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Charlie's Choice
If you loved Teddy's Button, hold on to your seat because you are about to take a journey with Charlie, who is, in many ways, just like Teddy. Unsatisfied with his lot in life, Charlie dreams of a better life, a life where money can cure all ills. "If only...if only," he ponders in his heart. When his dream is just within his grasp, he must make the final decision -- a decision which may separate him from his mother and father and brothers and sister, forever! Can his austere grandfather and prideful aunt truly give him what money can't buy? Can they, in their luxury and ease, prepare this untested youth to value hard work, integrity, and empathy, with their regal and refined style?
If what you have heard thus far was not enough to wet your appetite, perhaps I should share of Charlie's adventures of being chased down the river and nearly drowned, or the mysterious old woman who would be used to change his life forever, or of his adventures on the sea, or of the shipwreck, or of the kidnapping, or of the greatest lesson a boy can learn; and these are not even the best parts of the story! What I love about this incredible story is that there is something in it for everyone of any age. This is a story that will benefit husbands and wives, parents who wish they could offer more to their children, grandparents who have strained relationships with their grown children, and children who think that the grass is greener on the others side. Finally, this is a story that proves that when you train up a child in the way that he should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it. Charlie's Choice will certainly become a family favorite for years to come. I present to you, in as much living color as Teddy's Button, Charlie's Choice!
If what you have heard thus far was not enough to wet your appetite, perhaps I should share of Charlie's adventures of being chased down the river and nearly drowned, or the mysterious old woman who would be used to change his life forever, or of his adventures on the sea, or of the shipwreck, or of the kidnapping, or of the greatest lesson a boy can learn; and these are not even the best parts of the story! What I love about this incredible story is that there is something in it for everyone of any age. This is a story that will benefit husbands and wives, parents who wish they could offer more to their children, grandparents who have strained relationships with their grown children, and children who think that the grass is greener on the others side. Finally, this is a story that proves that when you train up a child in the way that he should go, when he is old, he will not depart from it. Charlie's Choice will certainly become a family favorite for years to come. I present to you, in as much living color as Teddy's Button, Charlie's Choice!
189 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1876
1 person is currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Nesbitt
5 books3 followersauthor of several books for children, such as "Harold's Choice; Or, Boyhood's Aims and Manhood's Work" and "Charlie's Choice."
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 25, 2014
Very engaging story; it kept me interested right to the end. There is enough danger and excitement to keep the story moving at a good pace, but it is a sobering story, too. Some very hard things happen. And even though there is a "happy" ending, it is a poignant happiness for any reader empathizing with Charlie's mother, as I did throughout the story.
I appreciate the title of this book, too, as I think it points out something that much of 21st century Western culture has forgotten--that with our right to choose comes consequences, and the consequences of our choices affect not only ourselves, but the people who love us, as well.
I appreciate the title of this book, too, as I think it points out something that much of 21st century Western culture has forgotten--that with our right to choose comes consequences, and the consequences of our choices affect not only ourselves, but the people who love us, as well.
July 20, 2021
I've listened to the audio drama of this one . . . but the book was waaaay better =)
November 30, 2017
Well done drama, with good acting and sound effects. It is basically a short story, and functions mostly as a morality tale suspended within an adventure tale. As per most adventure stories, the protagonist really doesn't grow much - he's pretty morale from the start - but he does have to make some difficult choices along the way. Pretty inspirational tale, all in all. I loved the bookstore owner's approach to life and book-reading.
May 4, 2025
I’m reminded in this 1876 treasure
that the choices we make in life, whether good or bad, bare fruit, either to God’s glory or our shame. I highly recommend this inspiring and redemptive tale, rooted in the truths of holy scripture.
that the choices we make in life, whether good or bad, bare fruit, either to God’s glory or our shame. I highly recommend this inspiring and redemptive tale, rooted in the truths of holy scripture.
January 19, 2021
I related to this character a lot actually, I loved this book! :)
October 29, 2023
4.5 ✨ ahhh Lamplighter Theatre is the best!
June 9, 2024
Number of pages: 189
Genre: Children’s fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 10-12
Summary: When Charlie’s mother got married, she was disowned by her family. Now, however, her father has come with a proposition to make: if she is willing, he will take Charlie and raise him with all the advantages money can buy. The only catch is that Charlie must give up his family and live with his grandfather, fully submitted to his grandfather’s authority. What will Charlie choose: riches and ease with his grandfather, or poverty and hard work with his family?
My thoughts: This is another great story (that I’ve heard way too many times). It is very well-written and I can totally relate to Charlie. There’s a part in the book when Charlie talks about wanting to do the right/responsible thing for his family, but then other things come up and he sets responsibility aside for his own pleasure. I completely understand because I do the same thing all the time “oh, I could do this nice thing for my mom,” and then I forget about it until it’s too late. Afterwards you feel bad, but you can’t really go back and change it.
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I really like the ending (although I think I like the Lamplighter audio drama’s ending even better), but I find it really cool. *spoiler*
Charlie gets to go be a missionary in Africa with David Livingstone.
Charlie’s Choice is an amazing story and good for a wide range of ages. The Christian content was also good – if anything there probably could have been a little bit more – and it reminded me of Teddy’s Button where the main character is a boy trying to follow his Captain’s orders, fighting battles in His army.
I would definitely recommend this book to kids of all ages.
My personal rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Children’s fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 10-12
Summary: When Charlie’s mother got married, she was disowned by her family. Now, however, her father has come with a proposition to make: if she is willing, he will take Charlie and raise him with all the advantages money can buy. The only catch is that Charlie must give up his family and live with his grandfather, fully submitted to his grandfather’s authority. What will Charlie choose: riches and ease with his grandfather, or poverty and hard work with his family?
My thoughts: This is another great story (that I’ve heard way too many times). It is very well-written and I can totally relate to Charlie. There’s a part in the book when Charlie talks about wanting to do the right/responsible thing for his family, but then other things come up and he sets responsibility aside for his own pleasure. I completely understand because I do the same thing all the time “oh, I could do this nice thing for my mom,” and then I forget about it until it’s too late. Afterwards you feel bad, but you can’t really go back and change it.
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I really like the ending (although I think I like the Lamplighter audio drama’s ending even better), but I find it really cool. *spoiler*
Charlie gets to go be a missionary in Africa with David Livingstone.
Charlie’s Choice is an amazing story and good for a wide range of ages. The Christian content was also good – if anything there probably could have been a little bit more – and it reminded me of Teddy’s Button where the main character is a boy trying to follow his Captain’s orders, fighting battles in His army.
I would definitely recommend this book to kids of all ages.
My personal rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
September 13, 2019
Fantastic family read aloud (if you can get through without choking up).
The details of Sam’s family at the end felt a little out of place, although I loved Sam’s choice to sacrificial care for his family while he awaited his “marching orders.”
And there was no explanation as to what specifically happened to the baby sister. She seemed to only have one rather insignificant purpose in the story (which would be a spoiler if I shared).
Okay I could nitpick but this was really a fantastic read and my kids were begging for more every night. I’m a huge fan of moral stories that don’t preach the morals but simply allude to them in story form. Lamplighter books nail it every time.
The details of Sam’s family at the end felt a little out of place, although I loved Sam’s choice to sacrificial care for his family while he awaited his “marching orders.”
And there was no explanation as to what specifically happened to the baby sister. She seemed to only have one rather insignificant purpose in the story (which would be a spoiler if I shared).
Okay I could nitpick but this was really a fantastic read and my kids were begging for more every night. I’m a huge fan of moral stories that don’t preach the morals but simply allude to them in story form. Lamplighter books nail it every time.
May 18, 2024
An excellent story! And Lamplighter audios are the best ☺️ While there's not a whole lot of character development (and y'all know I LOVE me some arcs), Charlie is a great character and I love him. Thanks, Charlie, for the encouragement to follow my marching orders from the Captain of my salvation!
June 17, 2024
Another amazing Lamplighter book!
The audio drama was quite different from the novel. I listened to the drama many a time but was intrigued to find that the audio drama took many liberties from the actual book. Both are worth the time though, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful story.
Thanks Lamplighter for all the hard work you do in publishing these timeless stories.
The audio drama was quite different from the novel. I listened to the drama many a time but was intrigued to find that the audio drama took many liberties from the actual book. Both are worth the time though, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful story.
Thanks Lamplighter for all the hard work you do in publishing these timeless stories.
October 29, 2024
Loved the gripping account and moral character of days gone by
January 13, 2025
“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22
July 13, 2025
An incredible story showcasing how even the seemingly small choices have consequences. This book is good for all ages!
June 30, 2014
This story captivated our entire family! Half way through it got a little intense for our younger listeners. The age recommendation is appropriate and I wouldn't let under age 5 listen unsupervised. That being said, this is a tremendous story full of life, suffering, adventure, relationships and so much more!!
March 6, 2015
We have listened to this audio a couple of times 2013 and 2014. Another wonderful book from Lamplighter theatre. In fact, we have never heard or read anything from Lamplighter that we did not like. Looking forward to hearing this again and also reading the book someday. 3/6/15
June 5, 2012
Great reading...
April 13, 2013
In all fairness, we listened to the Lamplighter Theater of Charlie's Choice. Wonderful!! Boy can't get enough of the story!
August 2, 2013
Listened to the audio book. Very good message about character and what it means to live for Jesus. Also, very serious and dark in places.
December 3, 2014
I actually didn't read this. I listened to the dramatized edition put out by the Lamplighter Theatre.
August 9, 2016
Another great audio production by Lamplighter Theatre. I like having my son listen to stories about boys that develop character and virtue.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews