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cosmogirl22's review against another edition
3.0
This book was just entertaining but just okay. No extravagant plot, no twists or turns, just a different than most love story. I liked the feel good ending but it literally took me a while to get there. However if you're a football girl like me, you might enjoy this book a little more.
jackieorlowski's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this started off really slow but the more I got into it, the more I just could NOT put it down. I loved the characters, and it was interesting to see how my feelings about them changed as the book went on. I was rooting for Shea the whole time, but had so much respect for her choices and judgement, proving that sometimes the right thing is not the easy thing. I also don't think that I could have loved Coach Carr's character more, it made me wonder who Giffin used as her inspiration to create him. I would absolutely recommend this book to readers of Chick Lit who are sick of female magazine journalists (Shea is a sports writer), traditional love stories, and the idea that the love for a man conquers all (think "Frozen" and the love of your girlfriends). If you're a football fan, this will be even more of an enjoyable read and will get you wishing that August was a little bit closer!
abbielarchibald's review against another edition
3.0
I love her writing style but I hated this storyline!
k_wall's review against another edition
3.0
I have to start my review by saying that I went to high school where football was a big thing and the whole town got into it. We were a team that won A LOT, and for that reason I feel like I enjoyed this book a little bit more than others might. I could relate to the main character, Shea, and all of her feelings about big game days.
So this book starts at the funeral of Connie Carr, the football coaches wife. Also, Shea's best friend Lucy's mother. It then goes through telling us about how Shea got to where she is in life. It seems like she has settled. Since the passing of Connie, Coach Carr starts to help Shea find the life that she thought she always wanted. The perfect job and the perfect boyfriend. As things play out though, we find that things aren't always as "perfect" as they seem.
***SPOILER****
I will say that the biggest reason I did not give this book a higher rating was because A) this felt like a lot of the other books I have read by Emily Giffin and B) I felt a lot like Lucy and Shea's mother...I didn't think it was right that she date Coach Carr. I thought it insensitive and a little weird. I understand her hero worship crush, but she had to know what that would do to his family so shortly after losing someone special.
Overall I could relate to the characters, and I thought it was just an easy feel good read.
So this book starts at the funeral of Connie Carr, the football coaches wife. Also, Shea's best friend Lucy's mother. It then goes through telling us about how Shea got to where she is in life. It seems like she has settled. Since the passing of Connie, Coach Carr starts to help Shea find the life that she thought she always wanted. The perfect job and the perfect boyfriend. As things play out though, we find that things aren't always as "perfect" as they seem.
***SPOILER****
I will say that the biggest reason I did not give this book a higher rating was because A) this felt like a lot of the other books I have read by Emily Giffin and B) I felt a lot like Lucy and Shea's mother...I didn't think it was right that she date Coach Carr. I thought it insensitive and a little weird. I understand her hero worship crush, but she had to know what that would do to his family so shortly after losing someone special.
Overall I could relate to the characters, and I thought it was just an easy feel good read.
smallafterall's review against another edition
3.0
Why did I keep reading this book if all I did as I listened was keep rolling my eyes at the characters and situations? I usually really enjoy Emily Giffin and take her books at face value. Her characters are likable here as they usually are, except the ones who are not supposed to be likable. The whole setup just seemed really impossible. Really? Really? I kept thinking. Not offensive nor horribly written, just odd. Actually, as I think about it, perhaps it was a bit offensive. When I wrote this review this morning, I was thinking more of the writing style. Reflecting on what actually happened in the book, and I'm more and more convinced it really was kind of terrible. I don't really expect social commentary from an Emily Giffin book, but since she brought it up herself, her take on domestic violence and ethics in college sports left a lot to be desired.
cmrush810's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a huge Emily Giffin fan. I have read and love all of her books until this one. I'm not entirely sure why. It seemed to take a long time to get where it was going with the implied story line and not enough time staying with that thought before it all got twisted up. I'd be curious what other fans thought of this one.
jwreads84's review against another edition
1.0
Well written as usual for Emily but such a weird premise and ODD story line...a real disappointment.
erincataldi's review against another edition
2.0
Giffin, Emily. The One & Only. 12 CDs. unabridged. 15 hrs. Books on Tape. 2014. ISBN 9780804127585.
Shea Rigsby has been in a rut her entire life she just doesn't realize it. Born and raised in Walker, Texas Shea's whole life has revolved around football. After graduating from college she stayed behind in her hometown to work for the college athletic department, not even considering any other options. It also didn't help that her best friend's father is the legendary Walker football coach and close personal friend. When tragedy strikes the Walker community Shea finds herself closely examining her future. Is this what she truly wants out of life? At Coach's insistence she starts to branch out of her safety net and see what awaits her. Shea is forced to confront her fears, see the truth in others, and follow her heart. Shea's story starts fast and compelling but slowly peetered out to it's inevitable conclusion. Along the way were several cringe worthy moments and awkward scenarios. Narrator, Sofia Willingham saved this story from being too bogged down in football and awkwardness, and her cool narration kept the story engaging. For fans of chick lit and Emily Giffin. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin IN
Shea Rigsby has been in a rut her entire life she just doesn't realize it. Born and raised in Walker, Texas Shea's whole life has revolved around football. After graduating from college she stayed behind in her hometown to work for the college athletic department, not even considering any other options. It also didn't help that her best friend's father is the legendary Walker football coach and close personal friend. When tragedy strikes the Walker community Shea finds herself closely examining her future. Is this what she truly wants out of life? At Coach's insistence she starts to branch out of her safety net and see what awaits her. Shea is forced to confront her fears, see the truth in others, and follow her heart. Shea's story starts fast and compelling but slowly peetered out to it's inevitable conclusion. Along the way were several cringe worthy moments and awkward scenarios. Narrator, Sofia Willingham saved this story from being too bogged down in football and awkwardness, and her cool narration kept the story engaging. For fans of chick lit and Emily Giffin. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin IN
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
All you faithful fans of best-selling author, Emily Giffin— will be applauding her latest book, THE ONLY AND ONLY.
Yes, she knows how to write chick lit, as I am one of her biggest fans, as have read ALL her books. Yes, Something Borrowed and Something Blue and all the others, were totally awesome—yet she tackled a challenging and different type of relationship in THE ONE AND ONLY -pulling it off as a winning touchdown, with another five star bestseller winner!
THE ONE AND ONLY is her best novel yet, and sure to rise to the top of the charts quickly. Of course, there is much publicity about this book and the controversial nature, however, making it even sexier! (guys will love it)
Every author has to expand their writing; hey, not every book has to be about trendy and chic Manhattan. I thought it was brilliant—who knows go “big or go home, big hair, and football”, better than the South (Texas), and especially Dallas Cowboys? JR would have been proud!
This book will make you laugh out loud. Highly recommend the audiobook, as Sofia Willingham was the true Texan with her lazy southern accent and so sexy, pulling you into the story and drama. (Performer for The Stark Trilogy). I loved the part with Shea’s mom talking about her ex-husband’s small penis, and the day at the hair salon with gay guys–classic! going big or go home—blow out and spray tanning. I had to rewind several times, it was too good!
Who hasn't drooled over a good looking hunky football coach?
Giffin sets up every play with careful placement and precision. Would love to see a another movie based on her book--with George Clooney as Coach, Ruth Witerspoon (as she does southern so well) as Shea; maybe Channing Tatum, as Ryan and not sure about Lucy and the rest of the cast - may have to think a little more.
Think, funny, sexy, sarcastic, like Jennifer Weiner and controversial topics of sports and domestic abuse, with dynamic highly charged family dynamics of Jodi Picoult style, mixed with a little of football passion of The Blindside, and smart, and genuine Emily Giffin style ---and you have the unique version of The One and Only.
Thirty-three year old Shea Rigsby, a small-town Texan college girl from Walker, Texas who lives for football, especially college football. She works for the local university, which has a strong football team coached by Clive Carr, the father of Shea's best friend Lucy.
As the book opens, Lucy’s mom Connie dies, due to cancer and they are attending the funeral. Connie Carr is the matriarch of the family and the glue holding them all together.
Lucy is more on the conservative type - pearls, and classic Southern belle), married to Neil with daughter, brother, Lawton. Shea is beautiful but not a girls girl – she is more a sports freak and is turned on with football and stats.
Shea’s parents are divorced, so she grew up around the Carr family. . Coach Carr is her role model, as she lives and breathes football. (Literally). Shea is very loyal to her friend.
As she makes decisions about her career and her dating life, (wanting to escape her boring life to do something different). She breaks up with her boyfriend (he wants to maintain the friends with benefit status) NO thanks ----
Shea takes an exciting job working as a sports editor for The Dallas Post—as they are investigating Walker. She also begins dating the high profile Ryan, famous quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys – the guy any woman would fall for. Think Porsche, money, looks, abs, hot body– he has it all, and is in love with Shea . . .
A few minor problems: Ryan is violent, and controlling (his ex-wife has already warned her). And, Shea is in love with Coach Carr and cannot stop thinking about him!
As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most - and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.
First she has to see if Coach Carr returns the same feeling, and how she could possibly have a relationship with her best friend’s father? Could she? A very realistic situation – found myself pulling for Shea and Coach Carr – they deserve a little happiness and a match made in heaven!
There is a lot of substance and depth to this masterfully crafted novel, as football is such a highly competitive and loyal sport--with passion and love for the game, as well as obsession. An extraordinary story of love and loyalty, and an unconventional heroine struggling to reconcile both.
Emily tackled some highly charged subjects of abuse with dating relationships, sports, bribes, athletes, and relationships between coaches and players. What happened the night prior to the Cotton Bowl which could have changed lives and history?
The One and Only is a novel about finding your passion, your love, and following your heart. Only you, yourself can make your dreams come true and make life worth living – A star!
Being Emily graduated (undergraduate) at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC (my home town) before law school, and she was the men’s basketball manager at Wake, can see her writing this book. I can almost envision her playing Shea opposite George Clooney! (they would make quite the couple). Plus you got to love her living in Atlanta as she is a southern gal now- hence Football! (have lived in Atlanta most of my career before moving to West Palm Beach, so Atlanta is home for me…she joins the rest of the Atlanta group of my favorite authors!)
No, I am not a diehard football fan; however, having 2 sons playing football, basketball, golf, tennis, and wrestling from junior high, high school, and college, spending numerous hours on the football field, for every game, and yes, when you live in the south, it is a way of life, and life is like a game of football!
JDCMustReadBooks
Check out Emily's latest, First Comes Love , Coming June 28!
Yes, she knows how to write chick lit, as I am one of her biggest fans, as have read ALL her books. Yes, Something Borrowed and Something Blue and all the others, were totally awesome—yet she tackled a challenging and different type of relationship in THE ONE AND ONLY -pulling it off as a winning touchdown, with another five star bestseller winner!
THE ONE AND ONLY is her best novel yet, and sure to rise to the top of the charts quickly. Of course, there is much publicity about this book and the controversial nature, however, making it even sexier! (guys will love it)
Every author has to expand their writing; hey, not every book has to be about trendy and chic Manhattan. I thought it was brilliant—who knows go “big or go home, big hair, and football”, better than the South (Texas), and especially Dallas Cowboys? JR would have been proud!
This book will make you laugh out loud. Highly recommend the audiobook, as Sofia Willingham was the true Texan with her lazy southern accent and so sexy, pulling you into the story and drama. (Performer for The Stark Trilogy). I loved the part with Shea’s mom talking about her ex-husband’s small penis, and the day at the hair salon with gay guys–classic! going big or go home—blow out and spray tanning. I had to rewind several times, it was too good!
Who hasn't drooled over a good looking hunky football coach?
Giffin sets up every play with careful placement and precision. Would love to see a another movie based on her book--with George Clooney as Coach, Ruth Witerspoon (as she does southern so well) as Shea; maybe Channing Tatum, as Ryan and not sure about Lucy and the rest of the cast - may have to think a little more.
Think, funny, sexy, sarcastic, like Jennifer Weiner and controversial topics of sports and domestic abuse, with dynamic highly charged family dynamics of Jodi Picoult style, mixed with a little of football passion of The Blindside, and smart, and genuine Emily Giffin style ---and you have the unique version of The One and Only.
Thirty-three year old Shea Rigsby, a small-town Texan college girl from Walker, Texas who lives for football, especially college football. She works for the local university, which has a strong football team coached by Clive Carr, the father of Shea's best friend Lucy.
As the book opens, Lucy’s mom Connie dies, due to cancer and they are attending the funeral. Connie Carr is the matriarch of the family and the glue holding them all together.
Lucy is more on the conservative type - pearls, and classic Southern belle), married to Neil with daughter, brother, Lawton. Shea is beautiful but not a girls girl – she is more a sports freak and is turned on with football and stats.
Shea’s parents are divorced, so she grew up around the Carr family. . Coach Carr is her role model, as she lives and breathes football. (Literally). Shea is very loyal to her friend.
As she makes decisions about her career and her dating life, (wanting to escape her boring life to do something different). She breaks up with her boyfriend (he wants to maintain the friends with benefit status) NO thanks ----
Shea takes an exciting job working as a sports editor for The Dallas Post—as they are investigating Walker. She also begins dating the high profile Ryan, famous quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys – the guy any woman would fall for. Think Porsche, money, looks, abs, hot body– he has it all, and is in love with Shea . . .
A few minor problems: Ryan is violent, and controlling (his ex-wife has already warned her). And, Shea is in love with Coach Carr and cannot stop thinking about him!
As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most - and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.
First she has to see if Coach Carr returns the same feeling, and how she could possibly have a relationship with her best friend’s father? Could she? A very realistic situation – found myself pulling for Shea and Coach Carr – they deserve a little happiness and a match made in heaven!
There is a lot of substance and depth to this masterfully crafted novel, as football is such a highly competitive and loyal sport--with passion and love for the game, as well as obsession. An extraordinary story of love and loyalty, and an unconventional heroine struggling to reconcile both.
Emily tackled some highly charged subjects of abuse with dating relationships, sports, bribes, athletes, and relationships between coaches and players. What happened the night prior to the Cotton Bowl which could have changed lives and history?
The One and Only is a novel about finding your passion, your love, and following your heart. Only you, yourself can make your dreams come true and make life worth living – A star!
Being Emily graduated (undergraduate) at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC (my home town) before law school, and she was the men’s basketball manager at Wake, can see her writing this book. I can almost envision her playing Shea opposite George Clooney! (they would make quite the couple). Plus you got to love her living in Atlanta as she is a southern gal now- hence Football! (have lived in Atlanta most of my career before moving to West Palm Beach, so Atlanta is home for me…she joins the rest of the Atlanta group of my favorite authors!)
No, I am not a diehard football fan; however, having 2 sons playing football, basketball, golf, tennis, and wrestling from junior high, high school, and college, spending numerous hours on the football field, for every game, and yes, when you live in the south, it is a way of life, and life is like a game of football!
JDCMustReadBooks
Check out Emily's latest, First Comes Love , Coming June 28!
bethaturner87's review against another edition
1.0
If it were possible to give this book zero stars I would. I am a fan of Emily Giffin, but this book is a total miss. Just terrible. The story is awful, the characters all unsympathetic, the ending completely unsatisfying, the football jargon tedious, and the pop culture plugs annoying and never ending. There is just nothing good here, I'm sorry to report. Don't think that you'll like this book because you liked her other work. Everyone has a dud now and then, and this book is Giffin's