NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “[Anna Quindlen] writes passionately . . . painstakingly uncovering all the intensity, suspicion and primitive love that bonds mothers and daughters.”—The Boston Globe Ellen Gulden is enjoying her career as a successful magazine writer in New York City when she learns that her mother, Kate, is dying of cancer. Ellen’s father insists that she quit her job and return … father insists that she quit her job and return home to become a caregiver. A high-powered career woman, Ellen has never felt she had much in common with her mother, a homemaker and the heart of their family. Yet as Ellen begins to spend time with Kate, she discovers many surprising truths, not only about herself, but also about the woman she thought she knew so well.
Later, when Ellen is accused of the mercy killing of her mother, she must not only defend her own life but make a difficult choice—either accept responsibility for an act she did not commit or divulge the name of the person she believes committed a painful act of love.
Praise for One True Thing
“A triumph.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“We leave One True Thing stimulated and challenged, more thoughtful than when we began.”—Los Angeles Times
“Like a brush with mortality, One True Thing leaves the reader feeling grateful, wide awake, lucky to be alive.”—Michael Chabon
“It calls you back for another read. . . . This is a book of catharsis.”—The Denver Post
“Fiercely compassionate and frank.” —Elle
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One of my all time favorite books. Right up there with To Kill A Mockingbird. Have re-read it several times. Great character development in an untenable life event. Love this book
You’ll think about this one for a long time to come. Anna Quindlen successfully tackles illness/parent-child relationships/love/grief/betrayal and a host of other emotions. Don’t miss this…
I read this book after I saw the movie and found it incredibly well-written but terribly sad. I read it a few months after my mother had died so identified with “Ellen.” Would i recommend it? You bet but be forwarned . .. It is sad.
This story was unexpected and initially a bit difficult – a journalist who loses her mother to cancer and a detailed account of the time they spend together before she dies. The twist is that the book opens with the narrator being arrested for her mother’s murder. What follows is a roller coaster ride through small town academia, mother-daughter …
The second time reading this incredibly well written novel, I was impressed with how much I had forgotten over the years and how much more my life experiences enhanced the characters’ growth. This story of relationship, family systems, long marriages, maturity, strength, and finally, death gives us wide berth to judge these characters and, …
She’s a wonderful, sharply observant writer, who creates a specific world in the most vivid way. This is one of those books you’ll wish would never end.
Great book, love Anna Quinlan.
The quality of Quindlen’s writing, as usual, was superb. Although the ending of the book was obvious from the beginning, the story was so interesting and well told that it held my interest long into the night. This book will appeal to anyone who has ever pondered the mother/adult daughter relationship, especially as roles become reversed due to …
This was a wonderful book. It really pulls at your heartstrings and gives you a very realistic look at terminal illness and caregivers.
Heartwarming and real. I love this kind of story.
An outstanding book. A must read for whichever life phase you’re in.
Love Anna Quindlen and especially love this one!
love this book
I enjoyed this book and felt the characters reflected the era perfectly.
It is some years since I read this book and I still resonate with the story. Great book.
Such a good book. It was written with a lot of insight.
Beautifully written. Love this author!
I find everything she writes to be excellent.
One of my favorite books.
Anything by Anna Quindlan is a must read. This is no exception. Just read it.