The One by John Marrs
Reviewed by: Sylvia Shults, Circulation
Genre: Suspense, Science Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: If you could take a genetic test to tell you who your perfect match is, would you do it? In the near future, scientists have discovered a DNA test that matches people with their soulmate, determined by their genes. To find your one true match, out of seven billion people, through a scientifically proven method — what a gift! A happily ever after with your perfect someone should be guaranteed … shouldn’t it? But even soulmates can hide secrets … and some secrets are more serious than others. This book follows five people who have taken the test, and have discovered who their soul mates are. The plot races forward with giddy speed, and you will NOT see the plot twists coming!
My Review: This is one of the most ridiculously entertaining books I’ve ever read in my life; certainly it’s in the top ten of Books That Have Blown My Mind. It’s always a joy to see an author take on a challenge and nail it. One story with this many twists and turns and “gotchas” would be amazing — but this book has FIVE stories, told in alternating chapters. (I have the bad habit of sliding my eyes over to the end of a chapter — I can’t help it. I had to read with one hand over the white space at the end of the chapter, so I couldn’t inadvertently spoil it for myself, because the chapter endings were SO marvelously unexpected!) The author delineates each character so well that you know immediately who is the subject of each chapter. And the plot twists are so sly and nasty, you start to wonder at several points, is there going to be a happy ending for ANY of these characters? It’s so worth reading to the end to find out. This book rocked my world!
Three Words That Describe This Book: Twisty, exciting, addictive.
Give This a Try if You Like… Room, by Emma Donoghue; Behind Closed Doors, by B.A. Paris.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!