ISBN #: 978-0143127505
Page Count: 416
Copyright: March 31, 2015
Publisher: Penguin Books
Description:
(Taken from back cover)
Single mother and eternal optimist Jess Thomas has always tried to Do the Right Thing, but life doesn’t make it easy - especially after her math-whiz daughter gets a life-changing opportunity they can’t afford. Ed Nicholls is a brilliant tech millionaire whose life is falling apart when he happens upon Jess and her family stranded on the side of the road.
In perhaps his first unselfish act ever, Ed agrees to drive them, plus their pungent dog, Norman, to the Maths Olympiad - and to a prize that could change their lives forever - in this hilarious, heart-warming story of family dysfunction, devotion, and love found in the unlikeliest of places.
Charlene's Review:
Jess Thomas is a single mom, trying to make ends meet by cleaning homes. When her daughter, Tanzie, gets a chance to attend a private school, the only way they can afford it is to take Tanzie to the Maths Olympiad, in hopes of winning the cash prize. Unfortunately, they find themselves stranded on the side of the road, 3 lost souls and a dog, without ever leaving home. Enter Ed, a wealthy business man currently running from his own problems. Reluctantly, he offers them all a ride, and the road trip slowly begins to transform the occupants of the car in unexpected ways. Unfortunately, someone has a secret, and it could ruin everything.
Told from the perspective of the 4 main characters, One Plus One covers everything from insider trading to bullying, economic status, to unlikely heroes. I found the dysfunction within Jess’ family to be endearing. A coming-of-age story for Nicky, the bullied and misunderstood teen being raised by a stepmom; the geeky little girl, Tanzie, that their entire future rests upon; and Jess, optimist suddenly brought to her knees by the constant pressures to survive. Then there is the supposed "hero" of the story, Ed, who is facing financial ruin and is a recurring failure to his own family, that is originally presumed to rescue Jess’ family, but finds himself just as transformed by them.
Written with humor and romance, One Plus One is the perfect summer read. It is a very quick read that restores your faith in the world, and in dogs. I was truly touched by the characters and their struggles to fit in and overcome their station in life. I would say the ending is fairly predictable but the journey to the end is very much worth the time. I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Moyes writing style and intend to read more from her in the future.
*A physical copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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