One Plus One: A Novel
N**Z
Worth every penny
Since graduating high school in June and between working, I've nearly forgot just how much I love reading. I bought One Plus One after seeing it on the New York Best Sellers List. And it was with every single penny.Now I promise, I'll be short. So please bear through and read thoroughly (:So now for my review (with spoilers):I LOVED EVERYTHING about this book. I loved how real and believable the events could be and how these kinds of problems could happen to just about anyone in their situation. I LOVED how diverse Jess's kids are. The fact that Nicky and Tanze couldn't be anymore different from eachother but still have a bond as a family makes my heart melt. I also enjoyed the fact that Nicky wore mascara and eyeliner -i don't know why but I just do. I loved how Tanze is crazy about math and the relationship with Norman?? The way he saved her life?? Ohh my good Lord, I actually cried and started to shake until he swooped in and saved her. God bless that dog. I loved how the kids developed so much, and for the better. Especially Nicky. His blog not only saved Normans life, but it also in a way saved perspective on life; he was so less hateful and finally saw that their are good people in this world sometimes, even after all the bulls***, things turn out to okay.As for Jess's soon to be ex husband (the slime all he is), I was SO happy to see that Jess finally finalized the divorce and will start to get child support for the kids!! God, I was so happy. When he said "your kids" when him and Jess were arguing infront his new house pushed me over the edge. But I'm relieved to know that atleast now he will start sending the money. I wouldn't care if he was involved in their loves because who needs a scumbag like that right? They're so much more better off.Now about Ed.What can I say, I'm a sucker for a man who loves kids and puts other people before himself-I loved this character! I loved how he not only eventually realized that he need to stop being a "Marty" and man up to his problems and see his family more often. I loved how he actually loved the whole trip to Scottland and the way he helped Nicky with the bullying. My heart melts. And his relationship with Jess...was just perfect. I loved how they slowly fell in love with each other, how they realized they were soul mates. I loved how he came back and is now a part of their everyday lives. I love how much he had changed as a person and now had a family with Jess Nicky Tanze and Norman<3And as for Jess.Me coming from a family that has always had debt up to their ears, living from paycheck to paycheck, I can relate to Jess on a personal level. The constant struggle to get by is so relatable and it was heartbreaking to see her struggle so much, just like my mom does. But as soon as Ed showed up, I knew he'd be their hero. The fact that she loved her kids so much and does everything she can to make them safe and happy .. It just reminds me of my mom and all the bull we've been through. I'm sooooo happy that even after all the drama after the trip, she ends up with a new business and has a relationship with Ed. You guys don't know how happy I was to read that, because she deserves to be happy. Her, Nicky, Tanze, Ed, and Norman<3 and it gives me hope that although I'm struggling now, maybe..just maybe..with time, everything will be okay.I read this book in just two days and is a part of my life now<3. Of all the decisions I've made the past year, I'm so happy I bought this book. I'm sad that it had to come to an end, but atleast I'll always have the satisfaction of knowing that somewhere in the world of fiction, where theres a world that brings all these stories to life, Ed is driving that small mini. Holding Jess's hand, while the kids are in the back with Norman, talking a family trip to another destination; as one amazing happy family.And if that doesn't just warm your heart, then I don't know what will.As for anyone who actually read this, give me an email and let me know what you think :) and if anyone ever just wants to talk, I'm just an email away :)[email protected] and about me being short, I didn't technically lie.....I'm actually 5'2.*insert trip face here*
A**N
4 out of 5 Stars
Jessica Rae Thomas has got to be one of the most positive people and rightful people on the world. She is broke to the bone and has two children to raise. Her husband is off "for recovery" and not supporting her family with a single pound. Still, she wants to grant her daughter the opportunity of lifetime by enabling her to go to a costly private school which will be targeting Tanzie's math skills.So when she decides to take a run down car to drive her family plus dog from South England to Scotland for a maths competition that might pay for Tanzie's tuition fees, and that car actually breaks down in the middle of the road, she never thought that Ed Nicholls would be the one to come to her rescue. The arrogant wealthy arse who's beachhouse she cleans on a regular basis. However, Ed has trouble of his own and for some reason, he decides to embark onto tthat chaotic trip to Scotland with them.Since I read and absolutely loved Me Before You from the same author, it was nearly impossible not to read this new book, especially given that the plot sounded so fresh and nice. Who doesn't love a geeky millionaire and a family in need.To be very honest with you, this felt like a real life parody of Little Miss Sunshine. The similarities were absolutely obvious: you have the eccentric little daughter going of to a competition (maths/beauty pageant - sounds about the the same) and that troubled teenager with a goth haircut, and a mother who is hell bent on making this trip work out so she can give her child what she feels it deserves.But apart from those similarities, the whole story was very-well customised and exudes the lovely english charm that I don't come across often, given the very little "english" books I read. It is also a very striking comparison of two worlds: the big city London life were yuppies and self made men indulge in fancy things, and the life on the outskirts of the city, where a family barely has £12 a day as a food budget.Some parts of the story will make you laugh and some parts will make you cry. You will most definitely fall in love with Jessica's quirky character and positive vision of life, and you will become a great fan of Ed Nicholls and witness how something even more chaotic than the professional predicament he is in can actually bring him peace and happiness. It's a beautiful story about unexpected situations, finding happiness, and starting over.However, do not expect any steamy scenes here - everything is being kept on a very light level, but the story is so sweet you don't actually miss it...
L**J
A definite keeper - one to read over and over.
I've read and enjoyed most of Jojo Moyes' books and was pleased to get this one from my local library. By the time I was halfway through I didn't want to give it back! In fact I enjoyed it so much I bought a copy so I can read it again after a few months.As always, Moyes has created a cast of plausible and endearing characters. They're not perfect; they have weaknesses and make mistakes, there are consequences to their mistakes and they suffer as a result, besides also suffering due to chance events or the unkindness of others. But please don't think this is a depressing book - it's quite the opposite. I found it uplifting and optimistic. I really engaged with the characters and was desperate for things to work out well for them. It isn't schmaltzy, it doesn't give any overly-simplistic answers or solutions. It made me grin; it made me chuckle out loud; and it made me weep. My Mum read it after me and also loved it. I honestly can't remember being so gripped by the characters in a novel - I would t hesitate to recommend it.
M**D
Great story !
Have read the earlier Moyles novels and found them to be good.This one is no exception,its about aspired lady and her children who have to go on a journey to try and secure a better future for her daughter who is a math whiz kid.She teams up with her employer and together they all embark on a long journey to the North of the country.As the story enfolds it will keep your interest as it gallops along at a good pace.I won't spoil the plot, it is better than I expected ,stayed up into the early hours reading it as I wanted to know what happens next.Good writer recommended story.
R**S
The One Plus One
This is a very different book to Jojo's usual, really good nonetheless.Story of an IT Geek Ed who gets involved in a financial scandal meeting Jess, his cleaner/barmaid struggling to make ends meet, two unlikely candidates for love but fate has other ideas. They embark on a road journey to Scotland with Jess's daughter Tanzie (a Maths genius), Nicky , a Goth and Norman, their big sloppy, drooling, smelly dog. What unfolds is a road journey which has me me laughing out loud along with some more serious moments when the the local bullies, the Fischers attack Nicky or Tanzie. In the end a mistake made by Jess which was done in desperation results in this cosy setup unraveling and the question is whether Ed and Jess can get past it?A lovely story about how love can sometimes be found in the most unlikeliest of places
C**8
Go on treat yourself to a bit of magic!!!
A really lovely read. Go on, treat yourself to a bit of literary magic!! She's struggling with life - kids, relationships, jobs, a really bright kid and another who is really struggling with identity and other people. He makes a really serious error of judgement. Life unravels in very plausible ways for both central characters and both have "real issues" to deal with. Their stories are compelling and heartwarming because, in a world riddled with cant, doubt, hypocrisy and strident disbelief, here is a story that presents life as it should be and very much as we all want it to be. It encourages you to "keep the faith" that there are lots more of us good 'uns out there than there are crummy, spiteful, sh**eads intent on despoiling everything and hurting everyone. Me? I want to be in that other place where life is good and great things happen ... if you only believe they will. Enjoy it. I did!
M**E
Does not make any sense to me
Apart from the first book I have read, i.e. Me before you, the others are really not impressive at all. I know a novel is a make up story, there are plots that you just cannot argue with. But they do not even make any sense to me! For example, when the girl's glasses were broken by her dog, this man went to a chemist and bought glasses of ALL prescriptions and forced his way into the examination hall to pass them to the girl. I don't think these are all workable (got all different glasses and pushed them through while an examination is going on!) Not unless everyone there are insane. This scene so put me off that I really did not have the mood to read on. And this is the second unfinished book written by JoJo Moyes. How I wish I had not purchased the lot of books together!!
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