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There are currently 22 member reviews
for One Minus One
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Judy W. (Tucker, GA)
One Minus One
Nancy Pearl, whom I greatly admire, is the presenter of this book; otherwise, I would not have completed reading One Minus One. Nancy states that there are 4 "doorways" to a work of fiction. The author chose the doorway of character. Emily is a newly divorced woman, forced to return to the classroom as a high school teacher. She is devastated by the divorce and makes many unfortunate decisions. She lets her heart (emotions), not her head (sensibility), determine her fate in this novel. The writing is exceptional, but I didn't enjoy the story. I would not recommend this title.
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Monica W. (Port Jefferson, NY)
One Minus One
This book is not my usual fare at all, but since Nancy Pearl said it was good and she is one of my library heroes and I gave it a try.
The story is about a 30 year old woman Emily who finds herself divorced and confronting life on her own. She has to learn how to do everything alone, something with which she is not familiar. with. Like many women who created their identity based on their relationship with a man she falls into a relationship rather quickly with Warren, a radio host. Their relationship soon becomes its own predictable pattern. Emily is going to school to be a teacher because that's what her mother did and while she wanted to be a writer in the past when she was married that desire seems to have left her. Emily's thoughts often go back in time to happier time with her husband David, he may be gone, but he is present in her own mind. Over the holidays Emily gets possession of her grandmother's diaries and starts reading. Honestly her grandmother's life is more interesting than Emily's (which on some level she may realize). Somewhere along the line her relationship with Warren unravels and Emily begins a new chapter moving in her with school friends Kaykay and Grace. She also briefly acts on her attraction to Cliff who is the department head at the college. Over time Cliff wears her down and she begins yet another relationship. While out with Cliff she meets David and his pregnant wife and finally breaks down about the divorce. No matter how far she goes or who she ends up with Emily is still haunted by David. Their relationship was such a huge part of her life trying to get past it is nearly impossible.
While the story is set in 1969, it can be easy to forget unless you really pay attention to all the small details. There is something universal about the story. I think most people know someone like Emily, the girl who defines her whole existence based on her relationship with a guy and when it ends- well on to the next one. Part of me does want to shake her and say maybe there is a reason why things didn't work out. Its 1969, not 1869. You've moved on, moved out, gotten a job, now its time to take some me time and figure out what you want. In a way its not really fair to the guys she dates. They are really just rebounds and I feel bad for Cliff who has true feelings for her. Here's hoping one day Emily finally moves on!
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Kate G. (City Island, NY)
Trying to be a Plus One Again
First published in 1971, Ruth Doan MacDougall's novel One Minus One is the story of Emily, newly divorced from her high school sweetheart, trying to make a new life for herself, while remaining desperately in love with David her ex-husband. Even though he had an affair with a colleague, Emily is unable to muster any anger at him. This dates the novel, but it is well-written and worth reading for the nostalgia of the 60s.
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Ellen N. (Camano Island, WA)
Great Expectations....Dashed!
I really wanted to love this book. Not just because Ruth Doan MacDougall's One Minus One was praised by Nancy Pearl who has recommended so many of my favorite reads, but because of the nostalgia factor. It takes place in the late 60's when I was a young woman out of college and finding my way in a first job, and it's set in New England where this transplanted west coast resident grew up. And if that's not enough, a character-driven novel is my cup of tea. What more could I ask for? A lot.
In defense of the novel's protagonist Emily Bean, Nancy tells us you don't have to like or admire a character, but you must be able to understand why they do what they do. But I want more; I have to find the character interesting, and Emily as well as her supporting cast of stereotypical roommates and lovers, fail to engage my sympathy or interest…at least until the very end of the book.
One Minus One does redeem itself somewhat at the surprise ending. Not because it's unexpected, but because it throws new light on the secondary story lines that seem insignificant until you realize that the grief experienced by her grandmother and mother at the loss of their husbands is mirrored by Emily's loss of David. And the device of Ma's diary which seemed only to record the boring details of daily life—who came to visit, what we ate, what everyone wore, are recognized as echoing Emily's memories of life with her former husband. Still, if the reader is not engaged enough to stay with the book, these discoveries are never made. Had I not been reading it for First Impressions, this reader would not have made it to the end.
Having exceeded my recommended 100-word limit, and having broken my mother's first rule of good behavior: "If you can't say anything nice, don't…," I leave you with my 3 star rating.
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Viqui G. (State College, PA)
One Minus One
This novel was a slow meander through Emily's Bean's life and thoughts 1 year after her divorce from David. Throughout the novel she just can't seem to put her life with David in the past and move on with all the possibilities of the future.
There were many aspects of the novel I enjoyed: the writing was very descriptive, the character development was focused and Emily's character as well as some of the lesser characters were fully fleshed out. I really liked the honest and unapologetic description of Emily's sexuality. The biggest fault I had with this novel is that it didn't really "go" anywhere. By the end of the novel, Emily is stuck in the same state of mind that she was in when the novel started. The story arc looped back to the beginning with no development. Sadly, the reader is left with an ending which is the same as the beginning: Emily continues to mourn for her past life and her ex-husband David.
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Jo B. (LA)
Nancy Pearl's rediscovery
I'm surprised that Nancy Pearl selected this book to be part of her limited edition rediscovery series. I though the book was OK but not outstanding. It takes place in New England and is about a young woman (Emily) who has been divorced from her husband. The story is about Emily having trouble moving on and finding a suitable life for herself. I usually really like these types of character driven books but this one was not my favorite.
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Teresa R. (Evansville, IN)
Lacks depth
I am just not a fan of Ms. Pearls favorite doorway to fiction- character. The story was short, lacked depth, and seemed very superficial. The characters aren't developed enough for me to even decide if I like them! Luckily, the book is more like a short story!
