Choices

By Kate Buckley

Binge drinking, date rape, family secrets, and teen pregnancy collide inChoices, a compelling and bumpy coming-of-age journey that hurtles fifteen-year-old Kara MacNeill into a state of panic, fear,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1935359126
• ISBN13: 9781935359128
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Book Publishers Network
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Choices: A Book Every Teenager Should Read

Ever felt like the really tough decisions you face as a young adult, or parent of one, are just too complicated, painful and ultimately not worth facing? Then you should read Kate Buckley's "Choices." In a story of Kara, a young woman who gets pregnant in high school and sees her whole world unraveling in loneliness, fear and rejection, author Buckley reaches deep down into the humanity of Kara herself, her best friend Mel, and her parents, and shows us how their seemingly daunting circumstances turn into a profound wake up call to be courageous, face the truth and discover one of life's miracles: that people deep down inside really do care for each other despite circumstances that may seem impossible. Written with ease and a compelling sense of "I can't put this book down", "Choices" will help you see your way through and shine new light on the choices you face. And for everyone, by the end of the book you'll feel like you are better person. Thank you Kate Buckley for a wonderful gift.

A catalyst for parents and teens....

I recently read the book Choices I was not sure what to expect just knowing it was geared toward teen aged girls. As a mother of a 16 year old girl Choices is a wonderful catalyst for parents and children to have this sometimes "unapproachable talk" about the pressures of drinking, sex, social life and the importance of education. Even as a means for the girls and boys to talk and find out more about each other ...or just to give it food for thought. What would you do if you were in her shoes at what point would it have become different for you? Would it have played out the same? My daughter is dating a boy for a year now. I think it is important to know that there are consequences for every action. Some aren't earth shattering and some change you forever. Just have some forethought.

Must read!!

Reviewed by Tabytha Joy (age 15) for Reader Views (8/07) "Choices" is the story of a teenage girl, Kara, who wants to be more like other girls her age. She wants to go out more often and go out at night, but her parents won't let her. They are strict and give her an early curfew even though she is fifteen. Kara decides to sneak out her bedroom window to go to parties with Jake (a popular boy she meets at a basketball game). Many difficult consequences result from Kara making this choice. After going out with Jake several times, Kara overdoes it with Jell-o shots at a party and ends up getting raped. She does not tell anyone what has happened until she discovers she is pregnant. Kara lives in Colorado where you must have a parent's permission, if you are under eighteen, even to get birth control. After this happens, Kara blames herself for everything. She becomes depressed and hopeless. She thinks because she made bad decisions that she must suffer for them. But as the story unfolds, Kara learns a lot, and she grows. I really enjoyed reading this book and it taught me some very good lessons. One of those lessons is that your parents tell you "no" because they want to protect you in every way possible. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way to understand why your parents are the way they are. Anything can happen to anyone, at any time. But, if something happens to you, it is not always your fault. Sometimes you are a victim, and sometimes, just talking about it and getting your feelings out can help you begin to feel better. "Choices" is a must read for everyone! We can all relate to something in this story. Great job, Kate!

Important contribution to teen audiences.

This well-written novel embraces controversial subjects faced by girls everywhere as they navigate through the difficult years of adolescence. Buckley deftly takes us inside the thoughts and feelings of her main character as we follow her through very difficult teen circumstances and choices. This is a book that deals with monumental issues... and it is done in an emotional, compelling, and balanced way. CHOICES is an important contribution to teen literature. Bravo!

Excellent read

Kate Buckley has used a compelling plot and clear writing to put together a primer for teens (and their parents) trying to navigate through adolescence in the 21st century. By keeping the chapters brief and the plot moving fast, she has provided an excellent guide to issue after issue after issue -- from young passions stimulated by emotions and perceived needs all the way to old passions stimulated by red meat politicians who care more about getting elected than showing any compassion. Teachers and counselors, too, should read and use this book.