Reviews

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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jkonersease's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

allie00p's review

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4.0

3.5 stars
This one hurts, you guys. I wanted to read another TJR book after loving Seven Husbands so much. I ordered this book in December when I was feeling particularly brave. I tried to start reading it at Christmas time, but I could tell it was going to be so heart wrenching, I put it off for later. This summer, I was going on a 15 hour road trip to a 2 week vacation, and I thought, now's the time. Truth is, I don't know if there is ever a good time to read this book. It's just too sad. It also made me angry. Emma was so frustrating at times. She was so insistent that she had changed, but didn't even attempt to catch up her husband on her new life and interests.

I do have to say, though, that I disagree with the people who were upset with who she ended up with in the end. I don't think there was a GOOD potential outcome- it was going to be heartbreaking either way. But the opposite outcome would not have made for a good story.
For my personal tastes, this book is 3 stars, as it kind of broke my spirit. However, it is so well written, it doesn't feel right rating it that low. So I'll compromise here with a 3.5.

bcorbelli's review

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5.0

So many of the quotes in this book I wanted to write down and keep forever. I felt the emotion that each one of the characters was feeling. Love wins

jesvio's review

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5.0

I don't know if I've ever read a book quicker. I bought this novel yesterday after I got dinner with a friend. I began reading it at about 10 PM and I didn't go to sleep until 3 AM. I picked it right back up after breakfast today, and I am now writing my review at 4 PM. So there's that.

I just want to begin by saying that this book made me reflect on my own personal love life, as most romance novels do. And I know these novels are usually never described in a literary space to be "profound" or as being sealed to be one of the greatest pieces of literature in our time. But nevertheless, Reid is able to discuss the human experience with great talent in this work of fiction.

I think the biggest theme that stands out to me is how people change over time. This is discussed a lot, and this is where my spoilers begin. Jesse and Emma had a great love that was meant for them in that period of time. But Sam loves who she is in the present, and that's what matters *right now*. I have a habit of when I talk or think about my previous relationships, I downplay their significance in the sense of how I felt about those people. But the truth is, at those times in my life, I truly did love those people. I truly cared for them. And I really thought our relationships would last. My first true love ended in great heartbreak. It's easy to sit here and say, "we were young. It didn't really matter, it was childish, not even real, etc." But they were. And now they aren't. Those two things can be true at the same time.

I'm not surpised at who Emma chose. I think it made the most sense and it also was truly the right decision and I think I would've made the same choice for her if I didn't know the ending.

"Sam always seemed to have a grasp on what was truly important. He never seemed bogged down by petty things. He prioritized the heart of the situation over the details. He paid attention to action more than words."

I think this quote really sums up why Sam was right for her. And honestly, in many ways, why even *my* partner is right for me at this point in time. This security of a person is invaluable and complements who Emma is as a thirty-one year old woman as well.

"It's messy to love after heartbreak. It's painful and it forces you to be honest with yourself about who you are." YES, hit it right on the nail.

Last thing I want to talk about is how much I appreciate the depiction of family in this novel. I love that Emma's relationship with her parents and sister were never just stagnantly one thing. They didn't get along, they had different priorities, and then circumstances change and therefore feelings also change. They weren't close and then Emma needed them more than ever. And they loved her in every phase of her life. That's real family, and I loved to read about it.

I enjoyed the book, okay? Berate me, I don't care. I didn't truly dislike anything about it and I couldn't put it down. So it's five stars.

carls_d's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Quick and entertaining read. However, the first part of the story involving Jesse could have been more detailed. Instead of telling us about their love, showing more moments of their connection would have added depth to their relationship. Additionally, Jesse's character did not resonate with me. His reckless behaviour, such as exceeding the speed limit and driving without a license, crossed boundaries and made him unlikable in my eyes.

In contrast, the relationship with Sam was much more appealing. It was sweeter, more tender, and had significant emotional depth. I found myself rooting for Emma to choose Sam throughout the story.