Reviews

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

Only show reviews with written explanations

2.5 stars. Eh. It started off really strong, and I was loving it, but then it morphed into a bodice ripper, followed by an excursion into soapy melodrama territory. The last 10-15% redeemed it somewhat, but it ultimately wasn't all that great a read for me.

miagic_tome's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A thoroughly enjoyable read, loved the characters and POV hopping done well is one of my favorites. As always, Moyes' characters are quirky and fun and you can't help but root for them. A bit slow at times, and the

justification that Gem gave Ed about Jess taking the money actually being OK

was a bit wonky. I would have preferred

she stick with her argument that desperation is tough and second chances are necessary sometimes. Her point about "everyone steals sometimes" was where she lost me I think.

Also it was a bit difficult trying to figure out when the setting was, seemed to be a mix of technology from the 90's to the late 00's but I think that might be me being nitpicky. I did really enjoy that it was mostly set in a car/during a road trip. It never felt boring or limited because of the setting and I thought that was really unique and well done. All in all I will keep an eye out for whatever else Moyes puts out.

Content Warnings

rachellarson2019's review

Go to review page

4.0

I hated Me After You but loved this book, couldn't put it down. Probably because I am a fast-approaching middle-age, mom.

agnesgailx's review

Go to review page

5.0

If I wake up with puffy eyes tomorrow, it will be because of this book. Jojo Moyes is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

The first book I read from her was Me Before You (of course). It was so unbelievably good, that I though it might have just been a one-off. Then I saw a copy of One Plus One at our local bookstore, and I could not resist. I am glad I picked this up. Jojo has a way of writing so simply and so realistically, that you feel all the emotions coming off of the characters. I absolutely love it. That's it.

tashaseegmiller's review

Go to review page

5.0

Moyes can just flat out tell stories. I wasn't sure how the various narrators would fit together at first, but then they all did. A little implausible at first, but after getting to know the characters better, it became more possible. I was rooting for all of them, shared their sorrows, smiled at their joys. Loved it.

***language content warning

ac223's review

Go to review page

3.0

This review can also be found at: http://thepaperbackaddict.blogspot.com/

I enjoyed One Plus One.. It wasn't a five star book, and didn't even live up to it's predecessors, but it did it's job. First I should disclose that I only noticed the price of this book after I had paid for it. Being stuck in an airport terminal calls for drastic measures. I could have read it on my computer, but sometimes there just isn't a replacement for holding the real thing. So was it worth $17, probably not. It took a little too long to get going, but once it did I was committed.

Single mothers often work hard at making everything fine. Giving every bit of themselves to their children, without ever thinking about themselves. Jess is a prime example of selflessness. Her no good husband walked out two years ago, and she has done everything she can to keep her little family together. Her stepson Nicky isn't one of the cool kids, and because of this he suffers the unfortunate fate of being the local bullies favorite target. Her daughter Tanzie is a math whiz, and has been offered an opportunity of a lifetime. Ed Nichols finds himself the unlucky chauffer to his cleaning lady Jess, her goth-like son, and the child prodigy Tanzie. Though he agrees only because he can't find a way to back out, their road trip turns into more than any of them thought possible.