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One Degree
Karl Thomas lives a simple, almost idealistic life. Despite that fact, he is determined to complicate it. Even if he doesn't think like the typical nine year old, he encounters normal boyhood issues while growing up with his older brother Mark, in their hometown of Canton, Ohio. At the end of his summer vacation before fourth grade, Karl faces a challenge to impress Sonya Thurston, his lifelong neighbor and best friend. Like many childhood experiences, this plan is silly and seemingly harmless, but it also has the potential for unintended consequences. Similar to following the sprawling branches of a tree, every decision he makes has repercussions that spread out into numerous directions. In a story of what if’s, "One Degree" follows the lives of Karl, his friends, and family as they react to life challenges at pivotal moments in two possible story lines.
- GenresComing Of AgeFamily
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2013
17 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Alan
15 books19 followersHello everyone -
My name is Matthew Alan and I just finished publishing my first novel entitled "One Degree". One Degree is a work of fiction that I started writing about seven years ago. I've worked on three other books during that time period (and the next will be coming out later this fall), but this is the story I kept coming back to. I hope you like it!
I am a college swimming coach/teacher living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and writing on the side. As a coach and educator, I have been fascinated in teaching and balancing learning with humor. These goals have sparked the passion in my writing for some time, and I hope to share that passion with other readers as much as possible.
All the best!
Matt
My name is Matthew Alan and I just finished publishing my first novel entitled "One Degree". One Degree is a work of fiction that I started writing about seven years ago. I've worked on three other books during that time period (and the next will be coming out later this fall), but this is the story I kept coming back to. I hope you like it!
I am a college swimming coach/teacher living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and writing on the side. As a coach and educator, I have been fascinated in teaching and balancing learning with humor. These goals have sparked the passion in my writing for some time, and I hope to share that passion with other readers as much as possible.
All the best!
Matt
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 24, 2013
Beautifully written. Great for a plane ride or the beach. Thoughtful, thought-provoking, and emotional... this story is worth much more than 3 bucks. HIGHLY recommended. Hope to see more from this author. His exploration of consequence and the spontaneous directions life can take create so many questions for the reader to consider. The characters are well developed and the relationships they build are realistic and relatable. Loved it.
September 8, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. It was wonderfully well written and actually quiet thought provoking. You can definitely relate to the characters and it was amazing how one little prank could have taken two completely different turns that has different consequences. The characters, story lines, and the whole thought to it was fantastic. I definitely see myself re-reading this book again.
February 27, 2021
The book starts when Karl is 9 years old and his brother Mark is 11. It goes through their whole lives, but the reason I am giving this book a 2* is that the chapters go from present and past so different from other books, it was so confusing.
September 1, 2013
August 31, 2013
Review of "One Degree" by Matthew Alan.
_______________________________________________________________________
I thoroughly enjoyed "One Degree", first novel written by Matthew Alan.
This is a story about two brothers, Karl Thomas, age 9, and his older brother Mark, age 11. The main focus is on Karl, who seems full of himself, the mischief and antics he finds himself in, always trying to impress the next door neighbor girl, Sonya Thurston, and to prove his leadership skills to his 9 year old peers. Karl tries to 'one-up' his brother, Mark, but finds himself in situations which he thinks are innocent pranks, but could turn deadly serious in unintended consequences.
This novel spans their lifetime, illustrating alternative scenarios depending on the choices they make.
The characters were well developed and easy to relate to.
I won a copy of this book on a Goodreads giveaway contest.
Review of "One Degree" by Matthew Alan.
_______________________________________________________________________
I thoroughly enjoyed "One Degree", first novel written by Matthew Alan.
This is a story about two brothers, Karl Thomas, age 9, and his older brother Mark, age 11. The main focus is on Karl, who seems full of himself, the mischief and antics he finds himself in, always trying to impress the next door neighbor girl, Sonya Thurston, and to prove his leadership skills to his 9 year old peers. Karl tries to 'one-up' his brother, Mark, but finds himself in situations which he thinks are innocent pranks, but could turn deadly serious in unintended consequences.
This novel spans their lifetime, illustrating alternative scenarios depending on the choices they make.
The characters were well developed and easy to relate to.
I won a copy of this book on a Goodreads giveaway contest.
October 3, 2014
Amazing! What a fascinating, funny, life changing story!
At the beginning One Degree centers around 9-year-old Karl. Karl is a funny, smart, curious young boy who tries to impress his best friend, and childhood crush, Sonya. From there it shows just one degree of separation between Karl, his older brother Mark, their parents, Sonia, and Karl's friends. It explores the ups and downs of childhood, teens years, college, choices, mistakes, marriages, and life. The story literally marks Karl's growth and is captivating. There are many, many statements that should be marked and memorized for their simple brilliance.
One Degree is a classic book that should and will be read over and over again. At least by me. ;) :)
How sweetly wonderful it is to discover One Degree. :)
At the beginning One Degree centers around 9-year-old Karl. Karl is a funny, smart, curious young boy who tries to impress his best friend, and childhood crush, Sonya. From there it shows just one degree of separation between Karl, his older brother Mark, their parents, Sonia, and Karl's friends. It explores the ups and downs of childhood, teens years, college, choices, mistakes, marriages, and life. The story literally marks Karl's growth and is captivating. There are many, many statements that should be marked and memorized for their simple brilliance.
One Degree is a classic book that should and will be read over and over again. At least by me. ;) :)
How sweetly wonderful it is to discover One Degree. :)
September 10, 2013
Seriously, this book is a must read. Karla and Mark are well-developed characters throughout the entirety of the book and are not only loved, but disliked depending on the "one degree" of life change that occurs. When I had to put the book down - which I hated to do - I found myself reflecting on my own life and the events and choices that shape and continue to shape it.
I look forward to more work from Matthew Alan.
I look forward to more work from Matthew Alan.
September 13, 2013
Really enjoyed One Degree from beginning to end. Unpredictable. Creative. Well-drawn, believable characters. This book really brings home how profoundly chance can sometimes affect our lives in unforeseen ways.
July 15, 2014
I can't believe this is Matthew Alan's first book. I am excited to start his next one, What We Leave Behind. Keep up the good work Matt! You are a man with many talents and also live in my hometown of PGH so that scores you extra points :)
April 24, 2015
A Thought Provoking Read
I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book that I've read from this author, and I absolutely LOVED his book What We Leave Behind, so I was very much looking forward to reading from Matthew Alan again. This book did not disappoint. This is a very unique read, in that it tells a story, but not just I'm one way. You get to see what would happen in life if different choices were made. This story is told in that way, showing two very different life paths, and the outcomes that occur from the different choices made. It sounds complicated, but in all actuality, it was a very easy read. The characters in the story are well written and well developed, as is the story itself. After reading this, I sat back and thought about how the smallest things in life could possibly have a huge impact. I've recommended this book to some family and friends, not only because it's a really great read, but also because I was interested to hear their take on it, and to hear what kind of reaction they had. I will definitely be watching out for work from this very talented author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book that I've read from this author, and I absolutely LOVED his book What We Leave Behind, so I was very much looking forward to reading from Matthew Alan again. This book did not disappoint. This is a very unique read, in that it tells a story, but not just I'm one way. You get to see what would happen in life if different choices were made. This story is told in that way, showing two very different life paths, and the outcomes that occur from the different choices made. It sounds complicated, but in all actuality, it was a very easy read. The characters in the story are well written and well developed, as is the story itself. After reading this, I sat back and thought about how the smallest things in life could possibly have a huge impact. I've recommended this book to some family and friends, not only because it's a really great read, but also because I was interested to hear their take on it, and to hear what kind of reaction they had. I will definitely be watching out for work from this very talented author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2013
Once I realized what was going on, I was enthralled, this book brings out the fork in the road over and over. How one situation can change your life and the lives around you, what could happen if it goes one way or the other. The concept is amazing. Now, why I gave it 3 stars instead of 5, since I'm so blown away by the idea of the book? Well, it's the conversations between characters. Too many "Leave it to Beaver" expressions. Moms using the word "darling", and other conversations seeming stilted. The natural flow of words between people just was not there. Overall it was worth reading, and keeps you thinking long after putting the book down.
April 21, 2015
The book starts out with a young boy named Karl Thomas. The book flip flops back and forth between chapters. By a choice he made as a young boy lead to these events in his life. Then we go to this is how his life turned out as a result of these choices.
I gave it 4 stars because even though it has been updated there are still words missing out of a few sentences in the e-book, and the language is a little over the top for my taste. I was able to relate to the story though since I am from Canton, and the locations, streets, etc are very real. Even with the minor mistakes it is still a good read.
I gave it 4 stars because even though it has been updated there are still words missing out of a few sentences in the e-book, and the language is a little over the top for my taste. I was able to relate to the story though since I am from Canton, and the locations, streets, etc are very real. Even with the minor mistakes it is still a good read.
November 8, 2013
Who doesn't wonder about how life might have turned out differently had we made one choice instead of another? If Y had happened instead of X? This is what Matthew Alan explores in One Degree, as he follows Karl, his brother Mark, and their friends Sonya and Margaret through two very different scenarios of their lives. A few grammatical errors sprinkled throughout detract from the experience, so hopefully those will be corrected in a later edition, but what an interesting, thought-provoking story.
May 24, 2015
Cause and effect, reactions for every action. This book is written so that you see the outcomes of the 2 possible outcomes in the life of Karl Thomas. What path will he choose to live his life. What are the reactions to his actions through his life. A very bright young boy with the possibilities to become any thing he wants to become. What will his actions cause his life to become? The question this book raises, is what will yours? This one makes you think.
September 20, 2013
One Degree is a thought provoking story of life choices and chances, it is heart warming and slightly frustrating all at the same time but it is guaranteed to show you that no matter what there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
November 16, 2013
I know this book has gotten alot of positive reviews but I did not care for it. Not my kind of book. If I had time to sit and read it ALL at one time it might have been better.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews