Review of Choices

[Upasana Vidish Purohit]

"Choices" by Gary Markman seems really thought-provoking read. The theme moves around racism, friendships, love, family, and the power of choice. So it is going to impact on so much on reader. Very interesting and engaging review.

[Abhishek Kumar Gupta]

Your reflections on *Choices* by Gary Markman are insightful and thought-provoking. It's fascinating how the book intertwines with the themes of personal impact and decision-making, resonating with Harper's philosophy of questioning norms and the enduring influence on his students. Your connection to the characters and the emotional journey you experienced highlights the book's powerful storytelling. The parallels you draw with *Class of Lies* add depth to your review, and your emphasis on the book's humor, suspense, and valuable life lessons make it clear why it deserves a five-star rating. Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive and heartfelt review.

[mrlefty0706]

“Choices” by Gary Markman is a story about teenage students and what they learn in high school about making decisions now that can shape the rest of their lives. Harper James loved his life as a teacher and really wanted his students to openly question norms and focus on being a success in life. Harper emphasized his philosophy to five of his students: Eddie, Devi, Arianna, Fazzi and Robby. All five are unique in their own ways. Their physical sizes were very different as were their outlooks on life. Robby, a small very smart boy was a twin with a large brother named Billy that had plans to play in the NFL. Suddenly, Harper is dead and does not know it. He is walking along a path and meets up with a good friend that had died years earlier and he suddenly realizes he must be dead. This is a fascinating story about the choices one makes in life. An excellent official review and a book I plan to read after completing the sample.

[Omjay Puyed]

Great,as a adult they know what want to do what is our work as a adult. This book was quite impressive ,nice review it's helpful to me to read this book .

[Gladis Ratish Kumar]

The review offered valuable insights. The book appears intriguing, offering important life lessons on making informed decisions, all with a touch of humor. I'm eager to dive into it.

[Jessica Uchechi Azuka]

I have watched "Class of Lies" also and I agree with it having an interesting storyline. What I don't understand is why the book cover looks like an Indian movie poster. Well, congratulations to the author on winning book of the day.

[Reva Parker]

Thank you for your great review. I thought the book that I have sampled so far is very interesting too. I also liked the character development and how the different characters somehow fit together. After reading your review, I have decided to add it to my list of books to read. Teaching is such a hard profession but the right teacher can make all of the difference.

[Harshitha G B]

This book emphasis on how adult got power to influence on children to take decision which alters the whole life in upcoming time. So, how to use it in meaningful way to help them to have wise choice and consequences about choice are discussed here.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

At first I wasn’t sure if this was fiction or non fiction but it appears to be fiction with a message. An interesting premise for a novel.

[Nerea]

We all have choices to make and shouldn't make decisions based on what others think. I find this book to contain practical tips that help each individual make informed choice. What makes me want to read the book is to find out what caused Harper's demise and how did his students react to that tragic event?! Congratulations on being the BOTD.

[Gerry Steen]

If you favorite teacher died today, would you miss them? Would you be able to state how they impacted your life. Harper left his students. How had he impacted them? Read all about it in the Book of the Day.

[Naushin Moledina]

As nurturers of children, our role is to guide rather than impose, helping them understand the reasons behind our advice. "Choices" by Gary Markman explores the impact of our decisions on our lives. The story follows Harper, whose teachings influence his students' lives even after his death, delving into themes of racism, equality, and the power of choice. The book's balanced pacing, humor, and emotional depth make it an engaging read. Though it needs another round of editing, it's a heartwarming story with valuable insights for young adults, earning a five-star rating. Thank you for a great review.

[Rahul Singh 29]

The book highlights how every choice we make, big or small, deeply affects our lives and those of others. Harper's saying, "Difficulty and Impossible are Not Synonyms," inspires strength and the belief that challenges can be conquered. This idea strongly motivates readers to keep going through hard times. Congratulations on #BOTD!

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

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.

******
Choices
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

This book asserts that our choices make a larger impact than we think they do. The premise is a bit similar to the other "teacher changes students for the better" stories out there, with a little twist. Having characters that make you cry is definitely a huge plus. I cannot wait to find out what happens to them.

[Boring Pigeon]

This review beautifully captures the essence of 'Choices' by Gary Markman! I'm impressed by the reviewer's thoughtful analysis of the book's themes, characters, and impact. The comparison to the Korean movie 'Class of Lies' adds a fascinating layer of depth to the review. I'm intrigued by the book's exploration of decision-making, friendship, and personal growth, and I appreciate the reviewer's honest feedback about the editing. Overall, a wonderful review that makes me want to read the book!