The One by Julia Argy
Published: April 18, 2023
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Literary Fiction
Pages: 301
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Julia Argy is a writer from Massachusetts. Her debut novel, The One, is forthcoming from Putnam in April, 2023. She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Statistics, and from the University of Michigan’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program with an MFA in Fiction.
But the moment Emily arrives, it becomes clear she’s been tapped to win it all. Emily’s producer Miranda sees her as the golden ticket: generically pretty, affable, and easily molded—all the qualities of a future Wife. Emily herself is less certain. It’s easy enough to fall in love under romantic lighting and perfectly crafted dates, but it’s harder to remember what’s real and what’s designed. And as Emily’s fascination with another contestant grows, both Emily and Miranda are forced to decide what it is they really want—and what they are willing to do to get it.
“Are you ready to find The One?”
Emily was fired from her job and then headhunted to be on a reality dating show. She isn’t sure this is for her, but with nothing holding her back, she figures she will give falling in love a chance.
This was a weird but excellent book. It was engaging and entertaining. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at filing a reality show. I liked the characters. The women were all so different and dynamic.
I liked Emily. She was a great leading lady. Her journey was both heartwarming and a little heartbreaking. But I loved exploring her coming into herself and realizing who she is.
I found the humor well-placed throughout the novel. I also enjoyed the staunch stand on women supporting women, primarily when people would rather pit women against each other.
I enjoyed the romantic aspects of this book, and I love how they happened subtly. It was like watching someone fall in love. It was charming.
I found the writing style to be conversational and easy to read. The dialogue was well done. The human element was well represented in every aspect. This is a good book.