Official Review: Toward Happier Choices by Michael Oborn

MarisaRose · Post by **MarisaRose** » 24 Mar 2019, 12:12

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Toward Happier Choices" by Michael Oborn.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Toward Happier Choices by Michael Oborn is a quasi-memoir. The book is split into three sections: “Short Stories,” “Potpourri,” and “Exceptional People.” The first section is a collection of vignettes depicting events that played a role in the author's decision to leave the Mormon Church and seek out a different way of life. The second section is a collection of musings, opinions, and beliefs. Finally, “Exceptional People” includes five essays about individuals who have greatly influenced the author in one way or another. Throughout the entire book, Oborn revisits his conclusions about the Mormon Church.

From the very first page to the last, the author’s voice shines throughout the narrative. I was quickly enamored with Oborn’s storytelling; it is his expert use of retrospection that makes this book truly engaging, especially in the “Short Stories” section. The stories Oborn chooses to share are interesting, but it is his newfound point of view used in the telling of each story that provides readers with clarity and understanding of the impact these various events had on the author’s life.

The essays found in “Exceptional People” were just as impressive. In this section, Oborn’s prose is impassioned. My favorite essay, “Gina Sue,” is a poignant telling of Oborn’s current relationship; he discusses Gina Sue with eloquence and depth. I was pleasantly surprised by the intimate picture Oborn paints in this essay. After reading the majority of the book, I felt I knew a lot about the author’s life, opinions, and ideals; however, it was “Gina Sue,” which comes at the very end, that truly made me connect with the author on a spiritual level.

Unlike the clear focus of the first and third sections, the second part of the book, as the title “Potpourri” suggests, is a mix of random ideas and beliefs. This section lacked the engaging storytelling found in “Short Stories” and the intimate observations of “Exceptional People.” Some of the chapters in this section are incredibly short, like one about the author’s opinion of abortion, which is only three paragraphs. Although a lot of what Oborn has to say in this section is interesting, “Potpourri” lacked the depth and personal connection apparent in the rest of the book.

Despite Oborn’s enjoyable prose, Toward Happier Choices is in need of professional editing. The narrative contains a plethora of errors, including missing commas, incorrect word usage, and improper sentence structure. Although these errors did not significantly detract from the narrative, they were glaringly obvious. Due to the grammatical errors and lack of focus in the second section of the book, I rate Toward Happier Choices 3 out of 4 stars. With professional editing and reconsideration of the second section, Toward Happier Choices will be a stand-out work. For now, I recommend this book to readers interested in memoirs about reformed Mormons and reader’s interested in gaining a new perspective on life.

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Toward Happier Choices
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Crazyreader01 · Post by **Crazyreader01** » 29 Mar 2019, 11:12

This sounds like an original and refreshing form of a memoir. I like the sound of the short stories, I think it'll be interesting to see exactly which events shaped the author and compare them to my own.
Thanks for the review!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 29 Mar 2019, 11:25

This sounds like such a beautiful book - but a pity about the editing errors. Still, I'm intrigued by the Mormon religion, and this seems like an interesting place to start. Thanks for the review!

spencermack · Post by **spencermack** » 29 Mar 2019, 20:21

I hate it when a great writer misses edits. Hopefully, these can be rectified. Great review!

Juliana_Isabella · Post by **Juliana_Isabella** » 29 Mar 2019, 21:37

It sounds like this might be worth reading if I skip the second section.

Jaime Lync · Post by **Jaime Lync** » 30 Mar 2019, 01:22

This book is definitely not for me, but I enjoyed your review. thanks for sharing.

Amanda Deck · Post by **Amanda Deck** » 30 Mar 2019, 13:59

"Reformed" Mormon? That sounds like he changed and escaped from something awful. I lived in Utah for several years and was generally impressed by the community support I saw. I especially liked that their thrift stores employed people who needed help and gave clothes and other items to those people until they were back on their feet.
It's true that I've heard some quite odd things about the Mormon church too. It might be interesting to hear the point of view from someone who left it.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 31 Mar 2019, 09:00

It sounds like this book would have been better if he had left the second section out. At least, hopefully, he can take another look at it and add a little more depth to that portion. Good review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 01 Apr 2019, 08:29

It's too bad about the errors, but I love the way this one is organized. It's a bit out of the norm, and I understand why you described it as a "quasi-memoir." It seems like it'd be really interesting, and I am curious as to why the author left the Mormon Church. Thanks.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 02 Apr 2019, 17:27

The difference between the three sections is curious. I really enjoyed your description of his writing and his experiences sound interesting. Thanks for the recommendation.

Aan Granados · Post by **Aan Granados** » 24 Jun 2019, 11:25

Great review. This sounds interesting. I wonder what led him to be a reformed church Mormon! I might just take a look at this!

Clemens Nickleby · Post by **Clemens Nickleby** » 24 Jun 2019, 11:34

I think I am going to make a happy choice and read this book, editing issues and all, as I too am curious how the author moved Toward Happier Choices.
Happily, I enjoyed your review.

Akinsemoyin Adeola · Post by **Akinsemoyin Adeola** » 24 Jun 2019, 14:32

Interesting review, I'd like to check this book out. Good job.

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 24 Jun 2019, 16:36

Thanks for the review! Stories from former Mormon Church members actually interest me quite a bit, though I'm usually not super fond of memoirs. The poor editing also makes me somewhat wary, but it can be forgiven if the content is great.

Mabongajoan2019 · Post by **Mabongajoan2019** » 24 Jun 2019, 22:45

This sounds like a transformational book. Despite errors and mixed ideas and beliefs in the third section,I am interested in reading the book. Thanks for review.