Review: The One Thing by Marci Lyn Curtis

Note: This ARC was provided by Disney Book Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“So. I must know everything about you, starting with the most important matter: what’s your Thing?”

“My Thing?”

“Yeah. Everyone has a Thing.”

“What sort of Thing?”

“You know, like, what is the Thing that makes you the happiest? What’s the Thing that makes you you?

Over six months ago, seventeen-year-old Maggie Sanders lost her sight as a result of a delayed treatment of bacterial meningitis. Her once active life has changed drastically, leaving her a very different girl from who she used to be. When she hits her head and begins to see ten-year-old Ben Milton, she isn't entirely sure if it's some sort of strange miracle or pure hallucination. After all, she only seems to be able to see when he's in the vicinity. She begins to imagine a life with more possibilities and her unique friendship with Ben leads to her having feelings for his older brother Mason, who just happens to be the lead singer of her favorite band. But when she finally realizes why it's Ben that she can see, her sense of purpose falters and she finds herself desperately trying to come to grips with what her discovery ultimately means.

When you want to make your presence known in the young adult (YA) genre,  you may want to take your cues from new author Marci Lyn Curtis whose debut novel, The One Thing, is both uniquely whimsical and heartrendingly memorable. From its cast of characters brimming with personality to its creative tale of being aware beyond what your five senses perceive and focusing on what is possible instead of what is impossible, this book evoked several emotions but ultimately left me with a satisfied smile on my face by the time Maggie's story came to an end. The author could have taken a more established trope and added her own touch and twist to it, but she went above and beyond and ran with what she had in mind and the result is a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those who appreciate fresh yet finely tuned literature.

Maggie acts and thinks like a typical teenager, pushing her boundaries when she chooses to but being stubborn when the pushing is done by those in authority. Her friendship with Ben is cute and wholesome yet quite eye-opening, providing Maggie with opportunities to do her own bit of deep thinking and soul searching. Her romance with Mason may not be the main focus of the book, but it's one that plays a vital role in helping Maggie grow up and also discover her one Thing. The story is also about family and how trials can either bring everyone together or create a gap that is often ignored and left to widen. This is not your usual YA book but it's one that I think deserves quite a bit of love because of its ability to stand out without trying too hard. Take a chance and make The One Thing your book thing today. Five-plus stars. ♥

Release Date: 08 September 2015

Date Read: 08 September 2015

Learn more about Marci Lyn Curtis here.

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