LDS Books: I Chose You

I Chose You Book Review by Author Lindsey Shumway:

I Chose You is a book that will change the lives of every parent who reads it, the self-esteem of every child who has it read to them, and every person on the planet who has ever measured themselves against someone else and been disappointed. There are many lessons within it’s thirty-two simple pages. In fact, the length of the book makes it’s valuable lessons that much more accessible: that Heavenly Father exists, that we existed before we were born, that family relationships are eternal, that the love of a parent is unconditional, that we each have different talents and abilities which are uniquely important, and that we ourselves are valuable just the way we are.

As a child, I was immeasurably blessed with goodly parents. My mom told me this story literally thousands of times during the course of my childhood. I came to crave it every time I felt I didn’t quite measure up. As most people do, I would compare myself to everyone, “Becca is so good at playing the piano,” “Jennifer has the most beautiful curly hair,” “George is so much smarter than me,” and there were many other shortcomings I imagined within myself. Somehow when my mom told me the story, all those things would disappear. All of a sudden I was so beautiful, and so talented, and so special, that she chose me out of all the kids in heaven!

Now I am a mother. Although my daughter, Jenessa, only survived an hour, I’m still her mother, and I always will be. Sometimes when my heart is aching over the lose of my baby I will take a copy of I Chose You down to the cemetery and read it to her. Having her is what inspired me to put this story down on paper in the first place. I never expected children all over the country to be hearing it; I just wanted my daughter to.

As I have gone to book signings, I have heard many stories of how my book has helped to alleviate the suffering some families have had to face—young children who have been killed in accidents, mothers who are overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood, children who have learning disabilities, children who have been abandoned by their fathers, children who have life-threatening diseases, mothers who have postpartum depression, fathers who are programmed to be “tough” and never show their children love, teenagers who suffer from all manner of destructive behavior. The list goes on. The magic of I Chose You is that it works for everyone, whether you have a child, or are a child. Everyone needs to feel love daily. I Chose You is a tool of sharing and conveying love.

It is remarkable, the power and influence each of us are capable of having. Next time you feel like you’re not measuring up, just remember: you have been blessed with many more talents than you can possibly realize. There are many around you who could benefit from what you have to offer. If you need a reminder of just how special you are, pick up a copy of I Chose You at your local or LDS bookstore. You’ll feel the magic too.

Reviews -

I bought I Chose You for my little grandson who was adopted. It has become his favorite book (and it doesn't even have a firetruck in it). He insists that his mom read it to him every night before he goes to bed. The book isn't specifically for adopted children, but its message seems to be especially endearing for those who are.

What I love about I Chose You is that it seems like "the perfect book" for just about anything. For example, my oldest, Kendall, who is 5, is completely head strong. She and I battle each other ALL DAY LONG. A lot of the time she is just competing for attention with ehr younger sisters. But all I have to do is sit down and read I Chose You to her and she feels like the most special kid in the world.
Or, take for example my mom. One of my brothers has been in and out of jail since he was a teen and I know it breaks her heart. And yet after reading I Chose You she was in tears thinking of the premortal existence where she knew my brother and chose to be his parent.
It seems like no matter what the situation, this book is special! Can't sing its praises enough.