Choices Changes

by Joni Eareckson Tada

Joni, a quadriplegic, talks about her starring role in the movie based on her life, her ministry to the handicapped and her recent marriage

Genres: Christian, Biography, Memoir, Nonfiction, Disability

Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

Joni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community".

Reviews

[Boremomsn.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, as good as the first two. God was gracious in permitting this book to be penned, and even more gracious to permit it to be read. Of the 3 Joni books, the second was the best, not that this is lacking, just that the second book was the most enjoyable. There is much to be learned in these 3 volumes, this is a book that will stay in this home for many years. I can't recommend it enough if you are looking for tragedy turned into victory.

[Rachel Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Choices Changes" Joni shares about the making of her movie, the beginning of her ministry, Joni and Friends, and her marriage to Ken Tada. She is open and honest throughout the book, sharing both her struggles and her triumphs. As someone with a disability, I found this book encouraging and helpful.

[Eleasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem to read, Joni's writing and vulnerability are both down-to-earth and divinely iridescent. Several gentle tears welled up, prompted by the Spirit, as I finished this last of her autobiography trilogy.

[Chelsea Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really inspirational, raw, honest and real. Joni is a remarkably strong woman, and her strength in Christ in the face of very challenging circumstances is a lesson to all of us about the grace and overcoming power of God. We all have so much to be grateful for, and focusing on what we can do rather than what we cannot is a major theme in this book. The reason for four stars and not five is that sometimes the book felt a bit slow going, a bit alienating with the stardom stories, and a bit of a culture shock due to this book being written a long time ago and in another country to my own. At times I didn't gel with Joni's nature, it seemed a little logical and emotionless at times, and at times she was quite harsh towards herself which was unpleasant to read. I also felt like she put too much pressure on herself to be perfect in her faith, as if she thought God was maybe a bit disappointed with her for her faith wobble in the beginning, rather than always surrounding her with His unconditional love. This book would probably have meant more if I'd read it after her other books, because I had little backstory. But overall it was a good read.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this autobiography, Joni Eareckson Tada writes about three different stages of her life (movie, ministry, marriage) and the questions, doubts, and fears she experienced throughout. It’s stuff that any Christian goes through at some point in their life, but has a heavier weight and deeper meaning when coming from the perspective of a person in a wheelchair. As Joni shares her life story with others and is presented as an “inspiration,” she struggles with old sins, feelings of spiritual distance from God, and being happy and content in her condition. I learned that pity is one of the worst emotions we can feel, either for ourselves or toward others. I really loved how Joni wrote this book – first person present. It made me forget I was reading a biography. There are many wonderful truths to be learned from this book and I would encourage anyone going through some type of struggle or hard time to read it.

Favorite quotes: “People in movies wear masks, substituting one kind of reality for another.”

“I realize that I can hardly abuse a religion where I am slavishly chained to obey a bunch of rules and regulations. But I have abused the freedom Christ has given me. The hazard in any system of choice is that I take the risk of misusing it.”

“I learned the painful way long ago that there’s no pretense possible with a handicap. You might as well be real.”

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book about the life of a physically impaired woman after a swimming injury. The book goes into great detail of the choices and challenges she faces each day as she struggles to find her place in the world. The characters are well developed and all the scenes are believable. It’s interesting to see the world through someone’s eyes who has faced so much pain and agony. You get the chance to see her interactions with her family, friends, and fellow believers as she travels. The ending was nice and uplifting. She comes to grips with her new life and stands strong in her faith. She’s able to change her life and become a advocate for others who are impaired and disabled. A very engaging audiobook to listen too. Narrator had an excellent voice.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this follow-up to Joni’s original biography. It covered the making of the movie (from that first book), her ministry and also her marriage. I felt like this second book made Joni even more understandable and it was nice to learn something about her husband as well. (I’d only known his name after all these years, nothing else.)

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book inside another book called “Joni Eareckson Tada: Her Story.” It has three of her books in it: “Joni”, “A Step Further”, and “Choices...Changes.” I only read the last title. I appreciated Joni’s honesty with her struggles and her eventual way out of those struggles. This book includes her marriage, which I had never read about.

[A Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, Joni is honest about her situation and struggles yet shows us how God's strength can be displayed through our weakness.

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably my favourite ‘Joni book’. The first section covers making the film of her life (which she also starred in). It then moves on to her work helping others and finishes with a section about her romance (then marriage) with Ken.

Personally some of the romance chapters were a little cringe-inducing but this is balanced with honesty about conflicts/struggles as they learn to manage their lives together.

Shocking at points; inspiring at others. A great read.

Recommend

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joni writes with refreshing transparency about making the movie about her life and her subsequent move to L.A. and establishment of the Joni and Friends ministry. It's a quick, interesting read with several memorable passages. I'd definitely say it's worth a Sunday afternoon.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good reminder that God can give us over and abundantly anything we dare dream. After her accident she started what has become an international ministry, gained independence she thought she would never again know and love and marriage