The Book Choices Novels & Stories

Derick is standing in the doorway with a scowl on his face. I stuff the pictures in my back pocket. “I... uh...was just looking for something to read.” I turn to the book shelf and grab any book. I read it. “War and Peace. Sounds good.” I tip the book at him and walk past. He eyes me the whole way. I run up the stairs to my room and lock the door. I bounce on my bed and lay out the pictures. I pick up one of my mother and Darren kissing her cheek. I smile.

Six years later, I was invited by my best friend to return to the country for a gathering with my former classmates. In these six years, I had traveled around the world. From the Northern glaciers to the prairie in Aswata, the towering rainforest in South Agrela, and the beaches of Oshuria—I visited them all. My travel diary had become a best-selling book, and the photographs I had taken had also won a global award. I had finally become the person I always wanted to be. I was free, independent, and full of spirit.

I'm gonna choose one to three books only, I can't handle reading multiple books at a time. I walk through the billionaire genre sub-section which is clearly inscribed on the long shelf admiring each book I see. I pick up each of the books the book cover and title attracts me to scan through, for some attempting to scan through the main body to check if there's anything that interests me. At last I end up taking down with me three books, which suit my taste at this particular time. Pride of the Billionaire Bachelor, 1095 Days of Dangerous Temptation and Second Chance for the Billionaire.

He shifts back; putting a seat between us and truly looking horrified. Bibah simply shakes her head at our childish shenanigans and takes a sip of her iced latte, metal straw clinking in the Hydro Flask. “The Awoo Book Club’s pick for this week is H.P Lovecraft.” She pats the voluminous book atop the pile and I notice it’s the library copy of H.P Lovecraft’s Omnibus 3. “I’m so excited to roast his ass.”

The book in Rael’s hands shifted once more, a final message seared into the pages: THE HOLLOW CROWN HAS CHOSEN. Rael’s breath caught. The choice had been made. But by whom?

he insisted, and then turned to me "It's up to Khez to decide" they looked at me seriously as they waited for my answer. I looked carefully first in case someone would break down and give a sign "Let's go" I said and chose the left direction. They did the same they followed my choice. I was in the lead and they were behind me Is this really right? As my breath went in the direction I had chosen life got here it was not just a simple choice if not a serious choice of life decision.

“There were so many good books at the library. Why did you have to choose a book with a trope like that, Melinda?” He spread out a few books in front of me as he continued; pointing to each one of them as he spoke, “You could have chosen a book loaded with humor to make you laugh; or science fiction story that explores the vastness of the universe; or, you could have chosen a book where the main leads live a long, happy life surrounded by loved one.” He threw up his hands in frustration. “But, NO. You had to choose a heart-breaking story that will shatter your soul and make you cry.” “Why are you over reacting like this Kain?” I held my head and sighed. “It is just a novel.”

As a choice. The best kind.

There is so much I want to say to him. “Lilah?” Charles calls, bringing me back to earth. “Yes?” “I asked you a question.” “Oh yes, you did.” I give him a brief smile. “If I had to choose a favorite book, I would have to say—” “The Hangmen series by Tillie Cole,” Beau says before I can. I turn to face him with my eyes wide and my mouth hanging open. I can’t believe he just said that. “How did you know?”

ONE MOMENT IT IS RAINING THE NEXT MOMENT THE SUN IS SHINING, SOME PEOPLE SAY CAPE TOWN WEATHER IS LIKE A WOMAN'S MOOD, ALWAYS CHANGING. SHE WENT TO SIT DOWN AND PLACED HER CUP ON A COASTER ON THE COFFEE TABLE. SHE TOOK A DEEP BREATH IN AND SLOWLY BREATHED IT OUT AGAIN. SHE WANTED TO CLEAR HER THOUGHTS. SHE NEEDED TO DECIDE WHAT SHE WAS GOING TO DO. SHE COULDN'T KEEP THIS SITUATION GOING. SHE NEEDED TO MAKE A CHOICE. SHE KNEW SHE LOVED BOTH AND SHE LOVED THEM IN DIFFERENT WAYS. THEY WERE BOTH SO DIFFERENT, SHE JUST COULDN'T BRING HERSELF TO CHOOSE.