In Gordon MacKinney's "A Time of Your Choosing," a future California allows citizens over 81 to legally end their lives, a practice embraced by the religious movement, the Bridgers. Ketch Immer, alongside his father, provides high-tech assisted dying services, their business booming. However, when a controversial study "proves" an afterlife, the Bridgers sue for universal access to assisted dying, pushing the boundaries of age and choice. Led by the enigmatic Jane Go, the movement throws Ketch, a reluctant participant, into a fierce societal debate. He must navigate the pressures of opposing factions and confront his family's past while unraveling Jane Go's secrets to determine the true value of life, both in this world and beyond.
Review A Time of Your Choosing
Oh my goodness, you guys, I just finished reading "A Time of Your Choosing" by Gordon MacKinney, and I'm still reeling! It's one of those books that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, which is always a good sign, right? The premise itself – a future California where assisted dying is legal for those over 81 – is fascinating and immediately grabbed my attention. It’s a what-if scenario that felt both wildly imaginative and eerily plausible, prompting all sorts of "what if" questions swirling in my head.
The story follows Ketch Immer and his father, who run a business providing, shall we say, high-end services for those choosing to "cross the bridge," a term used by the Bridgers, a religious movement embracing assisted suicide. From the very beginning, I found myself completely invested in Ketch. He's not your typical protagonist; he's introverted, a little hesitant, yet deeply compassionate. Watching him navigate this complex world, grappling with his family's history and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his profession, was utterly compelling. The author did a fantastic job making Ketch relatable, even though his situation is far from ordinary.
The introduction of Jane Go, the veiled figurehead of the Bridgers, adds another layer of intrigue. Her motives are shrouded in mystery, and the author keeps you guessing right up until the very end. I loved the subtle way the story unfolds; it’s not a simple, straightforward narrative, but rather a rich tapestry woven with threads of faith, family, and the very nature of life and death. The pacing was perfect; there were moments of intense drama and suspense, punctuated by quieter, more reflective passages that allowed me to truly connect with the characters and their emotions.
What truly sets this novel apart, though, is its exploration of assisted suicide without resorting to preachiness or taking sides. MacKinney masterfully presents different viewpoints, allowing the reader to form their own conclusions without feeling pressured. It’s a brave and sensitive approach to a deeply sensitive subject. The book doesn't shy away from the difficult emotions involved – grief, fear, hope, acceptance – and portrays them with such honesty and nuance. It’s not always easy reading, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own unique struggles and perspectives. The conflicts aren’t just between the Bridgers and their opponents; they're also internal, playing out within families and individuals as they confront their own mortality and beliefs. This added a layer of complexity that made the story even more gripping.
Overall, "A Time of Your Choosing" is a brilliant piece of work. It’s thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and beautifully written. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys novels that challenge your thinking and leave you pondering the big questions long after you've finished reading. It's a book that will spark conversations and stay with you for a long time to come. Five stars, absolutely!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 309
- Publication date: 2024
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