Author: Ginger Garrett
There have been several fictional representations of the book of Esther. Last year I read Hadassah by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen. I really enjoyed this version for its vivid historical details. With this latest version, I was not quite sure how Ginger Garrett could present the familiar story any differently. With an interesting twist, Ginger introduces readers to the Diaries of Queen Esther. I think readers will find a fresh perspective on a well-known and loved heroine.
Drawing from contemporary headlines and archaeology research, Garrett presents a sense of mystery around these supposed diaries of Queen Esther. The historical detail and emotional entries almost have an authentic feel to them. Readers may come away feeling, are these diaries real? Ginger Garrett does not answer yes or no about this question, but apparently her book has caught the interest of many.
With amazing details, Garrett introduces readers to a young Esther at the age of 12. At this age Esther begins recording her life experiences that include her secret crush on young Cyrus. Like a real diary, where one expresses her deepest emotions, readers can connect to Esther’s puppy love feelings. After being rudely taken from her home with Mordecai, she records her anguish and longing to be married to Cyrus instead of having to prepare to meet with the king for one night. Also, like any diary or journal, while reading Esther’s entries readers receive an insightful view of how an unlikely teen transforms into a mature young woman, a woman’s whose faith would save her people.
Esther is one of my favorite women in the bible and I loved Ginger Garrett’s version of the story. She introduces us to several (possible) key people around Esther who helped groom her inside and outside for her special moment. I think Garrett’s version will be a great one to pass onto young females for their reading collection. With her unique style, I’m looking forward to seeing which woman in the bible Garrett will write about next.
Reviewed by Tyora Moody
chbookshelf April 12, 2006
Esther was wrenched from her simple life to become the unwilling wife of a king. She lost her parents, the cousin who raised her, and gave up her first love . . . and for what? The unrestrained extravagance of a royal life. Palace living. A man many years her senior that she didn’t love. A man who chooses his wife by sleeping with virgins.
Esther is incredibly strong though. In a land where women are taught to hold their peace, she has an opinion. She feels free to voice her thoughts and to go against the norm. When the other women are applying their make up and womanly charms to woo the king, Esther chooses simplicity, and ultimately wins.
But what is it that makes Esther different? Why did she stand out? And how did she ultimately save the nation?
I have read a few books this year about Esther and have learned a lot about what might have happened back then. CHOSEN is written in diary form and is allegedly based on the actual lost diaries of Queen Esther (although Ms. Garrett does not comment on whether or not she has ever seen said diaries.) This book is different from the other stories I read, and I can’t say that I liked it as well as I have others. Even though this book is written in diary form, I couldn’t really connect with the characters. Nevertheless, it was interesting seeing this author’s take on how Esther was picked to go to the castle as a candidate for queen and how other events might have occurred.
Even though I couldn’t identify with the Esther portrayed in this book, there were several redeeming qualities, and I won’t say CHOSEN is a disappointment. It is good. Just not outstanding. Recipes and discussion questions are included at the back of the book.
Reviewed by Laura Hilton
allyson February 20, 2009
do you recomend this book for teens (13) who love england in the 15 16 hundreds? i read the one about anne boylen