Status
Available
Description
" One single mom. One chaotic family. One quirky stranger. One irresistible love story from the New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You American audiences have fallen in love with Jojo Moyes. Ever since she debuted Stateside she has captivated readers and reviewers alike, and hit the New York Times bestseller list with the word-of-mouth sensation Me Before You. Now, with One Plus One, she's written another contemporary opposites-attract love story. Suppose your life sucks. A lot. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your teenage stepson is being bullied, and your math whiz daughter has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can't afford to pay for. That's Jess's life in a nutshell-until an unexpected knight in shining armor offers to rescue them. Only Jess's knight turns out to be Geeky Ed, the obnoxious tech millionaire whose vacation home she happens to clean. But Ed has big problems of his own, and driving the dysfunctional family to the Math Olympiad feels like his first unselfish act in ages. maybe ever. One Plus One is Jojo Moyes at her astounding best. You'll laugh, you'll weep, and when you flip the last page, you'll want to start all over again"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member haymaai
I totally enjoyed Jojo Moyes’ book ‘One Plus One’ which really toys with the idea that good things can happen to really good people. The story is about Jess Thomas, a financially struggling single mom, and her slightly dysfunctional family…an eight year-old daughter, Tanzie, who is a math
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genius, a Goth-like step-son, Nicky, who never seems to fit into his social setting, and a farting, slobbering humongous dog named Norman. Tanzie is offered a generous scholarship to St. Annes, a prestigious private school, but Jess has no hopes of paying the remaining tuition costs to attend. When they hear of a math Olympiad in Scotland offering a generous monetary prize, the family embarks on an unforgettable journey that will change their lives forever. As mishaps occur, the family is aided by self-serving, software entrepreneur Ed Nicholls in this rollicking and heart-warming journey. What I loved so much about this novel was that Moyes could have just presented a somewhat simplistic story about a family journeying together toward an outcome that might improve their lives, but within the context of this main plot, Moyes also developed Ed’s character as he wrestled with devastating issues of his own. And Moyes didn’t stop there. She took every opportunity to extend all the characters in her story, from Nicky’s and Tanzie’s acquisition of self, to her ex-husband’s dishonesty and unfulfilled promises, and to even Norman’s heroic protectiveness. I especially loved the way that Moyes developed Jess’ character, as she prevailed throughout each misfortune with optimistic fortitude to do her best for her family. The story is written from four points of view, but it was so seamlessly written, that I never felt disengaged as she moved from character to character. I laughed and cried throughout much of the novel, and although it read much like a Sophie Kinsella story, I later realized that this story was much more thought-provoking and complex than Kinsella’s bumbling romances. For that reason, I decided to award it five stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member justacatandabook
One of my favorite books that I read in 2014. It’s sort of silly and outlandish in plot, but you don’t care, because you’re just riveted, wanting to read it as quickly as possible. Jess is a down-on-her-luck mom of two (her daughter, Tanzie, plus stepson Nicky), whose husband has abandoned
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her so she has to work two jobs to make ends meet. She meets Ed, a millionaire who is also a bit down-on-his-luck (oh just some investment fraud charges and such) while cleaning his vacation home. Eventually Ed comes to their rescue (literally, as the family is sitting on the side of the road) and helps drive them to a math competition for young Tanzie, who is a maths expert. Along the way, a lot happens. You’d think the novel would be pat and predictable, but it’s really just… lovely. And one of the few books I’ve really loved that I actually think would make a good movie, provided I can approve all casting choices, of course. Show Less
LibraryThing member Narshkite
I am not a chick-lit reader. Jennifer Weiner and Emily Giffin are unobjectionable, but no more. I tried once to read a Sophie Kinsella book and had to stop at page 50 because I was actually stomach clenchingly angry at both the nauseating consumerist apologia and the dime store philosophy lessons
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being foreshadowed. When I want to get all twee and girly I hit the bodice rippers. I like my trash honest and escapist. But then our book club read Jojo Moyes' Me Before You, and I loved it. The writing itself was excellent, the issues raised were real and they were addressed, the characters were complex and interesting. The book avoided easy answers and storybook endings, and it left me thinking about the story for weeks. So I came to my next Moyes books with high expectations. Alas, while this was a charming read, well written and well paced, it did not meet my expectations. This is not a bad book at all. If chick-lit is a genre you enjoy I think you will like this book. But for me it read like a boatload of books and movies that came before. Most of all it suffered from the author's clear love of both Little Miss Sunshine and Pretty Women (both of which I adore) in constructing the characters and their road trip. I liked the characters, but I couldn't stop envisioning their inspirations as I read (especially the Sunshine kids.) This is a happy read, easy breezy, and also formulaic. Save it for a beach read or lazy Sunday when you want some delicious literary junk food but don't look to be challenged at all. Show Less
LibraryThing member A_Reader_of_Fictions
For more reviews, Cover Snark and more, visit A Reader of Fictions.
I’m calling it: I officially love Jojo Moyes’ books. One Plus One is my second one. Once again, it’s not a book that I feel like I would normally have liked; it’s not a subject that calls to me particularly. In fact, if
Jojo Moyes excels at characterization. That’s been the case in both One Plus One and Me Before You. She makes me feel for them so much that I totally don’t care if things are melodramatic because I am having all the feels and I need everything to turn out okay. Actually, I may love her books the same way I love kdrama. Do I know my emotions are being manipulated in, often in very tropey ways? Indeed I do. Do I care? NOT ONE IOTA.
I experimented with another Moyes novel on audiobook (The Ship of Brides), but I didn’t dig the narrator, so I quickly shuffled that back into the to-try-in-print-someday pile. One Plus One however was immediately perfection on audiobook. For each of the four third person limited POVs, there is a narrator, and the narrators all fit their characters perfectly. I’m kind of in love with the narrator who voiced Nicky, because he totally sounds like James McAvoy. This is definitely one of the times where the audiobook enhanced my emotions, rather than distancing them. It takes a third person story and makes it feel like it’s in first person, because the characters are real and talking to me.
The plot revolves around the family unit of mother Jess Thomas and her two kids, Tanzie and Nicky. They’re a “modern family,” the father having left to live with his mom due to emotional problems. Nicky’s not actually Jess’ kid, but the father’s with another woman. From the way Jess treats Nicky, though, you would never guess he wasn’t her biological child. One Plus One is the sort of story which is all about family being what you make and not what you’re born to necessarily. I have a total weakness for this sort of story.
Jess, Tanzie and Nicky have crap lives. Nicky’s bullied because he wears mascara and doesn’t fit in, bullied so badly he had to go to the hospital. Tanzie also doesn’t fit in, mostly because she’s a math genius. Things are looking up when she gets a scholarship to a prestigious local school, but even the 90% scholarship leaves more for Jess to pay for than the family can afford. Thus, the road trip to Scotland with a stranger, Ed, so Tanzie can compete in a maths competition.
So the riding with a stranger bit? Ed happens along at the right time and offers to help against his best judgment. In the end, though, spending time with Jess’ family is just what he needs to get over his first world problems. His life is fucked up, but it’s still cake compared to what Jess is going through. He’s able to get out of his own head a bit and realize that. Also, I love the way the ship was done and Moyes is a genius for getting me to ship a couple that’s known each other so briefly but thinks they’re in love.
As I said, it’s melodramatic, a term I break out only for the stuff that’s reaching One Tree Hill levels of scandal and bad things happening. Seriously, everything bad that can possibly happen occurs to Jess. It’s over the top. Then it all resolves into an HEA like magic. Literally like magic, View Spoiler ». So I do judge the plot a bit, but I also totally bought into all of it emotionally.
There you have it. One Plus One is an emotional, adorable, British read. My head has some concerns, but my heart loves it wholeheartedly. Also, the audio is perfection.
I’m calling it: I officially love Jojo Moyes’ books. One Plus One is my second one. Once again, it’s not a book that I feel like I would normally have liked; it’s not a subject that calls to me particularly. In fact, if
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I’m objective, this book is rather ridiculous. I probably shouldn’t like it. But, you know what? It just works somehow and I totally love it, the same way I did Me Before You. Basically, Jojo Moyes is a skilled puppeteer of my emotions.Jojo Moyes excels at characterization. That’s been the case in both One Plus One and Me Before You. She makes me feel for them so much that I totally don’t care if things are melodramatic because I am having all the feels and I need everything to turn out okay. Actually, I may love her books the same way I love kdrama. Do I know my emotions are being manipulated in, often in very tropey ways? Indeed I do. Do I care? NOT ONE IOTA.
I experimented with another Moyes novel on audiobook (The Ship of Brides), but I didn’t dig the narrator, so I quickly shuffled that back into the to-try-in-print-someday pile. One Plus One however was immediately perfection on audiobook. For each of the four third person limited POVs, there is a narrator, and the narrators all fit their characters perfectly. I’m kind of in love with the narrator who voiced Nicky, because he totally sounds like James McAvoy. This is definitely one of the times where the audiobook enhanced my emotions, rather than distancing them. It takes a third person story and makes it feel like it’s in first person, because the characters are real and talking to me.
The plot revolves around the family unit of mother Jess Thomas and her two kids, Tanzie and Nicky. They’re a “modern family,” the father having left to live with his mom due to emotional problems. Nicky’s not actually Jess’ kid, but the father’s with another woman. From the way Jess treats Nicky, though, you would never guess he wasn’t her biological child. One Plus One is the sort of story which is all about family being what you make and not what you’re born to necessarily. I have a total weakness for this sort of story.
Jess, Tanzie and Nicky have crap lives. Nicky’s bullied because he wears mascara and doesn’t fit in, bullied so badly he had to go to the hospital. Tanzie also doesn’t fit in, mostly because she’s a math genius. Things are looking up when she gets a scholarship to a prestigious local school, but even the 90% scholarship leaves more for Jess to pay for than the family can afford. Thus, the road trip to Scotland with a stranger, Ed, so Tanzie can compete in a maths competition.
So the riding with a stranger bit? Ed happens along at the right time and offers to help against his best judgment. In the end, though, spending time with Jess’ family is just what he needs to get over his first world problems. His life is fucked up, but it’s still cake compared to what Jess is going through. He’s able to get out of his own head a bit and realize that. Also, I love the way the ship was done and Moyes is a genius for getting me to ship a couple that’s known each other so briefly but thinks they’re in love.
As I said, it’s melodramatic, a term I break out only for the stuff that’s reaching One Tree Hill levels of scandal and bad things happening. Seriously, everything bad that can possibly happen occurs to Jess. It’s over the top. Then it all resolves into an HEA like magic. Literally like magic, View Spoiler ». So I do judge the plot a bit, but I also totally bought into all of it emotionally.
There you have it. One Plus One is an emotional, adorable, British read. My head has some concerns, but my heart loves it wholeheartedly. Also, the audio is perfection.
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LibraryThing member Gingermama
A very enjoyable story, appealing characters, plenty of humor, and a few tears. It would make a perfect Hollywood romantic comedy (I found myself playing casting director as I read). My first Moyes, but I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
LibraryThing member Dmtcer
Loved it! Very different from Me Before You. I love Moyes character development. Her characters truly do grow before the readers eyes.
In this story of Jess Thomas, who is soley responsible for her young daughter and step-son. Her husband has gone back to live with his mother while he heals from an
In this story of Jess Thomas, who is soley responsible for her young daughter and step-son. Her husband has gone back to live with his mother while he heals from an
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emotional break down. Ed is a computer nerd who falls victim to an accusation of insider trading. While he is hiding from the public and nursing his wounds, wondering how he got to where he is, Jess enters his life in a big way, along with her two kids and large, smelly dog. A road trip ensues, and all lives are changed because of their adventures. Jess has some owning up to do, and Ed has a guard to let down. Sweet, not perfect, but a really good read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Maydacat
Fate seems to have it in for Jess and her family. Hard working, moral, honest, and caring, she does everything humanly possible for her kids, to make their life better. Dealing with a husband who ran out on her, their daughter, and his son, she is grasping at straws for seems like a last chance: a
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math competition for her super math-whiz daughter that could solve much of their financial woes. But fate again is against her, and just when things seem hopeless, in steps Ed. Could he be the knight-in-shining-armor? But the path to happiness is strewn with rocks, or maybe even boulders! Even optimistic Jess appears to be beaten down one time to many. But it would be a mistake to count her out just yet. A delightful tale peopled with wonderful characters in an impossible plot. It even has a dog – what’s not to love! Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
only recently picked up one of British author JoJo Moyes's titles - Me Before You. I chose to listen to it on the way back and forth to work. I absolutely loved it and found myself taking backroads so listen a little longer!
My library hold for the audio version of her latest book, One Plus One,
Jess has been a single mom to her goth stepson Nicky and her math prodigy daughter Tanzie for two years - since her husband had to 'get away for a bit' and went to live with his mother. Jess and the kids live on a council estate along with Norman the dog. Jess does what she can to make ends meet - barmaid and cleaning, scrimping and saving. Ed is a computer whiz, under investigation for insider training. And their lives collide in the most chaotic, wonderful way.
Moyes is such a wonderful writer - her characters are flawed and lovable - and the listener can't help but wish for a happy ending. The story is engaging, funny, sad, romantic, real and oh so incredibly addicting and entertaining. And for those thinking to lable it 'chick lit', I think it's much more than that. Moyes explores real situations such as bullying, poverty, parenting and more.
After listening to the first book in audio, I knew I wanted to listen to all of Moyes's titles. The publisher has chosen excellent readers for One Plus One - their voices all suited the mental images I had for the characters, their voices were incredibly expressive and I immediately felt like I was part of the story.
Highly, highly recommended as both a read and a listen!
My library hold for the audio version of her latest book, One Plus One,
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came in at the beginning of last week - and I again started taking the slower road home!Jess has been a single mom to her goth stepson Nicky and her math prodigy daughter Tanzie for two years - since her husband had to 'get away for a bit' and went to live with his mother. Jess and the kids live on a council estate along with Norman the dog. Jess does what she can to make ends meet - barmaid and cleaning, scrimping and saving. Ed is a computer whiz, under investigation for insider training. And their lives collide in the most chaotic, wonderful way.
Moyes is such a wonderful writer - her characters are flawed and lovable - and the listener can't help but wish for a happy ending. The story is engaging, funny, sad, romantic, real and oh so incredibly addicting and entertaining. And for those thinking to lable it 'chick lit', I think it's much more than that. Moyes explores real situations such as bullying, poverty, parenting and more.
After listening to the first book in audio, I knew I wanted to listen to all of Moyes's titles. The publisher has chosen excellent readers for One Plus One - their voices all suited the mental images I had for the characters, their voices were incredibly expressive and I immediately felt like I was part of the story.
Highly, highly recommended as both a read and a listen!
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LibraryThing member ozzer
In ONE PLUS ONE, Jojo Moyes departs from serious questions, like care and understanding for the handicapped, which she deftly explored in ME BEFORE YOU, for the silly and contrived situation comedy formula prevalent on TV today. Put a group of misfits together, throw in some modern social
In this case, the misfits include Jess Thomas, a divorced mother of two who is unfailingly optimistic while struggling to make ends meet at low-wage jobs; Tanzie, her 10-year-old daughter who is freakishly good at math; Nicky, a teenage outsider, who has identity problems and is bullied by his peers; and Ed Nicholls, a self-absorbed software millionaire, who is on the verge of being charged with insider trading. The group even has a flatulent dog, named Norman, who becomes a hero before all is said and done.
The plot set piece involves a road trip to Scotland where Tanzie will compete in a Maths Olympiad for a monetary prize, which should fund her education at a posh private (“public”-- after all this novel is set in the UK) school. The group faces a host of challenges, which seem contrived but miraculously get resolved by the end of the book.
Moyes maintains tension and interest throughout by introducing one challenge after another. Also, she is particularly adept at creating humorous situations. However, her treatment of the many challenges that people commonly face today (e.g., child-rearing, divorce, money, etc) is superficial. The love interest between Jess and Ed seems predictable and lacks the nuance that Ms. Moyes managed to generate between the disabled millionaire and his caregiver in YOU BEFORE ME. This is definitely a light read and a disappointment compared to YOU BEFORE ME.
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challenges, add a laugh track and voila, you have another commercial gold mine. In this case, the misfits include Jess Thomas, a divorced mother of two who is unfailingly optimistic while struggling to make ends meet at low-wage jobs; Tanzie, her 10-year-old daughter who is freakishly good at math; Nicky, a teenage outsider, who has identity problems and is bullied by his peers; and Ed Nicholls, a self-absorbed software millionaire, who is on the verge of being charged with insider trading. The group even has a flatulent dog, named Norman, who becomes a hero before all is said and done.
The plot set piece involves a road trip to Scotland where Tanzie will compete in a Maths Olympiad for a monetary prize, which should fund her education at a posh private (“public”-- after all this novel is set in the UK) school. The group faces a host of challenges, which seem contrived but miraculously get resolved by the end of the book.
Moyes maintains tension and interest throughout by introducing one challenge after another. Also, she is particularly adept at creating humorous situations. However, her treatment of the many challenges that people commonly face today (e.g., child-rearing, divorce, money, etc) is superficial. The love interest between Jess and Ed seems predictable and lacks the nuance that Ms. Moyes managed to generate between the disabled millionaire and his caregiver in YOU BEFORE ME. This is definitely a light read and a disappointment compared to YOU BEFORE ME.
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LibraryThing member anais_nin
How could this be the very first book by Jojo Moyes I've ever read? I mean I've been buying her books for years now, so I must have known on some subconscious level that I'll love her writing. I think I just kept postponing my reading mission simply because knowing what Me Before You is about I
Jess is an eternal optimist. She is also an extremely hard-working single mom trying to juggle her waitressing shifts at a local pub with her 'day job' cleaning the beach homes of rich clients. Her 16-year-old stepson Nicky with goth leanings is being bullied, so he retreats in the virtual world of gaming. Her 10-year-old daughter Tanzie is just as social awkward math prodigy. Their little family is rounded off by their oversized, constantly flatulent dog Norman. Jess braves with a bright smile their never ending financial problems. When Tanzie's love of numbers leads her to an opportunity to attend a private school, Jess is faced with yet another financial crisis. Her ingenious solution: enter Tanzie into a math competition in the hopes that she will win the main (cash) prize. The only (or rather the new) problem is that the competition is in Scotland and Jess does not have a valid driver's license or car insurance.
Ed Nicholls is one of Jess's clients, a former geek-turned-successful software developer with a plethora of problems of his own. He is being investigated for insider trading and risks not only losing his company but also potentially his freedom. All Ed wants is to hide the truth of his woes from his family and to be pretty much left alone. Once his path starts intersecting with that of Jess and her family, Ed's life takes yet another unexpected turn. And another. And another.
Jojo Moyes is a skillful storyteller. I warn you not to start reading this book if you have other, more pressing matters awaiting your attention. Once you get immersed into the world of One Plus One you will have a hard time leaving. You will laugh. If you're sappy like me, you'll even cry. And you will enjoy every moment of the roller coaster ride these characters take you on. Story being alternately told for each character's point of view will have you forming some serious emotional attachments. And once you become emotionally invested that's it, there is no escape - curiosity to find out what happens next will outweigh everything else.
Now all I want to do is sit down, hug my blanket, have some hot tea and go through the rest of Jojo Moyes books in my library.
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somehow convinced myself that all her books must be "heavy". Oh how wrong I was...and this is one of those rare instances in which I loved being wrong.Jess is an eternal optimist. She is also an extremely hard-working single mom trying to juggle her waitressing shifts at a local pub with her 'day job' cleaning the beach homes of rich clients. Her 16-year-old stepson Nicky with goth leanings is being bullied, so he retreats in the virtual world of gaming. Her 10-year-old daughter Tanzie is just as social awkward math prodigy. Their little family is rounded off by their oversized, constantly flatulent dog Norman. Jess braves with a bright smile their never ending financial problems. When Tanzie's love of numbers leads her to an opportunity to attend a private school, Jess is faced with yet another financial crisis. Her ingenious solution: enter Tanzie into a math competition in the hopes that she will win the main (cash) prize. The only (or rather the new) problem is that the competition is in Scotland and Jess does not have a valid driver's license or car insurance.
Ed Nicholls is one of Jess's clients, a former geek-turned-successful software developer with a plethora of problems of his own. He is being investigated for insider trading and risks not only losing his company but also potentially his freedom. All Ed wants is to hide the truth of his woes from his family and to be pretty much left alone. Once his path starts intersecting with that of Jess and her family, Ed's life takes yet another unexpected turn. And another. And another.
Jojo Moyes is a skillful storyteller. I warn you not to start reading this book if you have other, more pressing matters awaiting your attention. Once you get immersed into the world of One Plus One you will have a hard time leaving. You will laugh. If you're sappy like me, you'll even cry. And you will enjoy every moment of the roller coaster ride these characters take you on. Story being alternately told for each character's point of view will have you forming some serious emotional attachments. And once you become emotionally invested that's it, there is no escape - curiosity to find out what happens next will outweigh everything else.
Now all I want to do is sit down, hug my blanket, have some hot tea and go through the rest of Jojo Moyes books in my library.
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LibraryThing member nbmars
You don’t have to know a thing about math or physics or emergence theory to love this newest book by Jojo Moyes, but if you do, it enriches the experience, since Moyes takes the idea of emergence theory and turns it into a love story.
As one of the characters in the book explains, according to the
Jessica (“Jess”) Thomas, 27, is a single mom who lives outside London and is struggling to raise two kids - Tanzie, who is ten, and Nicky, who is 16. Nicky is the son of Jess’s ex and his ex-wife, but Jess loves Nicky and is the best hope he has for a good family.
Jess has her hands full. Nicky is smart and kind but he is different - a bit Goth. He is being bullied relentlessly by schoolmates who torment him both psychologically and physically. Nick has closed himself off in response, and Jess hasn't been able to break through to him. Tanzie is a math prodigy, and has been recommended for a special school, but even though Jess is working two jobs, there is no way she can swing the tuition. She fears that not being able to pay for the school will break Tanzie's heart. Jess feels totally out of her depth.
Nevertheless, Jess is relentlessly positive, always insisting to her kids that somehow, things will work out. She hears about a Math Olympiad in Scotland that offers monetary prizes, and thinks that if Tanzie can win, it might pay for the tuition. But when Jess tries to take them there on a road trip, everything starts to go wrong … that is, until Ed Nicholls (for whom Jess does house cleaning) arrives on the scene. At first, it looks as if they might all be able to rescue each other.
Ed, 33, has plenty of his own problems, including having had an ill-advised relationship with very bad unanticipated consequences. He thinks he is “obviously crap at relationships” and Jess thinks she doesn’t have room in her life for anyone else. But you know where this is going ... except it might not; Jess does something to betray Ed’s trust, and in any event, Ed may be going to prison for insider trading. Tanzie’s glasses break just before the Olympiad. And in spite of the fact that Nicky ended up in the hospital after the last time he got beat up, the boys who did it were not prosecuted. They are still at large, and creating havoc via Facebook. Even Norman, Tanzie’s beloved dog, has gotten into big trouble.
Evaluation: This is such a delightful book, and as usual, Moyes displays terrific skill with dialogue and character development, as well as with her insight into relationships. I alternated between laughing out loud, and brushing aside tears. Highly recommended!
As one of the characters in the book explains, according to the
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theory of emergence, there are systems in which the sum of a number can be different than just an accumulation of "one plus one." At some point, adjacent bodies start affecting each other in such a way that a new entity emerges that can't be anticipated by looking at each part alone. In this book, a blended group of people - two adults and two kids with different parents - come together and become something more; they become a family.Jessica (“Jess”) Thomas, 27, is a single mom who lives outside London and is struggling to raise two kids - Tanzie, who is ten, and Nicky, who is 16. Nicky is the son of Jess’s ex and his ex-wife, but Jess loves Nicky and is the best hope he has for a good family.
Jess has her hands full. Nicky is smart and kind but he is different - a bit Goth. He is being bullied relentlessly by schoolmates who torment him both psychologically and physically. Nick has closed himself off in response, and Jess hasn't been able to break through to him. Tanzie is a math prodigy, and has been recommended for a special school, but even though Jess is working two jobs, there is no way she can swing the tuition. She fears that not being able to pay for the school will break Tanzie's heart. Jess feels totally out of her depth.
Nevertheless, Jess is relentlessly positive, always insisting to her kids that somehow, things will work out. She hears about a Math Olympiad in Scotland that offers monetary prizes, and thinks that if Tanzie can win, it might pay for the tuition. But when Jess tries to take them there on a road trip, everything starts to go wrong … that is, until Ed Nicholls (for whom Jess does house cleaning) arrives on the scene. At first, it looks as if they might all be able to rescue each other.
Ed, 33, has plenty of his own problems, including having had an ill-advised relationship with very bad unanticipated consequences. He thinks he is “obviously crap at relationships” and Jess thinks she doesn’t have room in her life for anyone else. But you know where this is going ... except it might not; Jess does something to betray Ed’s trust, and in any event, Ed may be going to prison for insider trading. Tanzie’s glasses break just before the Olympiad. And in spite of the fact that Nicky ended up in the hospital after the last time he got beat up, the boys who did it were not prosecuted. They are still at large, and creating havoc via Facebook. Even Norman, Tanzie’s beloved dog, has gotten into big trouble.
Evaluation: This is such a delightful book, and as usual, Moyes displays terrific skill with dialogue and character development, as well as with her insight into relationships. I alternated between laughing out loud, and brushing aside tears. Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member SF-W
Another winner from Jojo Moyes - this author simply does not disappoint!
The One Plus One is a delightful and romantic story of two people's very different worlds colliding together by random circumstance.
Jess - is a chaotic, single Mum to mathematical genius, Tanzie, and step-mum to moody, Gothic,
Ed - is a wealthy, handsome, successful business man and is in a LOT of trouble following a disastrous fling with beautiful Deanna.
Without wanting to give any more of the plot away, it is suffice to say that circumstance throws Jess and Ed together as they embark on a 40 mile an hour road trip for hundreds of miles to Aberdeen along with Tanzie, Nicky and Jess' great lumbering dog, Nelson.
Its a story about sometimes taking risks because you have to, about right over wrong, good over bad and that if you just hold on to the belief that good things happen to good people then your dreams may just come true.
It'll make you laugh and it'll make you cry.
If this book isn't made into a film or a TV drama then I'm Kylie Minogue!
It's lovely - read it!
The One Plus One is a delightful and romantic story of two people's very different worlds colliding together by random circumstance.
Jess - is a chaotic, single Mum to mathematical genius, Tanzie, and step-mum to moody, Gothic,
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adolescent Nicky. Jess works hard at being cleaner, barmaid and handywoman to makes ends meet and to give the best to her children; while her hapless husband, Marty lives with his mother and wallows in the depths of a mid-life crisis, contributing nothing financially to his family.Ed - is a wealthy, handsome, successful business man and is in a LOT of trouble following a disastrous fling with beautiful Deanna.
Without wanting to give any more of the plot away, it is suffice to say that circumstance throws Jess and Ed together as they embark on a 40 mile an hour road trip for hundreds of miles to Aberdeen along with Tanzie, Nicky and Jess' great lumbering dog, Nelson.
Its a story about sometimes taking risks because you have to, about right over wrong, good over bad and that if you just hold on to the belief that good things happen to good people then your dreams may just come true.
It'll make you laugh and it'll make you cry.
If this book isn't made into a film or a TV drama then I'm Kylie Minogue!
It's lovely - read it!
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LibraryThing member gogglemiss
This was one book I really didn't want to end.
So many emotions running through my mind, laughter and tears, and how I felt, for each of the characters was heartbreaking and uplifting.
Brilliant!!!
So many emotions running through my mind, laughter and tears, and how I felt, for each of the characters was heartbreaking and uplifting.
Brilliant!!!
LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
I've been a fan of Jojo Moyes since THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER came out. She consistently gets 4-star ratings from me, even though I've found myself drifting away from contemporary women's fiction these past few years. I think, what it boils down to, is that Moyes writes with heart. She takes
Read the rest of this review at The Lost Entwife on July 29, 2014.
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real issues and she makes me care about her characters. ONE PLUS ONE is another book in Moyes arsenal that hits hard and doesn't apologize for what it is: a story about the strength of a family being a one family - no matter how strange and seemingly unfitting ways the pieces go together.Read the rest of this review at The Lost Entwife on July 29, 2014.
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LibraryThing member dally33
I was excited to be provided with an advance reading copy of the One Plus One, having read a JoJo Moyes book before and enjoyed her books I was very keen to start on this one.
The back of the book reads; One single mum, One chaotic family, one handsome stranger, one unexpected love story. This
The story revolves around four central characters from very different ends of the social scale. Jess is a struggling single mum of two, the boy being her ex-husbands son and not hers, Ed is a high-flying, self-made business owner who is facing legal proceedings for possible insider trading.
I liked and warmed to Jess straight away but it took me quite a while to warm to Ed, during the car journey to Scotland when it seemed that he was genuinely trying to help the family out and the chemistry between him and Jess became apparent was when I warmed to his character.
It was a love story, I guess the outcome was predictable from the beginning, but this still did not alter my enjoyment of the book. It is quite a thick book but it is one that you do not want to put down and was read in a day. If you like Jo Jo Moyles and/or dream of being swept away by a handsome stranger this is definitely the book for you.
The back of the book reads; One single mum, One chaotic family, one handsome stranger, one unexpected love story. This
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really is enough to sum up the book and make you want to read, nothing else is required.The story revolves around four central characters from very different ends of the social scale. Jess is a struggling single mum of two, the boy being her ex-husbands son and not hers, Ed is a high-flying, self-made business owner who is facing legal proceedings for possible insider trading.
I liked and warmed to Jess straight away but it took me quite a while to warm to Ed, during the car journey to Scotland when it seemed that he was genuinely trying to help the family out and the chemistry between him and Jess became apparent was when I warmed to his character.
It was a love story, I guess the outcome was predictable from the beginning, but this still did not alter my enjoyment of the book. It is quite a thick book but it is one that you do not want to put down and was read in a day. If you like Jo Jo Moyles and/or dream of being swept away by a handsome stranger this is definitely the book for you.
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LibraryThing member dally33
I was excited to be provided with an advance reading copy of the One Plus One, having read a JoJo Moyes book before and enjoyed her books I was very keen to start on this one.
The back of the book reads; One single mum, One chaotic family, one handsome stranger, one unexpected love story. This
The story revolves around four central characters from very different ends of the social scale. Jess is a struggling single mum of two, the boy being her ex-husbands son and not hers, Ed is a high-flying, self-made business owner who is facing legal proceedings for possible insider trading.
I liked and warmed to Jess straight away but it took me quite a while to warm to Ed, during the car journey to Scotland when it seemed that he was genuinely trying to help the family out and the chemistry between him and Jess became apparent was when I warmed to his character.
It was a love story, I guess the outcome was predictable from the beginning, but this still did not alter my enjoyment of the book. It is quite a thick book but it is one that you do not want to put down and was read in a day. If you like Jo Jo Moyles and/or dream of being swept away by a handsome stranger this is definitely the book for you.
The back of the book reads; One single mum, One chaotic family, one handsome stranger, one unexpected love story. This
Show More
really is enough to sum up the book and make you want to read, nothing else is required.The story revolves around four central characters from very different ends of the social scale. Jess is a struggling single mum of two, the boy being her ex-husbands son and not hers, Ed is a high-flying, self-made business owner who is facing legal proceedings for possible insider trading.
I liked and warmed to Jess straight away but it took me quite a while to warm to Ed, during the car journey to Scotland when it seemed that he was genuinely trying to help the family out and the chemistry between him and Jess became apparent was when I warmed to his character.
It was a love story, I guess the outcome was predictable from the beginning, but this still did not alter my enjoyment of the book. It is quite a thick book but it is one that you do not want to put down and was read in a day. If you like Jo Jo Moyles and/or dream of being swept away by a handsome stranger this is definitely the book for you.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ninnytendo
Jess Thomas is a single mother who has two jobs and works really hard to make ends meet. Her husband left her 2 years ago with 2 children, who are being harassed by the neighbourhood's bullies. Tanzie, her daughter, is a maths wizz kid and the only way to afford her private school fees is by
I was given and advance copy of the book by Real Readers and I was intrigued. This is the first Jojo Moyes book I have read so I cannot compare it to her previous work but I can say I enjoyed it. The story is light and entertaining. It has a few surprises but it is overall a bit predictable. It follows similar patterns to other Chick Lit and romance novels so if you enjoy that genre you will love this. The characters are lovable and you warm up to them, especially the children and Norman the dog. The story is believable and you are constantly wanting to know what happens next, although you kind of know which way things are going to go.
This book is for fans of romance and Chick Lit and would make a very good holiday read. If you are looking for a light hearted story with a happy ending this is for you. I am sure fans of Jojo Moyes will enjoy very much.
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winning a Maths Olympiad in Aberdeen. On the way up to Scotland Jess meets Ed Nicholls, who is trying to lay low after a financial mistake which may send him to jail. Ed, Jess, her kids and her dog Norman will go on a road trip to Aberdeen which will change their lives and will teach them to take a chance on strangers.I was given and advance copy of the book by Real Readers and I was intrigued. This is the first Jojo Moyes book I have read so I cannot compare it to her previous work but I can say I enjoyed it. The story is light and entertaining. It has a few surprises but it is overall a bit predictable. It follows similar patterns to other Chick Lit and romance novels so if you enjoy that genre you will love this. The characters are lovable and you warm up to them, especially the children and Norman the dog. The story is believable and you are constantly wanting to know what happens next, although you kind of know which way things are going to go.
This book is for fans of romance and Chick Lit and would make a very good holiday read. If you are looking for a light hearted story with a happy ending this is for you. I am sure fans of Jojo Moyes will enjoy very much.
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LibraryThing member melissarochelle
Read from February 07 to 08, 2014
Another great one from Ms. Moyes. I'm happy to see multiple perspectives without the historical bits with this one. I laughed a little, I cried a little, and I loved the characters.
Jess is a single mom with two kids. Ed is a recently divorced fellow that makes some
A big thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy via Edelweiss. It was the right book for this reader at just the right time.
Another great one from Ms. Moyes. I'm happy to see multiple perspectives without the historical bits with this one. I laughed a little, I cried a little, and I loved the characters.
Jess is a single mom with two kids. Ed is a recently divorced fellow that makes some
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really stupid choices...but we all make mistakes sometimes. And that's really what this book is about -- the choices we make and how there are repercussions no matter how large or small the act is at the time.A big thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy via Edelweiss. It was the right book for this reader at just the right time.
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LibraryThing member Karen-uk
Single mum Jess is struggling. Since her husband Marty upped and left she has tried to provide for their young daughter Tanzie (Constanza) and teenage stepson Nicky (Marty’s son from a previous relationship). She has to do two jobs but the debts are mounting and despite her positive outlook and
Ed Nicholls is a computer whizz. He and his friend Ronan have built up their own software company and having sold it, are now very rich. However he was happiest when he was just the ideas man, before the “suits” came in and ran everything.
JoJo Moyes has long been a favourite author and when I was given the opportunity to review this book, I was overjoyed. She just writes a wonderful story with such believable characters that you can engage with and feel that you could be friends with.
Jess and Ed have completely different lifestyles but when Ed comes to Jess’ aid following a road accident, all four (plus Norman the dog) end up travelling to Scotland together to a maths Olympiad competition. This is Tanzie’s only chance to get out of the local school where people that are clever or different, like her brother Nicky, are teased and bullied. Nicky has been attacked several times by the local bullies and Jess does not want that to happen to Tanzie.
Due to an error of judgement, Ed is now facing a police investigation. He has nowhere to be for the moment and since he recognises Jess as his cleaner, he decides to help. However he hadn’t reckoned on sharing the car with Norman, a smelly, flatulent, drooling, enormous mass of fur. Neither had he considered that he wouldn’t be able to drive above 40 miles an hour because of Tanzie’s car sickness. Hence a journey from the south coast to Scotland would take several days.
I fell in love with Jess and her family (…and also with Norman). None of them are perfect, but they try to be good people and to do the right thing but time and time again life just slaps them in the face. Whilst during the journey, Jess discovers a secret about her husband, you can’t help but feel for her. Ed too has his own demons to deal with, particularly when it comes to his family. Can Jess be the one to bring some meaning to his life or are they just too different?
All the characters are wonderfully written with emotion and humour. You just find yourself rooting for them and willing them to overcome the obstacles constantly thrown their way. I laughed with them and shed tears for them and felt quite sad when I came to the end of their journey. I really didn’t want to say goodbye.
My thanks to Real Readers for the copy to review
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cheerfulness, she can’t see life getting better any time soon. When maths prodigy Tanzie is offered the chance of a partly paid scholarship to go to an exclusive and very expensive school more suited to her incredible talent, Jess is desperate to find the funds.Ed Nicholls is a computer whizz. He and his friend Ronan have built up their own software company and having sold it, are now very rich. However he was happiest when he was just the ideas man, before the “suits” came in and ran everything.
JoJo Moyes has long been a favourite author and when I was given the opportunity to review this book, I was overjoyed. She just writes a wonderful story with such believable characters that you can engage with and feel that you could be friends with.
Jess and Ed have completely different lifestyles but when Ed comes to Jess’ aid following a road accident, all four (plus Norman the dog) end up travelling to Scotland together to a maths Olympiad competition. This is Tanzie’s only chance to get out of the local school where people that are clever or different, like her brother Nicky, are teased and bullied. Nicky has been attacked several times by the local bullies and Jess does not want that to happen to Tanzie.
Due to an error of judgement, Ed is now facing a police investigation. He has nowhere to be for the moment and since he recognises Jess as his cleaner, he decides to help. However he hadn’t reckoned on sharing the car with Norman, a smelly, flatulent, drooling, enormous mass of fur. Neither had he considered that he wouldn’t be able to drive above 40 miles an hour because of Tanzie’s car sickness. Hence a journey from the south coast to Scotland would take several days.
I fell in love with Jess and her family (…and also with Norman). None of them are perfect, but they try to be good people and to do the right thing but time and time again life just slaps them in the face. Whilst during the journey, Jess discovers a secret about her husband, you can’t help but feel for her. Ed too has his own demons to deal with, particularly when it comes to his family. Can Jess be the one to bring some meaning to his life or are they just too different?
All the characters are wonderfully written with emotion and humour. You just find yourself rooting for them and willing them to overcome the obstacles constantly thrown their way. I laughed with them and shed tears for them and felt quite sad when I came to the end of their journey. I really didn’t want to say goodbye.
My thanks to Real Readers for the copy to review
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LibraryThing member chasidar
I really enjoyed it. It's a light read that's well written and has you rooting for the members of the family. They are very human and likeable and you can recognize yourself in each of them.
Definitely recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for providing the advanced reader's
Definitely recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for providing the advanced reader's
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copy! Show Less
LibraryThing member shelleyraec
The One Plus One is a heartfelt and engaging story from JoJo Moyes. Jess is a single mother, working two jobs to support her daughter and step-son on an English housing estate. Ed is a computer software developer facing a crisis of his own making. When Ed reluctantly rescues Jess from the side of
Told with the shifting perspectives of Jess, Ed and the children, math genius Tanzie and bullied teen, Nicky, Moyes explores a number of issues facing modern western society today, including the impact of bullying and anti social behaviour, family breakdown, the slow erosion of community values and the increasing divide between the haves, and have nots.
While Ed's financial means provides him with a cushion against the consequences of his behaviour, and the behaviour of others, Jess has no such luxury. She and her children are vulnerable to the whims of Jess's wealthy clientele, to the thugs on their estate, to the manipulations of her absent husband and the capriciousness of luck, which rarely goes her way. Despite her every effort, Jess just barely keeps her head above water, struggling 'to find a way' in the face of overwhelming odds.
I couldn't help but love Jess, her optimism, her strength and her determination is admirable. I sympathised with her desperation to give Tanzie the opportunity to take up the scholarship on offer, and her concern for Nicky, bullied mercilessly by the neighborhood thugs. The children tug at your heart strings and I ached for Jess when she felt she had failed them.
I needed to time to warm up to Ed who is initially self involved and oblivious. He is essentially a good man but careless with his privilege, his family and friendships. His journey with Jess and her children changes him, earning respect and redemption.
The One Plus One is funny, poignant and charming story with characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Its about family, about belonging and about love and a wonderful read.
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the road, the pair embark on a road trip to Scotland with two children and a large, smelly dog in tow, a chaotic, 40 mile an hour drive to Aberdeen that has the potential to change all of their lives.Told with the shifting perspectives of Jess, Ed and the children, math genius Tanzie and bullied teen, Nicky, Moyes explores a number of issues facing modern western society today, including the impact of bullying and anti social behaviour, family breakdown, the slow erosion of community values and the increasing divide between the haves, and have nots.
While Ed's financial means provides him with a cushion against the consequences of his behaviour, and the behaviour of others, Jess has no such luxury. She and her children are vulnerable to the whims of Jess's wealthy clientele, to the thugs on their estate, to the manipulations of her absent husband and the capriciousness of luck, which rarely goes her way. Despite her every effort, Jess just barely keeps her head above water, struggling 'to find a way' in the face of overwhelming odds.
I couldn't help but love Jess, her optimism, her strength and her determination is admirable. I sympathised with her desperation to give Tanzie the opportunity to take up the scholarship on offer, and her concern for Nicky, bullied mercilessly by the neighborhood thugs. The children tug at your heart strings and I ached for Jess when she felt she had failed them.
I needed to time to warm up to Ed who is initially self involved and oblivious. He is essentially a good man but careless with his privilege, his family and friendships. His journey with Jess and her children changes him, earning respect and redemption.
The One Plus One is funny, poignant and charming story with characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Its about family, about belonging and about love and a wonderful read.
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LibraryThing member amym53
This is my first book by the author. I loved Jess and her family . I had a hard time liking Ed in the beginning but being around Jess and the kids was a good influence on him and by the end I was rooting for Ed and Jess to be together. How could I forget to mention sweet brave Norman who helped
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protect Tanzie. That was such a tear jerker part of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member tinkerbellkk
I was expecting more from the book as I really enjoyed You Before Me by the same author. While I enjoyed the characters and their quirkiness, I found the story to be a little light. It was nice to see a single mother with two children receive help from an unlikely stranger. However the book didn't
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really grab me. I thought their travels and experiences were fun and certainly full of twists and turns but it seemed unrealistic that they would all come full circle in how they look at life over such a short period of time. Kind of reminds me of the movie Little Miss Sunshine. Show Less
LibraryThing member Yogiboo
Loved this book! Norman is amazing :)
LibraryThing member hoosgracie
I really enjoyed this story told from four perspectives:
- Jess - a struggling single Mom who is trying to find the money to send her daughter to school
- Ed - a quirky software engineer in trouble for insider trading
- Nicky - Jess' troubled step-son
- Tanzie - Jess' daughter who is gifted in math
All
- Jess - a struggling single Mom who is trying to find the money to send her daughter to school
- Ed - a quirky software engineer in trouble for insider trading
- Nicky - Jess' troubled step-son
- Tanzie - Jess' daughter who is gifted in math
All
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four of them, and the dog, go on a road trip to Scotland at 40 KM per hour. On the trip, they find family. Show Less
Awards
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Fiction — 2014)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Adults (Selection — Fiction — 2014)