1.48k reviews for:

One Two Three

Laurie Frankel

3.98 AVERAGE

watson_my_shelf's review against another edition

5.0

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As someone who works in the environmental field, this book was right up my alley! I loved this book so much - not only because of the topic around environmental issues, but because the writing was so amazing. The story was so well thought out and truly a beautiful story. This story is told from the viewpoint of triplets, with each chapter rotating through their viewpoints. Each triplet has their own unique voice. 
I think it's amazing Frankel took this story of something that has happened and is happening to communities across the county (and across the world), and turned it into a very readable story. Frankel accurately displayed the stories of so many affected by groundwater contamination. 
This book sucked me in. I became so emotionally invested in the triplets, their families, and their town. Their pain was my pain, and I was getting so frustrated over the lawsuit and all the hurdles. 

ipallardy's review against another edition

3.0

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I love the author of this book and the way she told this story was so unique and interesting. That being said, the start of the story was so slow moving I had to really work to get through it. The last quarter of the book was really engrossing, so it sort of made up for it, but not enough to love the book.

a_laschinger's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

yetanothersusan's review against another edition

4.0

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This story is told in one, two, three points of view. Triplets Mab, Monday, and Mirabel are growing up in a dead town that was poisoned by a chemical company. I adore the three girls who are all very clever and smart but definitely unique. I was worried that it would be hard to remember which sister was telling her story but they quickly became easily identifiable without even looking at the chapter title. No one would ever confuse these young ladies for their siblings! It was wonderful reading how they viewed and supported each. The town of Bourne is so well described that it becomes its own character in the story, which is quirky and endearing. The story is a terrific balance between the seriousness of the lingering damage of the chemical company and the love of a small town. I really enjoyed reading this book and the characters will stay with me for awhile.

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

msrebeccaharris's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

ruthisheretoo's review

2.75

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Went in blind and was instantly caught up in the characters and setting. Unfortunately just lost momentum with it and stopped caring about halfway in. Finished it, liked a lot of the writing elements, just didn't do it for me overall.

hay_how's review against another edition

3.0

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

serendipitysbooks's review

4.5

emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I was torn about whether or not to pick up One Two Three. In the pro column was the fact that I knew Frankel could write. Her book This is How it Always Is is one of my faves. I also expected the focus on a chemical factory that polluted the town water supply to such an extent that it damaged people’s health, and then evaded any responsibility would really resonate with me. I do love a good rage read. But in the con column were worries that I’d find the diasabled triplet angle a bit gimmicky and naff.

I’m glad I eventually gave the book a go. As expected I did love the exploration of a business damaging the environment and people’s health with apparent impunity. It reminded me of the non-fiction book Mill Town which I read and enjoyed earlier this year. I shouldn’t have worried about the triplet angle though. Frankel handled it beautifully. What we got was a strong and loving bond between three sisters who were all impacted differently by the environmental disaster that beset their town. The three girls had very different personalities and both Mirabel’s and Monday’s disabilities were sensitively yet accurately portrayed. Importantly, the disabilities were just one part of each girl; there was so much more to them than a mere label. In fact, contrary to my expectations Mab, Monday and Mirabel were probably my favourite part of the book.

I thought the town of Bourne and it’s inhabitants were depicted with both accuracy and sensitivity. As I reader I could feel the run-down nature of the town and the despair that pervaded it. Because of that I could understand why the residents might welcome back the offending chemical company, even though I naturally found myself siding with Nora, the triplet’s mother who was incandescent with rage at their audacity.

I also loved the ending. I could clearly picture the three girls and the back hoe in my mind and could easily envisage the action unfolding on a large cinema screen. It may not have been realistic but it was memorable and exactly what I wanted and needed. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness

mpwood's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 2%

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Too hard to attach to the characters. The phrasing of the writing was too dense.

sakendrick's review against another edition

5.0

dark funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No