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Choosing Honor: An American Woman’s Search for God, Family and Country in an Age of Corruption

Mary T. Ficalora
Avail Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979935909
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Opinions. I believe that is what this book is really about. This is a story of one woman’s opinion, however good or bad, however much you agree or disagree. The great thing about Mary T. Ficalora is that she has also left us with places to look for proof of what she is discussing. Not too many authors are willing to do that. They state their opinions however strong they are, but they hardly show proof to support those opinions. I liked that about this book.

I can honestly say, in some of the chapters of this book, I could not follow everything that Mary was trying to tell us. I understood a large portion of it; however, I didn’t really form an opinion of my own on some of the things that she talked about. Because I wasn’t sure exactly WHAT she was talking about.  I did agree on some things. The most interesting thing that came to light was when she talked about the War in Iraq.  I believe that our men and women do not deserve to be on the forefront of the war, fighting for who knows what anymore. I know that our troops are there to protect us from terrorists entering our country and destroying a lot of things and a lot of people, but I just don't know if I agree with our young people being there.

Religious beliefs and what we were taught about them seemed to be the main topic. I am not sure that I agree with all that Mary said about different religions, but some of her thoughts were very similar to mine. I also believe that different religions worship the same Messiah, which to me would be Jesus Christ and God. God is called different names in different religions, but I think his meaning to them is the same in some and different in others. I share her opinion about the churches and what we are taught when we are young. She says that what we are taught might not always be the truth. I think that above all this book is a very interesting read. Mary brings a lot of things to mind, that a lot of people have thought about and never really got any answers too. She talks about family and jobs and life. She talks about the President, schools and money. It is definitely one of those books that make you think. It is very hard to explain, in one review, all of Mary’s points she is trying to make, so I suggest that you buy a copy and read it. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, I just wonder what Mary is asking us, to try and fight the system? As we all know, the system is so very hard to fight. I agree that we should all pull together and do something, but what that something is, I have no clue.

This is truly a book for thought. I would recommend “Choosing Honor” for young adults and adults. Take your time reading it. A lot of the book makes very good sense. I commend Mary on being brave enough to speak out for her beliefs. I try to teach my children the same. I try and teach them to stick up for themselves no matter what. The world is a scary and very ugly place sometimes. We all have to deal with it in our own way; this book helps us to see what other people think of the world as well.

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