waiting for something to happen.
This was a book club read and I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did.
June 18, 2020
This is maybe my fourth attempt at writing a review of Gillian McAllister’s new book, The Choice, and I hope that I can finally find the words to describe what I absolutely LOVED about the book and what about it was a miss for me.
First of all, this is two books in one, a five star and a three star, so I’m compromising on four stars. Let’s start with the storyline which although it travels in two directions is not why I felt like this was two books in one.
Married MC, Joanna (Jo), meets BF, Laura, after work, for their weekly girls’ night out – this time at a London pub/club. The place is packed, and an Obnoxious Man is hitting on Jo, who is uncomfortable but trying not to cause a scene. Since Jo is not kicking up a fuss, OM takes advantage and continues to harass and rub up against her rudely until the two BFs decide it’s time to go and leave pub/club, each going in their own respective direction. It was rainy. Jo begins to sense that she is being followed and starts to panic; she believes the OM has followed her from the club. Scared, she calls home and tells goodie-two-shoes hubby that she thinks someone is following her; he remains on the line to provide her with some sense of security as she rushes home. Suddenly Jo hears the man running up close behind her as she enters the Underground and she pushes him, whereupon he goes tumbling down the stairs falling unconscious, face down into a puddle.
Panic sets in…what to do? Should she call 911 (or the UK equivalent) or should she flee for her life. She takes another look, and, noticing that the man is lying unconscious with his face in a puddle she realizes that he will die if he is not rolled over. What to do? She’s terrified, she hems and haws, she worries about what her husband will think of her if she does not call the police and if she does not render assistance, in one scenario, while in another scenario she realizes that the man she pushed was not OM and she is afraid she will be arrested unless she flees the scene. And that’s what she does: BOTH! In one version she rings off Saint Hubby not telling him what occurred, in the other she summons the police. For the rest of the novel the author takes us in both possible directions – Conceal / Reveal – fleeing the scene and not telling anyone what happened (knowing that if Saint Hubby learns about what happened he will certainly judge her harshly) / get the police out there and tell them what happened (in which case she doubts that Saint Hubby will stand by her side and support her to the end).
As if the universe splits open, the story travels in two directions showing us what happens to Jo over the next two and a half years on each of those paths. This is the storyline – this is book one.
Book two starts about mid-way through the novel and two and a half years later. This time it is the author who changes directions and dons a completely different mantle.
For the first half of the book KM shows no mercy as she deftly, sadistically, maliciously, claustrophobically, and DELICIOUSLY, pokes and prods Jo, sending her reeling like a silver pinball pinging and bumping her way into oblivion. Jo simply cannot get a break no matter which direction she follows. She keeps wildly slamming those flippers but cannot keep from dropping the ball. When Jo reveals and is accused of murder, Saint Hubby pulls away. When she holds back and conceals, she pushes him away for fear he will see through her. Discovery lurks behind every corner; an elephant is sitting on her chest. She is living with guilt and every setback leaves the blood pounding in your ears like a Tell-Tale Heart. She is a complete train wreck. This was so well done, absolutely 5+ stars.
Then, suddenly, everything screeches to a halt. Jo jumps off the train, takes control of her life, and we move into book two. Here, as we continue with both storylines, she is completely laid back, introspective, accepting of the fates that befell her. The change is so dramatic, it feels as if the author lost interest in her character or stopped having fun. The second half of the book felt a little like a lengthy epilogue.
Many thank to Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
First of all, this is two books in one, a five star and a three star, so I’m compromising on four stars. Let’s start with the storyline which although it travels in two directions is not why I felt like this was two books in one.
Married MC, Joanna (Jo), meets BF, Laura, after work, for their weekly girls’ night out – this time at a London pub/club. The place is packed, and an Obnoxious Man is hitting on Jo, who is uncomfortable but trying not to cause a scene. Since Jo is not kicking up a fuss, OM takes advantage and continues to harass and rub up against her rudely until the two BFs decide it’s time to go and leave pub/club, each going in their own respective direction. It was rainy. Jo begins to sense that she is being followed and starts to panic; she believes the OM has followed her from the club. Scared, she calls home and tells goodie-two-shoes hubby that she thinks someone is following her; he remains on the line to provide her with some sense of security as she rushes home. Suddenly Jo hears the man running up close behind her as she enters the Underground and she pushes him, whereupon he goes tumbling down the stairs falling unconscious, face down into a puddle.
Panic sets in…what to do? Should she call 911 (or the UK equivalent) or should she flee for her life. She takes another look, and, noticing that the man is lying unconscious with his face in a puddle she realizes that he will die if he is not rolled over. What to do? She’s terrified, she hems and haws, she worries about what her husband will think of her if she does not call the police and if she does not render assistance, in one scenario, while in another scenario she realizes that the man she pushed was not OM and she is afraid she will be arrested unless she flees the scene. And that’s what she does: BOTH! In one version she rings off Saint Hubby not telling him what occurred, in the other she summons the police. For the rest of the novel the author takes us in both possible directions – Conceal / Reveal – fleeing the scene and not telling anyone what happened (knowing that if Saint Hubby learns about what happened he will certainly judge her harshly) / get the police out there and tell them what happened (in which case she doubts that Saint Hubby will stand by her side and support her to the end).
As if the universe splits open, the story travels in two directions showing us what happens to Jo over the next two and a half years on each of those paths. This is the storyline – this is book one.
Book two starts about mid-way through the novel and two and a half years later. This time it is the author who changes directions and dons a completely different mantle.
For the first half of the book KM shows no mercy as she deftly, sadistically, maliciously, claustrophobically, and DELICIOUSLY, pokes and prods Jo, sending her reeling like a silver pinball pinging and bumping her way into oblivion. Jo simply cannot get a break no matter which direction she follows. She keeps wildly slamming those flippers but cannot keep from dropping the ball. When Jo reveals and is accused of murder, Saint Hubby pulls away. When she holds back and conceals, she pushes him away for fear he will see through her. Discovery lurks behind every corner; an elephant is sitting on her chest. She is living with guilt and every setback leaves the blood pounding in your ears like a Tell-Tale Heart. She is a complete train wreck. This was so well done, absolutely 5+ stars.
Then, suddenly, everything screeches to a halt. Jo jumps off the train, takes control of her life, and we move into book two. Here, as we continue with both storylines, she is completely laid back, introspective, accepting of the fates that befell her. The change is so dramatic, it feels as if the author lost interest in her character or stopped having fun. The second half of the book felt a little like a lengthy epilogue.
Many thank to Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2020
I received the digital arc of this book from Edelweiss and publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
First of all, I would recommend this book so don’t let my 3-star rating dissuade you from reading. My rating is influenced by the manner in which the sliding door technique was used in this story. I found that switching back and forth for each chapter was confusing. Maybe it would have worked better if larger portions of the story were told before switching from Reveal to Conceal. Again, the premise is the same so all the extraneous details only added distraction while trying to determine if I was reading Reveal or Conceal.
Joanna Olivia is enjoying some drinks and laughs with her hippie artist friend Laura one night. During the course of the evening they entertain an aggressive stranger, Sadiq Ul-Haq, by taking selfies with him. Unfortunately, Joanna’s timid and self-effacing personality only encourages Sadiq to pursue her even after they change seats.
After the two friends call it a night, Joanna begins to walk home alone with the memories of Sadiq’s harassment still on her mind. Her main coping strategy all her life has been denial so she tries to convince herself that she is not being followed. Eventually, her anxiety overwhelms her as she senses a male behind her and quickly turns and pushes the person down the stones steps.
Appalled at her own behavior she becomes perplexed as to what to do. She slowly descends the stairs and notices the man is injured and in need of immediate care. From this point, the book alternates chapters between Reveal and Conceal which describes the two scenarios with which she is given: call for help or walk away.
Ultimately, whichever decision she chooses only serves to isolates her from her family and friends. Her guilt and feelings of remorse start to erode her mind and spirit as she feels she can’t risk telling anyone the “complete” truth. At times she starts to question the truth herself as she realizes there is no easy way out. In the end she if forced to reevaluate herself in a way she never had.
I always tell my kids, if you choose the behavior and decision then you are choosing the consequences.
First of all, I would recommend this book so don’t let my 3-star rating dissuade you from reading. My rating is influenced by the manner in which the sliding door technique was used in this story. I found that switching back and forth for each chapter was confusing. Maybe it would have worked better if larger portions of the story were told before switching from Reveal to Conceal. Again, the premise is the same so all the extraneous details only added distraction while trying to determine if I was reading Reveal or Conceal.
Joanna Olivia is enjoying some drinks and laughs with her hippie artist friend Laura one night. During the course of the evening they entertain an aggressive stranger, Sadiq Ul-Haq, by taking selfies with him. Unfortunately, Joanna’s timid and self-effacing personality only encourages Sadiq to pursue her even after they change seats.
After the two friends call it a night, Joanna begins to walk home alone with the memories of Sadiq’s harassment still on her mind. Her main coping strategy all her life has been denial so she tries to convince herself that she is not being followed. Eventually, her anxiety overwhelms her as she senses a male behind her and quickly turns and pushes the person down the stones steps.
Appalled at her own behavior she becomes perplexed as to what to do. She slowly descends the stairs and notices the man is injured and in need of immediate care. From this point, the book alternates chapters between Reveal and Conceal which describes the two scenarios with which she is given: call for help or walk away.
Ultimately, whichever decision she chooses only serves to isolates her from her family and friends. Her guilt and feelings of remorse start to erode her mind and spirit as she feels she can’t risk telling anyone the “complete” truth. At times she starts to question the truth herself as she realizes there is no easy way out. In the end she if forced to reevaluate herself in a way she never had.
I always tell my kids, if you choose the behavior and decision then you are choosing the consequences.
June 9, 2020
How could a fun Friday night out with a best friend turn out so wrong?
"What do you do, [Joanna] finds herself thinking, when you think somebody is following you down a deserted strip of canal? When you could become a statistic, a news piece, a tragedy?" Joanna is not known for doing the right thing; she often ends up in messes and is a terrible procrastinator. Unfortunately, in only moments a decision has to be made. And she makes it.
In this novel, however, the narrative is unusual in that it is a parallel story line. In one of them, Joanna chooses to REVEAL (to call 999) and in the alternate reality, she decides to CONCEAL (to run away like nothing happened). Of course there are consequences in both and her life changes in that very instant in ways she could never have predicted. NO SPOILERS.
The less you know about this going in, the better. It reminded me of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books that were popular with kids when I was a grade school librarian. In this novel, however, the author has chosen both paths for Joanna and the reader follows along as Joanna deals with the aftermath of each choice. I would have probably liked this more if I had liked Joanna. I simply could not stand her from even the beginning. She's the antithesis of me and nothing she did made any sense nor could I wrap my head around her life. I don't know if it's my age or what, but Joanna, her husband, her friends, etc. all seemed so immature and utterly ridiculous. Vapid. Banal. I was quite disappointed the further into it I got and found it very disconcerting to be flipping back and forth between the two pathways as I feel the whole story would have flowed better in a linear manner with a Part I and and Part II. But that's me, and others whose opinions I respect have rated this much higher, so the style must have worked for them. It was really annoying to get to the end and not actually find out which decision or choice she made on the steps.
I've read other books by this author and will definitely be up for her next outing despite my feelings about this one. Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for this e-book ARC to read and review.
"What do you do, [Joanna] finds herself thinking, when you think somebody is following you down a deserted strip of canal? When you could become a statistic, a news piece, a tragedy?" Joanna is not known for doing the right thing; she often ends up in messes and is a terrible procrastinator. Unfortunately, in only moments a decision has to be made. And she makes it.
In this novel, however, the narrative is unusual in that it is a parallel story line. In one of them, Joanna chooses to REVEAL (to call 999) and in the alternate reality, she decides to CONCEAL (to run away like nothing happened). Of course there are consequences in both and her life changes in that very instant in ways she could never have predicted. NO SPOILERS.
The less you know about this going in, the better. It reminded me of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books that were popular with kids when I was a grade school librarian. In this novel, however, the author has chosen both paths for Joanna and the reader follows along as Joanna deals with the aftermath of each choice. I would have probably liked this more if I had liked Joanna. I simply could not stand her from even the beginning. She's the antithesis of me and nothing she did made any sense nor could I wrap my head around her life. I don't know if it's my age or what, but Joanna, her husband, her friends, etc. all seemed so immature and utterly ridiculous. Vapid. Banal. I was quite disappointed the further into it I got and found it very disconcerting to be flipping back and forth between the two pathways as I feel the whole story would have flowed better in a linear manner with a Part I and and Part II. But that's me, and others whose opinions I respect have rated this much higher, so the style must have worked for them. It was really annoying to get to the end and not actually find out which decision or choice she made on the steps.
I've read other books by this author and will definitely be up for her next outing despite my feelings about this one. Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons for this e-book ARC to read and review.
October 13, 2023
The fact that my personality doesn't allow me to leave something incomplete is the only reason I finished this book.
I love the concept of a parallel storyline and think it could work (Sliding Doors effect), but this one fell flat. NONE of the characters are likeable.... Maybe Ed, but even then, I have no idea who he really is. He's just not outright unlikeable. Joanna has zero personality, even when she "finds" herself in the Conceal storyline, she is bland and stale. Everything about Reuben is selfish and childish. He doesn't demonstrate one bit of actual love or loyalty. Wilf becomes likeable in the Reveal storyline, but the build of his personality and relationship is completely abandoned.
I also found the whole premise unbelievable. I live in the US, but I can't imagine even in the UK that you call emergency services to report you were followed, potentially assaulted, then pushed your attacker in self defense and you're just immediately arrested, booked and charged. In the secondary storyline, you can apparently become a shell of yourself physically and emotionally (although she apparently had no personality to begin with) and literally NO ONE in your life notices??? Then to round it out, she finally decides she's going to come clean, but we don't get to know what/how/if she did it. Based on her conversation with Reuben and the 2 month jump, I'm going to assume she didn't turn herself in because he and Ed implied it was unnecessary. Even in finding herself, she didn't hold true to herself.
Also, I may have missed it, but I don't get how/why she disappeared for 2 years?? My impression is that she purposely caused a vehicle accident, but she doesn't die and instead becomes a better version of herself (debatable) in rehab. Did she live there? Why did she disown everyone? No one tried to stay in touch? She and her husband were just in marriage limbo? I'm just so confused at how one does this.
It's so hard to get through a book when no one is likeable out relatable. I want to feel bad for Joanna and her lack of supportive, loving relationships, but I'm too irritated with her nothingness.
I love the concept of a parallel storyline and think it could work (Sliding Doors effect), but this one fell flat. NONE of the characters are likeable.... Maybe Ed, but even then, I have no idea who he really is. He's just not outright unlikeable. Joanna has zero personality, even when she "finds" herself in the Conceal storyline, she is bland and stale. Everything about Reuben is selfish and childish. He doesn't demonstrate one bit of actual love or loyalty. Wilf becomes likeable in the Reveal storyline, but the build of his personality and relationship is completely abandoned.
I also found the whole premise unbelievable. I live in the US, but I can't imagine even in the UK that you call emergency services to report you were followed, potentially assaulted, then pushed your attacker in self defense and you're just immediately arrested, booked and charged. In the secondary storyline, you can apparently become a shell of yourself physically and emotionally (although she apparently had no personality to begin with) and literally NO ONE in your life notices??? Then to round it out, she finally decides she's going to come clean, but we don't get to know what/how/if she did it. Based on her conversation with Reuben and the 2 month jump, I'm going to assume she didn't turn herself in because he and Ed implied it was unnecessary. Even in finding herself, she didn't hold true to herself.
Also, I may have missed it, but I don't get how/why she disappeared for 2 years?? My impression is that she purposely caused a vehicle accident, but she doesn't die and instead becomes a better version of herself (debatable) in rehab. Did she live there? Why did she disown everyone? No one tried to stay in touch? She and her husband were just in marriage limbo? I'm just so confused at how one does this.
It's so hard to get through a book when no one is likeable out relatable. I want to feel bad for Joanna and her lack of supportive, loving relationships, but I'm too irritated with her nothingness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
It pains me to say, but this is my least favorite read by Gillian McAllister. I might have enjoyed it more as an actual read, rather than an audiobook, not sure.
Joanna goes out with a girlfriend for their weekly night out and is harassed by a man in a bar. When she leaves, she hears someone following her and pushes them down a flight of stairs. She tells two stories, in alternating chapters, which consider the outcome of two separate choices she could have made.
In her “Reveal” storyline, she calls the police, gets help for the man, and faces the consequences. In her “Conceal” storyline, she leaves the scene and tries to forget (and conceal) the event.
She spends the entire book bouncing between the two storylines, contemplating “what if”. I was too confused by all the jumping around. Looking forward to her next book!
Sincere thanks to Edelweiss and G. P. Putnam's Sons. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 3 ⭐️’s
Published: June 2nd 2020
Audio: 11 hours, 24 minutes
#TheChoice #GillianMcAllister #Edelweiss #BookReviewer #InExchangeForReview #ARC #JustFinished #Thriller
After publication, my reviews can be found at Amazon, Twitter, GoodReads, Barnes and Noble, BookBub, NetGalley, and Edelweiss
@GillianMAuthor @PutnamBooks @edelweiss_squad
Joanna goes out with a girlfriend for their weekly night out and is harassed by a man in a bar. When she leaves, she hears someone following her and pushes them down a flight of stairs. She tells two stories, in alternating chapters, which consider the outcome of two separate choices she could have made.
In her “Reveal” storyline, she calls the police, gets help for the man, and faces the consequences. In her “Conceal” storyline, she leaves the scene and tries to forget (and conceal) the event.
She spends the entire book bouncing between the two storylines, contemplating “what if”. I was too confused by all the jumping around. Looking forward to her next book!
Sincere thanks to Edelweiss and G. P. Putnam's Sons. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 3 ⭐️’s
Published: June 2nd 2020
Audio: 11 hours, 24 minutes
#TheChoice #GillianMcAllister #Edelweiss #BookReviewer #InExchangeForReview #ARC #JustFinished #Thriller
After publication, my reviews can be found at Amazon, Twitter, GoodReads, Barnes and Noble, BookBub, NetGalley, and Edelweiss
@GillianMAuthor @PutnamBooks @edelweiss_squad
March 13, 2020
Joanna is enjoying a night out with a friend when a man becomes overly aggressive, forcing them to leave the bar. Joanna heads to the train station and soon realizes that someone is following her. Fearful that it is the man from the bar, she turns and pushes him and he falls down the stairs. He isn't moving and suddenly, Joanna must make a choice, call for help or run away.
This is where things get interesting. Told through two perspectives, Reveal, where Joanna calls 999 for help, and Conceal, where she runs away from the accident. We learn what happens based on both choices, and I have to say I was surprised by the different outcomes. Without giving anything away, I expected one choice to be superior, but the author didn't see it that way.
It is an intriguing concept. Hasn't at least one thing happened to all of us where we don't know what to do. I know I have wished after choosing to go right, what the outcome would have been if I went left. At first, I didn't like how The Choice ended, but after giving it some thought, it made sense.
This is where things get interesting. Told through two perspectives, Reveal, where Joanna calls 999 for help, and Conceal, where she runs away from the accident. We learn what happens based on both choices, and I have to say I was surprised by the different outcomes. Without giving anything away, I expected one choice to be superior, but the author didn't see it that way.
It is an intriguing concept. Hasn't at least one thing happened to all of us where we don't know what to do. I know I have wished after choosing to go right, what the outcome would have been if I went left. At first, I didn't like how The Choice ended, but after giving it some thought, it made sense.
Did Not Finish
June 24, 2020DNF @30%
2020; G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin's Publishing
I read the first 40% of the novel, and the last 10% and I think I am good. I was drawn in with the "Sliding Doors" comparison, but neither option grabbed my interest to see where it would go (journey wise). I did listen to the end to see if the ending was the same.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin's Publishing
I read the first 40% of the novel, and the last 10% and I think I am good. I was drawn in with the "Sliding Doors" comparison, but neither option grabbed my interest to see where it would go (journey wise). I did listen to the end to see if the ending was the same.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
April 26, 2020
The beginning of this book starts out with 2 best friends (Joanna & Laura) out for drinks at a bar & during their time there are hit on by a fairly persistent man in the bar. Nothing most of us haven’t dealt with at some point in our life right? When Joanna the main character is on her way home she thinks she’s being followed by the same man, and naturally she was scared. In those moments she made a decision that alters her life forever. Being a female this book appealed to me more I guess because I’ve been in situations that were questionable & scary. What would I have done in her situation?
The book alternates between two choices she could have made both with alternative consequences. Give up this ya get that, or in trade for this you can have this life kind of a deal. I really liked the idea of switching back & forth between two different ‘what if’ situations but I struggled being with Jo & in her mind the entire book & her dealing with her conflicting thoughts,. Having to listen to her struggle ‘not to tell‘ her husband what she did almost the entire book just got annoying-her character was annoying & exhausting. I will say I liked her husband Reubens character. He seemed genuine, sweet, very loving. Someone everyone would want for a companion. He did frustrate me though with some of his choices/reactions to the accident in either situation but in the end I guess it made sense & followed suit with his character. One thing that really bugged me was the entire book made it seem like Jo did something so awful, but if someone is SO CLOSE to you that you can just reach out to them (especially in the dark) to push them regardless of if they are “bad” then I felt she was in a threatening situation & felt for her character. The main people in her life especially her husband didn’t really seem to acknowledge that or sympathize that she was vulnerable & that the man could have been dangerous.
Overall I liked the concept of the book & the ending(s) but I don’t like books with no closure or that leave me guessing things. Also it’s funny/interesting about halfway through this book I thought this really reminds me of a book I recently read..happens to be ‘The Good Sister’(aka 'No Further Questions') by the same author Gillian McAllister. I also liked the idea of that book but both of these books were incredibly slow for me. I think anyone who’s read both of these books by McAllister probably will see the similarities. Not a terrible book but also one I wouldn’t recommend.
Thank you Edelweiss+ & the publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin Publishing Group) for the advanced readers copy & for giving me the opportunity to read this in trade for an honest review.
The book alternates between two choices she could have made both with alternative consequences. Give up this ya get that, or in trade for this you can have this life kind of a deal. I really liked the idea of switching back & forth between two different ‘what if’ situations but I struggled being with Jo & in her mind the entire book & her dealing with her conflicting thoughts,. Having to listen to her struggle ‘not to tell‘ her husband what she did almost the entire book just got annoying-her character was annoying & exhausting. I will say I liked her husband Reubens character. He seemed genuine, sweet, very loving. Someone everyone would want for a companion. He did frustrate me though with some of his choices/reactions to the accident in either situation but in the end I guess it made sense & followed suit with his character. One thing that really bugged me was the entire book made it seem like Jo did something so awful, but if someone is SO CLOSE to you that you can just reach out to them (especially in the dark) to push them regardless of if they are “bad” then I felt she was in a threatening situation & felt for her character. The main people in her life especially her husband didn’t really seem to acknowledge that or sympathize that she was vulnerable & that the man could have been dangerous.
Overall I liked the concept of the book & the ending(s) but I don’t like books with no closure or that leave me guessing things. Also it’s funny/interesting about halfway through this book I thought this really reminds me of a book I recently read..happens to be ‘The Good Sister’(aka 'No Further Questions') by the same author Gillian McAllister. I also liked the idea of that book but both of these books were incredibly slow for me. I think anyone who’s read both of these books by McAllister probably will see the similarities. Not a terrible book but also one I wouldn’t recommend.
Thank you Edelweiss+ & the publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin Publishing Group) for the advanced readers copy & for giving me the opportunity to read this in trade for an honest review.
July 26, 2020
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Well, I've learned that I have an avoidance disorder. 😆 Because Joanna is my carbon copy. At least in the beginning. She was one of the most relatable characters I've ever read. Massive potential early in life unrealized, totally disorganized, people pleaser, conflict avoider, procrastinator etc. etc. etc. And this totally insecure person, then commits an unspeakable MISTAKE. Ugh.
Joanna is out with a friend when a totally slimy guy basically assaults her. Then, leaving the bar - by herself - she hears footsteps behind her! One gut reaction. And then - two choices. What will she do?
This book was un-put-down-able. It had me hooked from the start! Joanna is stuck between a rock and a hard place. And no matter what her life will take a turn from this point on. This book explores the two choices she could make and their ramifications. Gillian McAllister is one I will look out for from now on - she was one of those authors with that brilliantly British feeling and I loved the realistic quality of her characters!!
MY RATING:
Story: 3-3.5
Characters: 5
Overall: 4 stars
Well, I've learned that I have an avoidance disorder. 😆 Because Joanna is my carbon copy. At least in the beginning. She was one of the most relatable characters I've ever read. Massive potential early in life unrealized, totally disorganized, people pleaser, conflict avoider, procrastinator etc. etc. etc. And this totally insecure person, then commits an unspeakable MISTAKE. Ugh.
Joanna is out with a friend when a totally slimy guy basically assaults her. Then, leaving the bar - by herself - she hears footsteps behind her! One gut reaction. And then - two choices. What will she do?
This book was un-put-down-able. It had me hooked from the start! Joanna is stuck between a rock and a hard place. And no matter what her life will take a turn from this point on. This book explores the two choices she could make and their ramifications. Gillian McAllister is one I will look out for from now on - she was one of those authors with that brilliantly British feeling and I loved the realistic quality of her characters!!
MY RATING:
Story: 3-3.5
Characters: 5
Overall: 4 stars
June 28, 2023
One of my top books of 2023!! We all have a choice to make at certain times in our lives. That choice can change our entire life in an instant! This book is so well thought out and acted out that I found myself wanting to listen to it and could not stop. (Audio) There are two paths Joanna can choose. Joanna meets a guy in a bar and as she’s walking home, she hears loud footsteps convinced it’s the man she met at the bar. Then what happens takes you …. That’s all I can say without giving the rest away. 5 star read! I highly recommend this book or audio.
June 21, 2020
Another amazing book by Gillian McAllister 🤗👌 The Choice is a psychological thriller that reads like two books in one. The story alternates between two different paths that Joanna, the main character could take following a terrible life altering incident on her way home from the bar one night. I couldn't help but wonder which path I would have chosen 😁 I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend! So captivating!
August 16, 2020
Reading this book felt like I was reading 2 books in one and I really enjoyed it. It follows Joanna who pushes a man after a night out and she has to decide what to do...call the police or flee the scene. The chapters alternate between what would have happened if she had called the police and what would have happened if she didn't. It was full of suspense and shows that no choice is perfect.
December 3, 2025
So many unbelievably dumb choices made by so many unbelievably dumb people . In both versions.
I gave my first Gillian McAllister book four stars, my second three and this one two. So probably will quit here
I gave my first Gillian McAllister book four stars, my second three and this one two. So probably will quit here
June 5, 2024
I loved the format more than anything, but the character development was very satisfying as well. This was a super fast and enjoyable read for me!
August 23, 2026
Couldn’t put it down. Unique way to structure the story.
July 11, 2020
Imagine walking home in the dark after having drinks with a girlfriend, you hear the sound of footsteps coming up behind you, you stop the footsteps stop. You hear the blood pounding in your ears. You starting picking up the pace you turn around give the person a shove. This is the situation are main character Joanna finds herself in. The unknown assailant is at the bottom of the stairs not moving. She believes it’s the man that was aggressive at the bar after she ignored him, but it’s not. The man is unconscious laying in an awkward position. Should she do the right thing and call an ambulance, explain why she shoved him?, or should she run from the scene? This is where the book takes off the author gives us two different scenarios like sliding doors, going back in forth where if Joanna ‘reveals’ where she reports herself and calls an ambulance and the other where she ‘conceal’ where she hides what she has done and lives with the guilt of being discovered. It’s gives the reader an inside look of having to live with one mistake for the rest of your life a fight or flight with only seconds with having to live with the choice you make. You face morals and the judgement of others even from your own partner and friends. I read this book quickly and I could relate with Joanna at times. I give this book four stars!
June 4, 2021
In a word TENSE. That clenched, panicky feeling kept me turning pages rapidly. Women everywhere have known that feeling. Walking alone, then you hear footsteps behind you. You are just not thinking rationally due to fear and anxiety.
Our protagonist, Joanna lashes out in her fear and what follows is a dire moral quandary. Should she call an ambulance? Or, should she walk away?
The author brilliantly explores both choices - dividing this novel into chapters labelled 'Reveal' and 'Conceal'. It evokes a feeling of 'between a rock and a hard place', because either way Joanna decides, she cannot really cope with her decision... Although I liked the alternate chapters format in some ways, it was also a bit off-putting at times. I was just getting into the story, when OH NO! now we're exploring the other scenario.
Joanna herself was a young woman that I empathized with, but yet couldn't really warm to. She seemed very immature for her thirty years, but they say thirty is the new twenty... She was prone to procrastination and unreliability.
This novel covers themes of guilt, atonement, secrets, and moral dilemmas. It explores the fact that one decision, one quick moment in time, can change your entire life.
3.5 stars rounded down
Our protagonist, Joanna lashes out in her fear and what follows is a dire moral quandary. Should she call an ambulance? Or, should she walk away?
The author brilliantly explores both choices - dividing this novel into chapters labelled 'Reveal' and 'Conceal'. It evokes a feeling of 'between a rock and a hard place', because either way Joanna decides, she cannot really cope with her decision... Although I liked the alternate chapters format in some ways, it was also a bit off-putting at times. I was just getting into the story, when OH NO! now we're exploring the other scenario.
Joanna herself was a young woman that I empathized with, but yet couldn't really warm to. She seemed very immature for her thirty years, but they say thirty is the new twenty... She was prone to procrastination and unreliability.
This novel covers themes of guilt, atonement, secrets, and moral dilemmas. It explores the fact that one decision, one quick moment in time, can change your entire life.
3.5 stars rounded down
July 2, 2026
Joanna and her friend are out at a club on a Friday night. Like any female who has ever gone to a club a creepy guy starts hitting on her and acting inappropriately. He causes them to leave and when Joanna is walking to the tube alone she is sure that he is following her. She quickly calls her husband but the call drops mid-conversation. The creepy guy runs up behind her on the staircase and she pushes him. He falls dramatically down the stairs and lands at a very awkward angle. He doesn't get up... She now has a huge decision to make. Does she call for help or run? And what if the runner was not actually the creep from the bar?
The book separates chapters now with one storyline having her call the police and face the consequences of her action and the other concealing the truth. It really answers the question of how decisions really affect the trajectory of our life.
The book separates chapters now with one storyline having her call the police and face the consequences of her action and the other concealing the truth. It really answers the question of how decisions really affect the trajectory of our life.
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