Review of Choices

[Esther Deekor]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Choices" by Gary Markman.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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As adults responsible for nurturing and educating children, our role is to gently lead them in the right direction, knowing that imposing our decisions on them may not yield the desired outcome. Instead, we should aim to help them grasp the reasons and explanations behind our guidance and encourage them to make choices aligned with what's best. Choices by Gary Markman delves into the significance of our decisions today, emphasizing how they can shape our lives in an instant.

This book draws parallels with "Class of Lies," a Korean movie I watched while taking breaks while reading this novel. Harper unexpectedly finds himself on a picturesque path, puzzled by its tranquility, until he encounters his deceased colleague, Mel. The unsettling sight raises questions: Is Harper also dead? The notion seems too surreal to accept. Throughout his teaching, Harper emphasized questioning norms, a philosophy imparted to his five students: Eddie, Devi, Arianna, Fazzi, and Robby. Their individual interactions with Harper profoundly impacted their lives. How will they react to his apparent demise? Choices by Gary Markman unravels the mystery of Harper's untimely death and explores his enduring influence on his students' decisions and destinies.

I've long held the belief that leaving a lasting impact on the world is our most significant mission, shaping everything we do. How do your actions contribute to the betterment of the world? It's a question worth reflecting on. This book has enriched my perspective, particularly Harper's mantra, "Difficulty and Impossible are Not Synonyms," which resonates deeply with me. Its themes encompass racism, equality, friendships, love, family, and the power of choice. Among them, the friendship between Devi and Eddie stands out, marked by unwavering solidarity. Their willingness to sacrifice for each other is truly admirable. Each chapter is meticulously structured around the lives of the characters, with titles reflecting the characters’ names.

I found nothing to dislike about this book; its pacing felt perfectly balanced. The incorporation of humor elicited chuckles from me on several occasions, adding a delightful dimension to the narrative. What truly resonated with me was the ability to empathize deeply with the characters—I shed tears alongside them, felt a pang of sorrow during their lowest moments, experienced genuine fear during perilous situations, and savored the warmth of their romantic and platonic connections. Moreover, the book maintained an optimal level of suspense, keeping me engrossed until the very end.

Readers who appreciate heartwarming stories laced with humor will undoubtedly delight in this book. I believe it's also a valuable read for young adults, offering insights into the importance of making informed decisions. I rate this book five out of five stars because of the positives I mentioned above, but I would suggest another round of editing for this book because of the errors discovered, which are not enough for a star deduction.

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Choices
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[Loner Pen]

Based on the review, it seems like Choices by Gary Markman is a highly engaging and heartwarming book. The reviewer praises the well-structured narrative, relatable characters, and the book's ability to evoke various emotions. The themes of racism, equality, and the power of choice make it a valuable read, especially for young adults. The reviewer rates it five out of five stars and recommends it to readers who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of humor. The mention of a need for editing suggests some errors in the book. Overall, it appears to be a good read. Evocative descriptions, brought scenes to life.

[Bernard Ndubuisi]

I Love this book perspective, particularly because of It's themes that encompass racism, equality, friendships, love, family, and the power of choice.
It seems captivating and like a book that will address a million dollars question in my heart. Thanks for the good review.

[Charmaine Mahlangu]

This is a good review. I also love the fact that you found no fault in the book that shows that you really enjoyed it . Choices as adults can either make or break us. Choosing wisely is very important but then again...the only way you can truly know if a decision is good or bad , is to make one.

[Sunday N Florence]

The book emphasizes the importance of guiding children gently, helping them understand the reasons behind our advice, and encouraging autonomous, well-informed decisions.

[Marvelly]

I completely agree with this review! The fact that the reviewer found no faults in the book speaks to the author's skillful storytelling. You're so right that the choices we make as adults can either make or break us. While choosing wisely is crucial, it's also true that we can only truly gauge the outcome of a decision by taking the leap and making it. This book seems to capture that essence beautifully, encouraging readers to reflect on their own decision-making processes and the value of exploring different paths in life.

[Mark M Maxwell]

The theme of nurturing children's ability to make informed choices resonates deeply with me. Gary Markman's "Choices" seems to offer a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of understanding the reasons behind our guidance.

[Charmaine Mahlangu]

Sounds mysterious. This is a good review although with your character introduction on the beginning I had to read it twice. Your review is great it makes us also understand the mystery that had to unfold in front of you. Week done

[Abel Timothy]

As Harper's teachings resonate with his students even after his mysterious death, the novel highlights the lasting influence of nurturing and educating young minds with care and understanding.

[Leen282]

Humor always gets me. I love the first sentence of the Amazon summary, stating in a very dry way that the main character does not know he is dead. I am intrigued to read when he will realise, and how it will impact him. I like it that the book dedicates chapters to the characters.

[Liam Patel]

'Choices' underscores the importance of understanding the reasons behind our decisions rather than simply following orders. Thank you for an insightful!

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

Thanks for the good review, I enjoyed it. This book is written well with easy to read prose and a strangely inviting tone. A good plot that has elements in it to advise and teach us.

[Brienna Cooper]

Great review! Wow, I thought I had a certain grasp on what this book will entail, until I got to this:

Harper unexpectedly finds himself on a picturesque path, puzzled by its tranquility, until he encounters his deceased colleague, Mel. The unsettling sight raises questions: Is Harper also dead?

WOAH! Talk about taking a HARD left turn! While this is a concept that’s been done before, this looks to be a nice, fresh take on it. If you kick things off with a surprise like that, I can only imagine what else is in store for the rest of the book.

[Bertha Jackson]

People need to learn that their choices can significantly impact the future. Thank you for your review.

[Sanju Lali]

A humorous heart warming story can be found in the book "Choices" by Gary Markman. The book delves into the significance of our decisions today and how they can shape our lives.