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The One
The One | John Marrs
How far would you go to find THE ONE? One simple mouth swab is all it takes. One tiny DNA test to find your perfect partner - the one you're genetically made for. A decade after scientists discover everyone has a gene they share with just one person, millions have taken the test, desperate to find true love. Now, five more people take the test. But even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking - and deadlier - than others... A psychological thriller with a difference, this is a truly unique novel which is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. (Note: Previously published as A Thousand Small Explosions)
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BarbaraBB
The One | John Marrs
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#BookReport 02/24

Despite working again I managed to read three books. Admitted, Weasels is very short! I was a bit underwhelmed by it. The tagged one is this week‘s favorite and I read it in one sit last Sunday! Flights is good too but you need to read it more slowly so it took up a big part of the week.

squirrelbrain Gosh, Weasels looks tiny compared to the other two! 2mo
TrishB I hate how work interferes with reading! How very dare it. 2mo
See All 8 Comments
intothehallofbooks I loved The One!! 2mo
Megabooks 💜💜💜💜 2mo
BarbaraBB @TrishB So annoying! 2mo
Suet624 You still manage to get a lot of books read! 2mo
80 likes8 comments
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BarbaraBB
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Today was my last day off work and did I make the most of it! I finished this one in one go and literally sighted and murmured ‘Wow‘ when I was finished. Like The Passengers this is no real thriller, yet there is murder and deceit and so much suspense and twists, it kept me hooked. All caused by a website that is able to match you with “the one” that is made for you and the promise of eternal love! Loved it!

#52BookClub24 - Sticker on the cover

Librarybelle Great review! 3mo
sarahbarnes Way to make the most of the day! Good luck with the reentry tomorrow. 3mo
BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes Thanks! It‘s been two wonderful weeks 💕 3mo
See All 11 Comments
squirrelbrain What a great last day of your holidays! ❤️ 3mo
Crazeedi Sounds excellent 3mo
RebelReader This one made me a John Marrs fan a few years ago thanks to #auldlangspine 3mo
LaraReads Awesome review & photo! Best wishes heading back to the real world tomorrow! 3mo
Suet624 Best wishes on your return. 3mo
Hooked_on_books Sounds interesting! 3mo
TheAromaofBooks I loved the way this book opened the door to so many discussions without feeling polemic. It really hooked me! 3mo
BarbaraBB @TheAromaofBooks Yes exactly, it didn't feel that way! I have been thinking about it all day today! 3mo
95 likes3 stack adds11 comments
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intothehallofbooks
The One | John Marrs
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#12Booksof2023 One of my favorite reads from the entire year is this August favorite, which introduced me to John Marrs‘ brand of psychological thriller. Fast paced, twisty, and the story is way out there. I loved it.

Also read both The Passengers by John Marrs and The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin in August and felt the same way: they‘re fast, twisty, and completely bonkers! Loved them.

Andrew65 An excellent author. 3mo
BarbaraBB This will be my next read! 3mo
27 likes2 comments
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rwmg
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

We all have a genetic match who is our soul mate but that doesn't guarantee a happy ever after. Five people's lives get more complicated when they find out who their Match is.

The first half seemed an entertaining piece of fluff if rather predictable but then all sorts of interesting twists took off.

27 likes1 stack add
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rwmg
The One | John Marrs
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TEArificbooks
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Bad Blood meets The Measure. A new genetic technology raises ethical dilemmas and changes the world. The book follows several people that use the service and the consequences that follow. It was good, but maybe too many characters too many situations. Read for my real life book club.

BookLineNSinker I loved this book and I'm a big fan of Marrs, he always comes through with a new and interesting perspective. This book was one of my faves from him; although I didn't like the show on Netflix at all. Try the tagged book of enjoy thrillers. 5mo
48 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Addison_Reads
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

#Scarathlon #SpookyGhostClub @Clwojick

This is my third read by Marrs and I've loved them all! He is a master at creating a futuristic setting that feels current, other than the technology. And I have to give him credit because he can deliver a twist unlike any other author.

If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller, put this on your TBR.

Texreader Stacked! 5mo
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Chelsea.Poole
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

So much to chew on!! This is one of those out-there concepts that seems just plausible enough to consider: a DNA test to find your perfect match. It doesn‘t get into the science at the heart of all of this, instead this shows a few of the many possible ways this can impact lives through (quite a few!) characters‘ storylines. So many twists! And I tell you I was hooked! I‘m going to read more by Marrs. Our book group loved it.

BarbaraBB Wow! I am saving this one for a holiday I think, so I can cuddle up and read it in one go! 5mo
RebelReader I really enjoyed this one. It was recommended to by someone who said it was one of their top 10 of 2021. 5mo
69 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
The One | John Marrs
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If you have to go to the doctor, you treat yourself after with a slice of pizza as big as your face. With orange Italian soda and book, obviously!

CBee That‘s a fantastic book 👏🏻👏🏻 5mo
TEArificbooks That is my IRL book clubs book for November 5mo
BarbaraBB I just had this in my hands a few minutes ago to help me get rid of my reading slump. I put it away again (not sure why) but am super curious about your review. I loved 5mo
rabbitprincess Oooh that pizza looks delicious!! 😋 5mo
92 likes4 comments
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MaleficentBookDragon
The One | John Marrs
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ALL #AllHallowsReadSwap matches have been sent out.
Opening day is Monday, October 30th.
Please post when you sen out your packages.
Start stalkling!

TheQuietQuill Got mine, thank you! Already started shopping 🛍️ 6mo
LeahBergen Thank you! 🎃 6mo
Gissy Yes; I replied already🧙🏼‍♀️🍁🍂🖤🖤🖤 6mo
Chrissyreadit 🧡🧡🧡🖤🖤🖤🧡🧡🧡 6mo
Chrissyreadit Hey friend- can you check tracking on your FFFS and let me know when it will arrive? 6mo
50 likes5 comments
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intothehallofbooks
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

This was fantastic! Such a fun read! I took a chance on this author based on a ton of social media attention and it really paid off. It started off sort of slowly, building the characterization of the five POV characters. When the twists started coming, they never stopped. I thought about this book the entire time I wasn‘t reading or listening. And in the end, I felt like it was so satisfying. I‘ll be reading more by John Marrs. #rushathon

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 8mo
she.hearts.horror I‘m enjoying this now! 7mo
intothehallofbooks @she.hearts.horror It‘s so good!!! I‘m still thinking about it. 7mo
39 likes4 comments
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intothehallofbooks
The One | John Marrs
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I‘ve seen a lot of praise for John Marrs online lately and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. This one is a standalone with 5 POVs that started out slowly, building each person‘s story. I‘m barely over the halfway point now and just about every single chapter has a twist or turn. Super fun! I can‘t wait to see how this one ends up. Very exciting. #rushathon

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 8mo
Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 8mo
33 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Coleen
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Surprised this one hasn‘t gotten more hype — I liked it a lot, given the fact it‘s a bit farfetched. Part sci-fi, part thriller, and part romance, it was interesting and not always predictable. Would make a great discussion book.

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BooksCoffeeNurse
The One | John Marrs
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Currently reading, The One by John Marrs… Up next will be the new S.A. Crosby book followed by the new Wendy Walker book. ❤️❤️❤️📚

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jpetrillivm
The One | John Marrs
Mehso-so

This book had a compelling concept with many twists & turns. but I‘m not sure how to feel after finishing it. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development of each chapter- it wasn‘t always predictable which was exciting. But somehow it just didn‘t have a satisfying ending-felt the ending was rushed.I prefer to read a book that has a really satisfying ending where I can‘t stop thinking about it for a few days, this was not the case on The One.

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TheAromaofBooks
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

This book was quite the ride. In the near future, the discovery has been made that everyone has a specific gene that is matched between only two people in the world: those people are Matches, genetically predetermined to be a perfect couple. Match Your DNA is now a huge business, with people sending in a DNA swab to find out if their match is in the database. The book follows five different people who have just found their Matches. I was afraid⬇️

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) this would make the book hard to follow, but instead the short, snappy chapters rotating through characters kept me turning the pages when I should have been doing something more productive with my day! 😂 Marrs does a great job exploring a lot of the ethics surrounding this concept without becoming polemic. It's a thought-provoking read. I didn't quite agree with all the story-telling choices, and some of the scenarios felt a little ⬇ 10mo
TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) too ridiculous for me to give it a full 5*, but this was a solid 4* read and the first book I've picked up in a while that kept me completely engaged the entire time.

@Clwojick this is my first book for #AlphabeticalBingo - I've created an overly-complicated system to go with your challenge, of course 😂

#MtTBR
#BookChain
#BookSpinBingo
10mo
Gissy This one has been in my tbr forever! I need to read it. Sometimes I give a book 5⭐️ because there is no 4.5 in GoodRead and because I enjoyed it so much. But in reality, there are only few books that deserve 5 ⭐️Sometimes I feel generous with books😌 10mo
TheAromaofBooks @Gissy - I tend to go the other way - I get stingy with stars!! 😂 10mo
Gissy @TheAromaofBooks But you are correct, many books are 3⭐️ Not much 4 and only few deserve 5⭐️ 10mo
69 likes5 comments
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shanebeth
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

definitely a Black Mirror episode waiting to happen!! I enjoyed keeping up with all the different characters and reading about the twisty journeys Match Your DNA took each on. it was a soap opera with a sci-fi twist. 4 ⭐️s!

used this to ✅ the PODCAST REC square on my Bingo challenge. I heard about it on a recent ep of Sarah‘s Bookshelves Live. it‘s available on Kindle Unlimited btw!!

#bookbingo #readingchallenge

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FantasyChick
The One | John Marrs
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@aperfectmjk I had to throw a little love-ish into your island reads this month but not too much!

I went with books I've read and enjoyed (I'm sure you can guess which ones 🤣) and one I hear good things about.

The Alina Jacobs I picked for two reasons:

It sounds like a cheesy Halloween Hallmark movie and that might be fun

And

The title sounds dirty and my inner 12 year old self can't stop giggling

Hope you enjoy!!

#TrappedonAnIsland

aperfectmjk @FantasyChick thanks girl. I can work some of these into the #Ispybingo which is definitely a bonus. I can handle some romance novels, but they're really just not for me. While most women are watching The Hallmark Channel I'm over here watching Investigation Discovery. 🤷‍♀️ 14mo
33 likes1 comment
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MaleficentBookDragon
The One | John Marrs
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All #JolabokaflodSwap matches have been sent out!
I'm excited for this year's swap. I hope you are too.
If you did not receive a match, or have an issue, comment below and I'll email you.

batsy Thank you! I'm so looking forward to this swap again 💜 1y
LiteraryinLawrence Hi! I don‘t think I received a match email. 1y
LiteraryinLawrence Never mind! I found it. Sorry Chelle! 1y
See All 18 Comments
LeahBergen Thanks so much! 👏👏 1y
Jhullie Damn. Missed it. Enjoy yourselves everyone. 1y
BarbaraBB Thanks so much!!!! 1y
Graciouswarriorprincess I don‘t think I received my match email. Thanks 1y
CarolynM Thank you 1y
Moonprismpower I didn‘t sign up but I‘m willing to be a back up if someone has to drop out. 1y
Crazeedi I got my match! And I'm on it! Thank you!! 1y
kaysworld1 Oh no I missed it 😢 1y
bridge12 Dang it, missed it. Willing to be back up as well 1y
Alfrazier21 @MaleficentBookDragon can you resend my match email? pretty please! Thank you!!! 1y
OndinetheSea I missed it 😭 I'll have to catch this swap next year, hope everyone has fun 1y
CarolynM I‘ve got a problem sending my parcel. I sent you an email yesterday. I want to clear up the problem ASAP because of post delays. Look forward to hearing from you. 1y
Texreader Dang! I missed it again this year! 1y
Bren912 I got my match and my package is ready to mail—just sent an email as I‘m a #newbie 1y
Julsmarshall I didn‘t receive a match email-are you able to resend? 1y
82 likes18 comments
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Kboltz
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

You can send in a DNA sample to find your true match. Throw in a serial killer and this is one good read. Science is usually the answer but maybe following your heart is the correct choice. Great read, will be reading more by this author.

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ulrichyumiodd
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

In all honesty, after watching (and disliking) the series, I lost interest for the audiobook I had already bought… which was a mistake because I actually enjoyed the book. As twisted as it may sound, Christopher‘s story was probably my favorite. I also quite enjoyed Nick‘s and Ellie‘s, though both become a little convoluted towards the end. I thought Mandy and Jade‘s storylines were okay, but often predictable. It‘s a good enough book overall.

Kboltz I also liked the serial killers story…🥴🤫 1y
ulrichyumiodd @Kboltz It was very satisfying to see the REAL dangers of the system being explored. 1y
Kboltz Right?!😳 1y
28 likes3 comments
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AmandaBlaze
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Short chapters really help to the develop the pace in this novel as you try to figure out where the next twist is going to go. The premise that your DNA can be matched to your soulmate is plausible in today's society. When devious scientists and others bent on revenge are involved in this match, chaos ensues.

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AmandaBlaze
The One | John Marrs
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1. The One, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, Fables, Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage.
2. Green is my favorite color, so yes.
3. Our Crooked Hearts and When Women Were Dragons, Someone is Killing the Children.
#WeekendReads @rachelsbrittain

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AmandaBlaze
The One | John Marrs
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My goals are to read 20 chapters and finish at least one book. On deck are The One, The Disinvited Guest, and Hidden Pictures.
#20in4 Readathon @Andrew65

Andrew65 Best of luck 👏👏👏 2y
27 likes1 comment
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Federoca
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Good read. Light and smooth

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Hollijomarie
The One | John Marrs
Pickpick

Lots of twists !

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TheBookKeepers
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

This book was such an experience and twisty hahaha! If you‘re looking for a fast paced immersive read check it out! A not so future world where DNA tests can find your soul mate. Follow 5 individuals as they learn who their perfect match is.

38 likes1 stack add
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FogLady
The One | John Marrs
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Mehso-so

This starts off well but the twists are predictable. The redeeming quality for me was that it calls into question some fairly widespread opinions about romantic love and how it‘s found and most importantly how we judge people who don‘t find it.

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Kleblanc
The One | John Marrs
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Bookclub nights are the best 📚 Loved discussing The One!

Trashcanman That looks yummy 2y
12 likes1 comment
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Kleblanc
The One | John Marrs
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My 3rd read of the year was so incredible, it earned a spot on my top 10 shelf 😍📚

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CBee
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

You‘d think all the twists thrown around that I‘d be dizzy, but DAMN this was a good one. If you‘re in a reading slump and need a book to jolt you out of it, this is perfect. PHEW 😅

OriginalCyn620 I loved this one too! Your description is spot on! 2y
CBee @OriginalCyn620 thanks! It was a crazy ride of a book 😁 2y
74 likes1 stack add2 comments
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CBee
The One | John Marrs
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It‘s still Thursday, right? All the news today has got me preoccupied - not great memories of this day last year 😞
BUT! I am addicted to the book I‘m currently reading, my 2022 word is….. undecided, because I can‘t make up my mind 😂
And my reading resolutions? Just to read as much as possible. AND to not buy too many books (try to use my library more). Onward! @MoonWitch94
Thanks for the tag, @Amiable 😘

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suvata
The One | John Marrs
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SilversReviews A good month for you. Happy Reading in 2022!! 2y
suvata @SilversReviews Thanks. You too. 2y
53 likes2 comments
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MelKelsey
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Book 147

I really enjoyed The One by John Marrs. It's set in a dystopian world in which the strand of DNA that can match you with your perfect partner has been identified. The book follows several people who've been matched, including a serial killer. It isn't noteworthy, but it's a fun read. I'm curious to check out the show, though it looks like it doesn't include all the storylines. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Allthebookclubs
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Fantastic plot!! With all of the DNA sharing companies out there, this book fits right in with the times. Why take a chance on love when you can find your DNA matched soul mate?! Sounds great, until we remember the world isn‘t perfect and there are plenty of people looking to tear others down. Full of love, betrayal, travel, and a psychopath. I give this one 5 stars!!! Book #75 in 2021

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suvata
The One | John Marrs
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The Last Six Books I Read (rated)
Two non-fiction, two cozy mysteries, one historical fiction, and one sci-fi thriller.
#BooklyApp #Bookstagram

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suvata
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

How far would you go to find The One? A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you‘ll be matched with your perfect partner—the one you‘re genetically made for. That‘s the promise made by Match Your DNA. A decade ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. The One is a fascinating novel that shows how even the simplest discoveries can have complicated consequences.

59 likes1 stack add
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Marydent
The One | John Marrs
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wanderinglynn 20 😆😆😆 2y
jessinikkip I got 19 because Im not in a book club because we dont have one near me 😂 2y
rwmg Why would a bonafide bookworm go to an athletic event? 2y
9 likes3 comments
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atl_scfl
The One | John Marrs
Mehso-so

I feel like I am being generous with the So-So and leaning more towards Pan. This book started off amazing!!! 5 main characters, each with their own compelling story and quick short chapters. I could not put the book down! But, somewhere in the middle, the stories starting dragging. I mean agonizingly and painfully slow. I skimmed over 100 pages just hoping something would happen. The ending was good but I was so over the book by that point.

5 likes1 stack add
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FantasyChick
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

I avoided this book for so long because if the hype but decided to throw caution to the wind and just dive in. What a freaking ride! Each different story pulled me right in and had me fully invested in every character. The full cast audio was the icing on the cake.

Highly recommend!

#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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LazyLimaLife
The One | John Marrs
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Mehso-so

This started out interesting but got less so about halfway through. It‘s awfully predictable and that takes away the fun.

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Cathyloves2read
The One | John Marrs
Pickpick

What a page turner! I found this book to be very easy to read, and I had a hard time putting it down! I loved the short chapters, with a cliff hanger at the end of almost every one. I love the way the author rotated the chapters among the characters. This made it feel like there were 5 stories in one. I think my favorite chapters were those involving Ellie. Needless to say,I highly recommend this book. It‘s a great, quick and exciting summer read.

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Twainy
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

🎧 What if a dating app could guarantee you the perfect match? All you need to do is submit your DNA to MatchYourDNAdotCom. What could possibly go wrong? Oh. A lot!

Mandy is matched to Richard. 🤯

Christopher, serial killer - is matched to Amy. 🤯

Jade is matched to Kevin. 🤯

Mick loves Sally but they‘re not matched. 🤯

Ellie matches to Tim. 🤯

5 MCs & narrators cycle through many cliff hanger chapters. FUN! Edge of my seat!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4

Twainy These 5 unrelated stories were great. Sophie Aldred narrates Mandy‘s story. Sophie is Sylvester McCoy‘s Doctor Who‘s companion Ace. 5 different scenarios! All wacky! Looking for an easy fun read? Imagine what could go wrong if you woke up in this world. Would you get tested? What if you were married! Etc etc etc 3y
IuliaC I really enjoyed this one 👍 3y
Twainy @IuliaC Yes! It wasn‘t even on my radar. It was a complete surprise. 3y
38 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Roua
The One | John Marrs
This post contains spoilers
show me

I'm 37% into the book.

Exactly at the moment when Ellie confessed to Tim about who she really is and what she does for a living.

I had guessed it from the beginning so no big surprise 😑😑

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LaraS
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Who needs dating aps when a DNA test will match you with the one you are genetically made for? We follow 5 ppl who have been matched: divorcee, a CEO, a fiancé, someone stuck in a dead-end-job, and a serial killer.

So relieved it isn't a “cautionary tale“ blaming sci & tech, and extra points for such an unusual plot. The 5 different POVs made me feel like I was gossiping about the drama-rama in all my friends lives...but in the best possible way.

6 likes2 stack adds
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ZoeJane620
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this one. An interesting take on what can happen when people try to “play God” with other‘s lives. Tons of twists and turns, none of which I predicted.

Of note, towards the beginning there is a brutal murder that is described in (way too much) detail for my liking. I‘m one of those people that enjoys watching “murder shows” on ID but this scene actually made my stomach turn. 🤢

13 likes1 stack add
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Jess101986
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Wow what a page turner! Definitely keeps you engaged and wanting to learn more!

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allureofbeauty
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Just finished this one. We watched the show first but the book of course was leagues better. I wish they had followed some of those storylines in the show instead of what they did. Tho I do wonder if the show will get a second season. Or a sequel with the book either. I know I‘d read it.

#theone #johnmarrs #thriller #netflix #netflixadaption #scifi #sciencefiction #cookies #readingsnack #justfinished #kindle #kindlereads #love

20 likes1 stack add
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OriginalCyn620
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Loved this one! A real page-turner with lots of twists. Now I can binge the Netflix series, though I‘ve heard it‘s very different from the book.

#bookspinbingo
#pop21 - a book set in multiple countries

Jemgirl2014 Yes, it's extremely different! So different that you can watch the movie first without spoiling the book. LOL 3y
OriginalCyn620 @Jemgirl2014 Yikes! That doesn‘t sound very promising! 3y
Jemgirl2014 @OriginalCyn620 Yes, it's pretty bad as far as adaptations go. However, once I resigned myself to the fact that it's nothing like the book, I actually began to enjoy the TV series. 🙂 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
39 likes4 comments
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RebelReader
The One | John Marrs
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Pickpick

Better late than never. Thanks @lou.reads.a.lot for the recommendation. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Now I see it‘s on Netflix so I‘ll have to watch and compare. #Newyearwhodis

MatchlessMarie Awesome to hear. I read my first John Marrs earlier this year and really enjoyed it 3y
54 likes1 stack add1 comment