Review: One by Sarah Crossan

One by Sarah Crossan

Series: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult / Contemporary
Length: 400 pages
Published on 27th August 2015 by Bloomsbury Children's
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / The Book Depository
Sarah Crossan: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Received from NetGalley

Synopsis:  
The ONE book you have to read this summer! The phenomenal new novel from Carnegie-shortlisted author Sarah Crossan; incredibly moving and extraordinarily crafted, it explores the unbreakable bond and love between sisters.

Grace and Tippi are twins – conjoined twins.
And their lives are about to change.
No longer able to afford homeschooling, they must venture into the world – a world of stares, sneers and cruelty. Will they find more than that at school? Can they find real friends? And what about love?

But what neither Grace or Tippi realises is that a heart-wrenching decision lies ahead. A decision that could tear them apart. One that will change their lives even more than they ever imagined…

Earlier this summer I dared to venture onto NetGalley and face my abismal feedback rating over there, and I stumbled across this gem.

One follows twins, Grace and Tippi, who are closer than you and I will ever be. They're conjoined twins and this book follows them as they live their day to day lives of endless hospital and therapy visits, adjusting to starting school for the first time, and coping with a family coming a part at the seems thanks to money issues.

What I think is most important about this book is that it doesn't revolve around the idea of what the girls can and can't do, its focus is more that of their mental state, growth, and friendships - it shows their confidence and how they've adapted to the harsh views and words of the world.

On the other side of things it shows them enjoying their new lives that starting school brings - new friendships, first crushes, a sneakily planned trip, camping, and first kisses. Its adorable and so much fun. 

However this book is as heart-wrenching as the synopsis says, as the money issues continues to put a huge weight on their family, the girls have to make a decision together on how they can try and help out, to try and bring everyones smiles back. 

It was refreshing to see a character that could've easily been a money-grabbing meanie exist as a caring adult the girls ended up leaning on a fair bit instead. 

This is the first book I've read that was written as free verse which I think this was chosen due to a design aesthetic, well at least that is how it seemed to me as somehow it visually represented Grace and Tippi.

I can't even begin to describe the emotions this book made me feel, nor the amount I cried either. It really was an emotional read.

4.5 stars / 5 stars