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One True Thing
When is a secret not a secret? When your whole life is public.
Frankie is used to being a politician's daughter, but it's election time, so life's crazier than usual. Add a best friend who's being weirdly distant, a brother to worry about, and the fact that Frankie's just humiliated herself in front of a hot guy - who later turns up at band practice to interview her about her music.
Jake seems to like Frankie - really like her. But then everything crumbles. Photos appear of Frankie's mum having secret meetings with a younger man - and she refuses to tell the public why. With her family falling apart around her, Frankie is determined to find out the truth - even if it means losing Jake. - See more at: http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/n...
Frankie is used to being a politician's daughter, but it's election time, so life's crazier than usual. Add a best friend who's being weirdly distant, a brother to worry about, and the fact that Frankie's just humiliated herself in front of a hot guy - who later turns up at band practice to interview her about her music.
Jake seems to like Frankie - really like her. But then everything crumbles. Photos appear of Frankie's mum having secret meetings with a younger man - and she refuses to tell the public why. With her family falling apart around her, Frankie is determined to find out the truth - even if it means losing Jake. - See more at: http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/n...
389 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
8 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Hayes
48 books69 followersNicole Hayes is a writer, writing teacher and public speaker based in Melbourne. Her novels include The Whole of My World, longlisted for the 2014 Gold Inky Award and shortlisted for 2014 YABBAs and One True Thing, a CBCA Notable book for 2016 and the winner of the 2015 Children’s Peace Literature Award, and shortlisted for the WA Premier's Literary Award for Young Adult fiction. She co-edited an anthology of footy stories with Alicia Sometimes, From the Outer: Footy like you’ve never heard it (2016), and together they've a new book for girls about the AFL Women's competition, A Footy Girl's Guide to the Stars of 2017. She is a Stella Prize Schools Program Ambassador, and one-sixth of the first all-women AFL podcast, The Outer Sanctum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 10, 2015
For those of you who follow my reviews, it will be no secret that I adored Nicole Hayes's debut novel, The Whole of My World. She had a big job ahead of her to equal the emotional impact and engagement of that first effort - and she has absolutely achieved it.
When I finished One True Thing, I immediately wanted to read it again. Not because I felt like I had missed anything, but because I didn't want to let the characters go. In Frankie, Hayes has constructed a young woman who is smart, funny, vulnerable and loves Pearl Jam. Frankie is the kind of person I (and I suspect a lot of other people I know) would have wanted to be friends with at school.
Frankie's mum, Rowena, is poised to be the next Premier of Victoria. We enter the lives of Frankie's family in the lead-up to the election and the media maelstrom it entails. Gender politics is to the fore here, and Frankie, her brother Luke and her Dad are caught up in it whether they want to be or not. Rowena tells Frankie, they are only words and can't hurt her, but it is clear the words do hurt. When Rowena is snapped by a photographer having a clandestine meeting with a young man, the press goes wild, making all sorts of insinuations about Rowena's moral character. In this portrayal of a media happy to brand Rowena a "witch" and other unsavoury things, we see echoes of Julia Gillard's treatment, and also that of Joan Kirner, by the fourth estate.
As if that wasn't enough for Frankie to contend with, she finds herself falling for a handsome photographer from her school and feels like she is losing her best friend, Kessie, to a girlfriend she has never met. Secret upon secret builds in this novel, until they start spilling over and then Frankie and her family have to deal with the fallout. Through it all, Frankie stands tall - loyal and feisty to the end. Other standout characters for me were: Kessie, Frankie's forthright best friend and bandmate; Luke, her loving and funny little brother; and Gran Mulvaney, who endeared me with her love for Frankie and her daughter, Rowena.
This is a wonderful novel, rich in contemporary references, a call to arms for gender equality and a love song to Pearl Jam. Frankie is a girl I will hold in my heart for a long time, because she reached into me and reminded me that it is okay to be vulnerable, that you can come back from heartbreak and that family, is the most powerful bond of all.
I urge you to read it. For ages 13 and up.
When I finished One True Thing, I immediately wanted to read it again. Not because I felt like I had missed anything, but because I didn't want to let the characters go. In Frankie, Hayes has constructed a young woman who is smart, funny, vulnerable and loves Pearl Jam. Frankie is the kind of person I (and I suspect a lot of other people I know) would have wanted to be friends with at school.
Frankie's mum, Rowena, is poised to be the next Premier of Victoria. We enter the lives of Frankie's family in the lead-up to the election and the media maelstrom it entails. Gender politics is to the fore here, and Frankie, her brother Luke and her Dad are caught up in it whether they want to be or not. Rowena tells Frankie, they are only words and can't hurt her, but it is clear the words do hurt. When Rowena is snapped by a photographer having a clandestine meeting with a young man, the press goes wild, making all sorts of insinuations about Rowena's moral character. In this portrayal of a media happy to brand Rowena a "witch" and other unsavoury things, we see echoes of Julia Gillard's treatment, and also that of Joan Kirner, by the fourth estate.
As if that wasn't enough for Frankie to contend with, she finds herself falling for a handsome photographer from her school and feels like she is losing her best friend, Kessie, to a girlfriend she has never met. Secret upon secret builds in this novel, until they start spilling over and then Frankie and her family have to deal with the fallout. Through it all, Frankie stands tall - loyal and feisty to the end. Other standout characters for me were: Kessie, Frankie's forthright best friend and bandmate; Luke, her loving and funny little brother; and Gran Mulvaney, who endeared me with her love for Frankie and her daughter, Rowena.
This is a wonderful novel, rich in contemporary references, a call to arms for gender equality and a love song to Pearl Jam. Frankie is a girl I will hold in my heart for a long time, because she reached into me and reminded me that it is okay to be vulnerable, that you can come back from heartbreak and that family, is the most powerful bond of all.
I urge you to read it. For ages 13 and up.
May 1, 2016
What do I think?
I think that Nicole Hayes has done an amazing thing - she has taken a subject that many teenagers would find dry and dusty, and she's turned it into an intriguing, heartfelt, gripping teenage relationship/ friendship/ romance, with a serving of political intrigue on the side.
Just as Nicole's first book, The Whole of my World, was not entirely about footy, One True Thing is also not about politics - but at the same time it really is. What gets me every time about both these books is that Nicole's choice to base her stories in worlds in which girls and women are marginalised and disenfranchised is both brave and uplifting. I saw myself in both the teenage protagonists AND the parents - the teenage me that could name everyone in the Melbourne Football Club teams of the 70s and 80s, and most of the players on the other teams as well, and the parental me that can see mistakes being made and who knows how the world works.
My favourite character is not Frankie, the daughter of the acting Premier of Victoria and main character, but Kessie, the straight-talking mini-justice minister who is Frankie's best friend. Chutzpah, my friends! More front than Myer. An activist. A lesbian. And a rock-chick. Sigh.
Seriously, give this book a go. You won't be disappointed.
I think that Nicole Hayes has done an amazing thing - she has taken a subject that many teenagers would find dry and dusty, and she's turned it into an intriguing, heartfelt, gripping teenage relationship/ friendship/ romance, with a serving of political intrigue on the side.
Just as Nicole's first book, The Whole of my World, was not entirely about footy, One True Thing is also not about politics - but at the same time it really is. What gets me every time about both these books is that Nicole's choice to base her stories in worlds in which girls and women are marginalised and disenfranchised is both brave and uplifting. I saw myself in both the teenage protagonists AND the parents - the teenage me that could name everyone in the Melbourne Football Club teams of the 70s and 80s, and most of the players on the other teams as well, and the parental me that can see mistakes being made and who knows how the world works.
My favourite character is not Frankie, the daughter of the acting Premier of Victoria and main character, but Kessie, the straight-talking mini-justice minister who is Frankie's best friend. Chutzpah, my friends! More front than Myer. An activist. A lesbian. And a rock-chick. Sigh.
Seriously, give this book a go. You won't be disappointed.
December 30, 2015
I so enjoyed this contemporary YA exploration of family life set in the harsh world of modern Australian politics. Frankie, the teenage daughter of the Premier of Victoria, must navigate the blurred lines between private and public life always conscious of what she says and does. There's extra pressure to get things right as her mother faces particularly harsh scrutiny as a woman in leadership. Frankie understands you never know who's watching or who might have a camera.
When vicious political commentators dig up 'dirt' about the Premier, Frankie endures taunts and harassment at school and confusion at home. Her mother refuses to address her detractors and Frankie begins to question whether the terrible things being said about her are true.
I can't really do justice to the cleverness of the story without ruining things with spoilers but the themes of truth, trust, loyalty and family are handled so beautifully. I lost count of the number of times this book brought tears to my eyes. Frankie doesn't just have her mother's dramas to deal with but her own as well. Her rockband have an important audition coming up and there are mounting tensions between the musicians, things are changing between Frankie and her best friend Kessie, plus there's an impossibly cute boy on the scene making it very difficult for Frankie to keep her carefully constructed walls/defenses in place.
The supporting characters are wonderful. I particularly loved Frankie's little brother and her intimidating gran.
The musical references throughout the story are brilliant - though I am a fan of 90s grunge rock myself. I loved the non verbal communication between the characters, so much power in the 'unsaid'. I invested quickly in the narrative, never lost interest and from the middle of the story found it unputdownable. I also felt the characters reactions/responses to the central issue/secret of the story very believable and sensitively handled.
I found One True Thing powerful, compelling and I loved it. :-)
When vicious political commentators dig up 'dirt' about the Premier, Frankie endures taunts and harassment at school and confusion at home. Her mother refuses to address her detractors and Frankie begins to question whether the terrible things being said about her are true.
I can't really do justice to the cleverness of the story without ruining things with spoilers but the themes of truth, trust, loyalty and family are handled so beautifully. I lost count of the number of times this book brought tears to my eyes. Frankie doesn't just have her mother's dramas to deal with but her own as well. Her rockband have an important audition coming up and there are mounting tensions between the musicians, things are changing between Frankie and her best friend Kessie, plus there's an impossibly cute boy on the scene making it very difficult for Frankie to keep her carefully constructed walls/defenses in place.
The supporting characters are wonderful. I particularly loved Frankie's little brother and her intimidating gran.
The musical references throughout the story are brilliant - though I am a fan of 90s grunge rock myself. I loved the non verbal communication between the characters, so much power in the 'unsaid'. I invested quickly in the narrative, never lost interest and from the middle of the story found it unputdownable. I also felt the characters reactions/responses to the central issue/secret of the story very believable and sensitively handled.
I found One True Thing powerful, compelling and I loved it. :-)
April 1, 2017
This is another one of those OzYA books that I've been meaning to read for a thousand years and have only just gotten around to. And having just finished it, I'm left with "this was decent, but not great". Except here's the thing: for me? It probably SHOULD have been great.
Add in the fact that I can't stand Pearl Jam and the fact that the romantic relationship in here was about as exciting as watching paint dry and this came out to good but not great.
Add in the fact that I can't stand Pearl Jam and the fact that the romantic relationship in here was about as exciting as watching paint dry and this came out to good but not great.
June 7, 2015
‘One True Thing’ is the second novel from Australian young adult author Nicole Hayes.
I actually finished reading this book a month or so ago, but I’ve been so far behind in my review-writing that I’m only now getting round to it … moved to sing this book’s praises both because it’s great, and because a recent event helped me form my opinions about Hayes’ novel.
Victoria’s first (and to date, only) female Premier died recently. Joan Kirner wasn’t politically perfect – among her hindsight mistakes was the roll out of pokie machines in Victoria – but she was a kind and gutsy leader who kept giving back to the community long after she left politics behind. She was also a formidable female leader who faced a merciless and misogynistic media that often portrayed her as a polka dot-obsessed housewife … sadly, I can imagine that Kirner wasn’t the least bit surprised when her mentee Julia Gillard faced even more abhorrent treatment from the still misogynistic media decades later, as our first female Prime Minister.
With that in mind – I gift you ‘One True Thing’ – a young adult novel in which Hayes imagines another female politician running for Premier of Victoria, and the repercussions on her family when “the personal is political” and smartphones can help to capture all manner of scandal.
I actually started reading this book shortly after I binge-watched a brilliant Australian TV show called ‘Party Tricks’ – featuring beloved actress Asher Keddie as Premier who finds herself going head-to-head for re-election against the man she had an affair with years ago. The show also featured a small storyline about the male candidate’s teenage daughter getting caught in the middle when political scandal breaks – and I found myself wishing we could stay with that story for a little longer, so imagine my glee when I picked up Nichole Hayes’ book to discover this was the very basis of her new novel!
Our protagonist is Frankie – a teenager who often feels like ‘window dressing’ to her parent’s career ambitions – her mother the politician, her father the author. And while Frankie may think she’s an old pro at navigating the craziness of her mother’s career, things kick into a whole other gear with her running for Premier – particularly when some photos surface that throw shade on her mother’s campaign, and even her parent’s marriage.
I know it’s only partly true. But truth, I’m quickly learning, is a slippery thing. What’s true one second isn’t even close to true the next. Sometimes it feels like there is no one true thing.
When a student journalist called Jake takes an interest in Frankie’s band, she sees appeal in him immediately but is wary of anyone who has ambitions of joining the vultures who are currently picking her family apart.
I really did love this novel, and I loved Frankie as a fairly prickly protagonist. Look, I think when you grow up in politics and with two fairly egocentric parents you’re bound to be affected – and I especially loved how Hayes let a little of Frankie working through her issues come out in the music she loves (appropriately, 1990s grunge – “I feel stupid and contagious/Here we are now, entertain us!”). And I loved her complicated attraction to Jake – who I envision is working for The Underage. There’s a bit of a fantasy-noir element to their relationship – politician’s daughter falling for student journo – but I really loved it, particularly for the issues it throws up about the personal as political and journalism ethics in general.
This book is also a big hit for its feminist element. Hayes asks young readers to confront the misogyny in modern-day politics, and she does so in this compulsively readable book that blends teen romance and family drama. There’s a lot here that adults will also enjoy (and, honestly, if you liked ‘Party Tricks’ – read this book!) but Hayes is a great writer for making these big, no-straight-answers ideas so palatable and accessible for younger readers.
I actually finished reading this book a month or so ago, but I’ve been so far behind in my review-writing that I’m only now getting round to it … moved to sing this book’s praises both because it’s great, and because a recent event helped me form my opinions about Hayes’ novel.
Victoria’s first (and to date, only) female Premier died recently. Joan Kirner wasn’t politically perfect – among her hindsight mistakes was the roll out of pokie machines in Victoria – but she was a kind and gutsy leader who kept giving back to the community long after she left politics behind. She was also a formidable female leader who faced a merciless and misogynistic media that often portrayed her as a polka dot-obsessed housewife … sadly, I can imagine that Kirner wasn’t the least bit surprised when her mentee Julia Gillard faced even more abhorrent treatment from the still misogynistic media decades later, as our first female Prime Minister.
With that in mind – I gift you ‘One True Thing’ – a young adult novel in which Hayes imagines another female politician running for Premier of Victoria, and the repercussions on her family when “the personal is political” and smartphones can help to capture all manner of scandal.
I actually started reading this book shortly after I binge-watched a brilliant Australian TV show called ‘Party Tricks’ – featuring beloved actress Asher Keddie as Premier who finds herself going head-to-head for re-election against the man she had an affair with years ago. The show also featured a small storyline about the male candidate’s teenage daughter getting caught in the middle when political scandal breaks – and I found myself wishing we could stay with that story for a little longer, so imagine my glee when I picked up Nichole Hayes’ book to discover this was the very basis of her new novel!
Our protagonist is Frankie – a teenager who often feels like ‘window dressing’ to her parent’s career ambitions – her mother the politician, her father the author. And while Frankie may think she’s an old pro at navigating the craziness of her mother’s career, things kick into a whole other gear with her running for Premier – particularly when some photos surface that throw shade on her mother’s campaign, and even her parent’s marriage.
I know it’s only partly true. But truth, I’m quickly learning, is a slippery thing. What’s true one second isn’t even close to true the next. Sometimes it feels like there is no one true thing.
When a student journalist called Jake takes an interest in Frankie’s band, she sees appeal in him immediately but is wary of anyone who has ambitions of joining the vultures who are currently picking her family apart.
I really did love this novel, and I loved Frankie as a fairly prickly protagonist. Look, I think when you grow up in politics and with two fairly egocentric parents you’re bound to be affected – and I especially loved how Hayes let a little of Frankie working through her issues come out in the music she loves (appropriately, 1990s grunge – “I feel stupid and contagious/Here we are now, entertain us!”). And I loved her complicated attraction to Jake – who I envision is working for The Underage. There’s a bit of a fantasy-noir element to their relationship – politician’s daughter falling for student journo – but I really loved it, particularly for the issues it throws up about the personal as political and journalism ethics in general.
This book is also a big hit for its feminist element. Hayes asks young readers to confront the misogyny in modern-day politics, and she does so in this compulsively readable book that blends teen romance and family drama. There’s a lot here that adults will also enjoy (and, honestly, if you liked ‘Party Tricks’ – read this book!) but Hayes is a great writer for making these big, no-straight-answers ideas so palatable and accessible for younger readers.
July 8, 2015
Following her debut novel The Whole of My World, Nicole Hayes continues to imbue an Australian sensibility in One True Thing; although set in Melbourne and toying with Victorian politics, Frankie's story is relatable country-wide.
Even if you're not politically-inclined -- like myself -- Frankie's struggles to be herself amid family, friend, and love problems are the main act that just happen to be set against a backdrop involving state politics.
Even if you're not politically-inclined -- like myself -- Frankie's struggles to be herself amid family, friend, and love problems are the main act that just happen to be set against a backdrop involving state politics.
July 5, 2015
There’s so much I admire about this novel.
Its structure, layers and pacing are just terrific. There are so many things going on - so many relationship dynamics - and each receive the page time and attention they deserve.
Frankie is a fabulous character: passionate and likable, with flaws she doesn't even recognise - at least at first. It's these flaws as much as the events around her that cause the greatest tension in Frankie's life, and they lead her to some tough lessons about compromise and forgiveness.
I love that as strained as all relationships get between Frankie and her family and friends, there’s never any doubt there’s deep love and respect there. The characters in One True Thing are intelligent and all have their blind spots, but at the end of the day they are there for each other. And I also love that the best answers to the difficult situations that arise generally aren’t the easy ones.
Nicole’s strong theme of the all-pervasiveness of the media - particularly in the lives of our female politicians - is both powerful and even-handed. I really appreciate that she avoids naming the political parties (especially the one Frankie's mum leads) leaving readers to position the politics however works best for them.
And, as someone who has worked both sides of the fence in media and politics, I can say she totally nails the constant push and pull between journalists and politicians.
One True Thing was a fabulous read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended contemporary Australian YA.
Its structure, layers and pacing are just terrific. There are so many things going on - so many relationship dynamics - and each receive the page time and attention they deserve.
Frankie is a fabulous character: passionate and likable, with flaws she doesn't even recognise - at least at first. It's these flaws as much as the events around her that cause the greatest tension in Frankie's life, and they lead her to some tough lessons about compromise and forgiveness.
I love that as strained as all relationships get between Frankie and her family and friends, there’s never any doubt there’s deep love and respect there. The characters in One True Thing are intelligent and all have their blind spots, but at the end of the day they are there for each other. And I also love that the best answers to the difficult situations that arise generally aren’t the easy ones.
Nicole’s strong theme of the all-pervasiveness of the media - particularly in the lives of our female politicians - is both powerful and even-handed. I really appreciate that she avoids naming the political parties (especially the one Frankie's mum leads) leaving readers to position the politics however works best for them.
And, as someone who has worked both sides of the fence in media and politics, I can say she totally nails the constant push and pull between journalists and politicians.
One True Thing was a fabulous read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended contemporary Australian YA.
August 16, 2017
Gah! This is the problem with reading one book after another. It's only been 5 days since I read this, and yet, the three books I have started and (some that) finished since then means I get all the characters and plot-lines confused in my head.
(note to self: Write the darned review right away).
Okay, so I started this on a plane, and had to keep reading and finish it that same night. SO I invested in Frankie's story, and liked that it was more about her family than her love interest.
I also very much loved that Frankie was a rocker, and was drawn into the passion she felt for her music and her band. The part about how much angst was caused by the other two band members shows Frankie as a realistic teen, and I liked that she really needed to relinquish some control - very hard for Frankie.
However, there were a couple of scenes where the tension was built and my anticipation was high, only to be left a bit unsatisfied. And I wanted more Jake at the end, as his story seemed to left unresolved (although I understand the motivation behind the decision).
Another really great new Aussie YA read.
(note to self: Write the darned review right away).
Okay, so I started this on a plane, and had to keep reading and finish it that same night. SO I invested in Frankie's story, and liked that it was more about her family than her love interest.
I also very much loved that Frankie was a rocker, and was drawn into the passion she felt for her music and her band. The part about how much angst was caused by the other two band members shows Frankie as a realistic teen, and I liked that she really needed to relinquish some control - very hard for Frankie.
However, there were a couple of scenes where the tension was built and my anticipation was high, only to be left a bit unsatisfied. And I wanted more Jake at the end, as his story seemed to left unresolved (although I understand the motivation behind the decision).
Another really great new Aussie YA read.
May 29, 2015
Frankie is the daughter of the current Premier of Victoria, a woman who was chosen by her party after the previous Premier resigned to spend more time with his family. Now there’s an election coming up where the people have to vote to return Frankie’s mother to make her the first elected female Premier of the state. Everything in their life at the moment revolves around politics and image. Frankie’s mother is subjected to rather vicious attacks from radio and print shock jocks, there are always photo opportunities to go to, events to participate in. For Frankie and her younger brother, it’s somewhat second nature but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t intrusive.
But then something shocking surfaces about Frankie’s mother. She’s been caught in what could be a very awkward situation both for her politically and also for Frankie’s family personally. Even worse, her mother refuses to explain the photos. Frankie is subjected to humiliation at school, she’s harassed and badgered by the press outside her own home and she cannot bear the hurt her father must be experiencing. Her whole family is being dragged through the mud in public and on top of that she has a best friend who is acting strangely and then she discovers that the cute boy who likes her and that she might also like, is the one who betrayed her and her family in the worst way. Her entire life is falling apart and the one person who could fix it, utterly refuses.
One True Thing is the second YA novel by Nicole Hayes. In her first, The Whole Of My World she tackled football and this one takes a very different swing toward state politics. Frankie’s mother was Deputy Premier of Victoria until the Premier resigned and her party gave her the top job. Now it’s the public’s turn to decide whether or not to vote for her in and the election campaign is in full swing. One True Thing examines the effects being in such a public spotlight might have on a relatively normal family – mum, dad, 2 kids. Frankie and her younger brother Luke are constantly juggling their social commitments with events they need to ‘be seen’ at with their mother. Frankie lives with the constant presence of her mother’s staff and top advisers in her home, particularly given the election is so close. Some of these people have become just as close as family.
Frankie is half my age, but her passion is music, particularly the grunge bands of the 1990s – Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden etc which is basically playing my song. As I write this, I’m listening to a Nirvana album. Recently I went to one of the Readings bookstores in St Kilda and when I was in there, they were playing a live Nirvana CD and I’ve been listening to them and some other bands from my high school years on and off ever since. I go through cycles with music, revisiting high school and university likes regularly. Frankie’s dedication, particularly to Pearl Jam is admirable and impressive and reminds me of my own high school days locked in my room listening to the albums of those two bands and others from that era.
One of the biggest issues in politics is – how much is the public entitled to know about the private lives of those they vote into public office? It’s something that’s happened on all levels, from local members right up to the President of the United States of America. Are their personal lives really any of our business, if they’re good leaders (and even if they’re not?) What business is it of ours to know whether or not they like to sleep with people other than their spouses? It’s not illegal. That’s not something that relates to their job and should it only be something that need concern their spouse? Doesn’t stop journalists from latching on to the smallest whiff of scandal and running with it even if they have no idea what’s happening. In this story it appears as though Frankie’s mother is seeing a much younger man – there are pictures splashed across the papers while the social and political commentators (that seem largely based on people like conservative hacks Alan Jones and Andrew Bolt) spew whatever filth they consider their opinion with little regard for anything remotely concerning facts, let alone decency and discretion, particularly for the Premier’s family. Frankie in particular is subject to a lot of cruelty as her friends are older and more socially aware, better able to read between the lines and are more likely to be the audience. Although I could at times, understand her mother’s refusal to clarify her relationship with the man in question because why should she? It’s no one’s business apart from hers, his and possibly her husband’s, I do feel as though she made a choice that significantly affected her family with little real sight of what the consequences for her silence would be. And that choice made others, Frankie in particular, feel less important to her.
This book also pokes a bit of sly fun at the ‘slogans’ politicians trot out whenever journalists are trying to take the focus off their message. In this case, it’s ‘Getting back to the business of running Victoria’. These slogans usually mean little and their continual usage only serves to irritate most people who would rather have clear and precise answers to their questions. It ties in with the above issue though – how much are we entitled to know? And unless the questions is about the message, about their issues and policies, is it even entitled to be asked? And if it is continually asked, then maybe they merely deserve the same tired old answer every single time.
I enjoyed this book a lot – I liked the presentation of politics through the eyes of an affected teen and the little extras with the romance and her friendships as well as the mystery behind what her mother was really doing. Another fantastic Aussie YA from Nicole Hayes.
But then something shocking surfaces about Frankie’s mother. She’s been caught in what could be a very awkward situation both for her politically and also for Frankie’s family personally. Even worse, her mother refuses to explain the photos. Frankie is subjected to humiliation at school, she’s harassed and badgered by the press outside her own home and she cannot bear the hurt her father must be experiencing. Her whole family is being dragged through the mud in public and on top of that she has a best friend who is acting strangely and then she discovers that the cute boy who likes her and that she might also like, is the one who betrayed her and her family in the worst way. Her entire life is falling apart and the one person who could fix it, utterly refuses.
One True Thing is the second YA novel by Nicole Hayes. In her first, The Whole Of My World she tackled football and this one takes a very different swing toward state politics. Frankie’s mother was Deputy Premier of Victoria until the Premier resigned and her party gave her the top job. Now it’s the public’s turn to decide whether or not to vote for her in and the election campaign is in full swing. One True Thing examines the effects being in such a public spotlight might have on a relatively normal family – mum, dad, 2 kids. Frankie and her younger brother Luke are constantly juggling their social commitments with events they need to ‘be seen’ at with their mother. Frankie lives with the constant presence of her mother’s staff and top advisers in her home, particularly given the election is so close. Some of these people have become just as close as family.
Frankie is half my age, but her passion is music, particularly the grunge bands of the 1990s – Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden etc which is basically playing my song. As I write this, I’m listening to a Nirvana album. Recently I went to one of the Readings bookstores in St Kilda and when I was in there, they were playing a live Nirvana CD and I’ve been listening to them and some other bands from my high school years on and off ever since. I go through cycles with music, revisiting high school and university likes regularly. Frankie’s dedication, particularly to Pearl Jam is admirable and impressive and reminds me of my own high school days locked in my room listening to the albums of those two bands and others from that era.
One of the biggest issues in politics is – how much is the public entitled to know about the private lives of those they vote into public office? It’s something that’s happened on all levels, from local members right up to the President of the United States of America. Are their personal lives really any of our business, if they’re good leaders (and even if they’re not?) What business is it of ours to know whether or not they like to sleep with people other than their spouses? It’s not illegal. That’s not something that relates to their job and should it only be something that need concern their spouse? Doesn’t stop journalists from latching on to the smallest whiff of scandal and running with it even if they have no idea what’s happening. In this story it appears as though Frankie’s mother is seeing a much younger man – there are pictures splashed across the papers while the social and political commentators (that seem largely based on people like conservative hacks Alan Jones and Andrew Bolt) spew whatever filth they consider their opinion with little regard for anything remotely concerning facts, let alone decency and discretion, particularly for the Premier’s family. Frankie in particular is subject to a lot of cruelty as her friends are older and more socially aware, better able to read between the lines and are more likely to be the audience. Although I could at times, understand her mother’s refusal to clarify her relationship with the man in question because why should she? It’s no one’s business apart from hers, his and possibly her husband’s, I do feel as though she made a choice that significantly affected her family with little real sight of what the consequences for her silence would be. And that choice made others, Frankie in particular, feel less important to her.
This book also pokes a bit of sly fun at the ‘slogans’ politicians trot out whenever journalists are trying to take the focus off their message. In this case, it’s ‘Getting back to the business of running Victoria’. These slogans usually mean little and their continual usage only serves to irritate most people who would rather have clear and precise answers to their questions. It ties in with the above issue though – how much are we entitled to know? And unless the questions is about the message, about their issues and policies, is it even entitled to be asked? And if it is continually asked, then maybe they merely deserve the same tired old answer every single time.
I enjoyed this book a lot – I liked the presentation of politics through the eyes of an affected teen and the little extras with the romance and her friendships as well as the mystery behind what her mother was really doing. Another fantastic Aussie YA from Nicole Hayes.
August 20, 2015
This is a book set in Melbourne, about a sixteen year old girl who adores nineties grunge music, whose mum is Victoria's Premier, and running to keep the position, and has queer characters. How could I not have adored this book? Not only does it cater to my love affair with Melbourne and all things set in Melbourne, but it also lets me love Melbourne in a political setting! I so, so loved this book.
Hayes' made something lovely here. Not only are all the characters believable (and by this, I mean, not always likeable), but they're also real. I want them to be my friends. Frankie was sweet and complex and heartbreakingly sad, and I loved her for it. I expected Kessie to be my favourite character going in, as she's basically my dream woman on paper: a lesbian, a singer in a band, and a political activist, but she was seriously flawed. Not as a character, but as a person, which made her a great character! Her ups and downs with Frankie mirrored so many girls' friendships in a realistic way that didn't have to be about bitchiness and competitiveness.
The political stuff was sublime, too. All the talk of 24 hour news cycles and the PR team basically being family and the absolutely disgusting Seamus Hale, so clearly based on his disgusting real life counterpart, Alan Jones, was music to my little political junkie heart. All the parallels between Rowena and Julia Gillard were magic. I wish I could go back and read this again with fresh eyes.
However, one line in particular stood out to me, about Frankie hearing perfect music and then always wanting to go and create her own. This just absolutely encapsulated how I think every creative type feels -- when I read amazing writing, it makes me want to go and write!
I would love love love a companion novel to this one from Rowena's POV, purely for another look into the political side of things, but I won't get my hopes up high -- this was already basically a fabulous novel all on its own.
Hayes' made something lovely here. Not only are all the characters believable (and by this, I mean, not always likeable), but they're also real. I want them to be my friends. Frankie was sweet and complex and heartbreakingly sad, and I loved her for it. I expected Kessie to be my favourite character going in, as she's basically my dream woman on paper: a lesbian, a singer in a band, and a political activist, but she was seriously flawed. Not as a character, but as a person, which made her a great character! Her ups and downs with Frankie mirrored so many girls' friendships in a realistic way that didn't have to be about bitchiness and competitiveness.
The political stuff was sublime, too. All the talk of 24 hour news cycles and the PR team basically being family and the absolutely disgusting Seamus Hale, so clearly based on his disgusting real life counterpart, Alan Jones, was music to my little political junkie heart. All the parallels between Rowena and Julia Gillard were magic. I wish I could go back and read this again with fresh eyes.
However, one line in particular stood out to me, about Frankie hearing perfect music and then always wanting to go and create her own. This just absolutely encapsulated how I think every creative type feels -- when I read amazing writing, it makes me want to go and write!
I would love love love a companion novel to this one from Rowena's POV, purely for another look into the political side of things, but I won't get my hopes up high -- this was already basically a fabulous novel all on its own.
August 12, 2015
A really great read - a fascinating and believable story which slowly revealed itself and, while I had a sense of where it was going, the layers within made it richer and less 'linear'. A great range of characters (not too many to become confusing, but plausible in the context of each person's life), all with distinctive and well drafted personalities (including great dialogues). There were enough decisions and emotional layers to keep it interesting, and learn something from, without being too moralistic. I enjoyed it, and I think it would really appeal to teenagers too.
November 23, 2015
Unlike in my teaching days, there is no earthly reason for me to continue to read YA, particularly as there's so much quality adult fiction beckoning me. Point is, I enjoy it and I am lucky enough to have a daughter who cherry picks the best for me - and Nicole Hayes' 'One True Thing' is certainly up there with that best. I admit it that this tome occasionally gave me the irrits, especially when it came to the kids involved and their music - but I also openly admit that, in places, especially towards the end when a family witnessed an event no family should, it also had me somewhat misty eyed. And it never ceased to have me eagerly turning the pages.
Frankie's music got to me. I suppose if I was again back teaching sixteen year olds I would enquire, after reading this, as to how many of them knew of the bands from another generation that the novel's heroine was so in thrall to. I suspect the average teen of that age would more likely be wholly into the latest here-one-minute-gone-the-next 'X-Factor' sensation and 'Ten Minutes of Spring' or whatever the name of that band is with members still barely out of short pants. But then, what would I know? Besides, Frankie is no ordinary young lady and here's where the book was so interesting to me. You see, she's the daughter of the Premier of Victoria no-less. Also, that person isn't her dad. So here Ms Hayes' focus is on what happens to their family if their publicly prominent mother becomes involved in a seemingly tawdry sex scandal - and with a much younger fellow. In this we have involved an odious shock-joke making salacious accusations based on some photos of a secret rendezvous taken of the couple by budding journalist Jake - who just happens to be Frankie's love interest. All this places the family in deep crisis, just as Premier Mum faces the biggest challenge of her career - a chance to become the first elected female leader of her state.
With all this going on around her, our heroine still has time to participate in her rock-group's rehearsals for a battle of the bands style competition and attempt to stymie her bestie's relationship with a fellow band member - the first keeper her gay mate has had.
It's a given that it is up to Frankie to come to terms not only with, but as well sort out, the mess that is confronting her life and that of those she loves. How she goes about this makes for a terrific read - but for me it's the political aspects that are the real attraction of the book. Will Jake redeem himself? Just who is the subject of her mother's extra-marital affections? Will Frankie achieve a life ambition and see her musical heroes in concert? Will the oily broadcaster get his just desserts? Will our girl resolve the fracturing of her band in time to win the competition? And, most of all, will the Premier emerge triumphant? She's somewhat self absorbed, is our Frankie, but one cannot but admire her spunk.
And congrats to Nicole H for melding all the strands together to make a juicy read for girls of Frankie's ilk as they emerge from their teenage years to make their own imprint on our world.
Frankie's music got to me. I suppose if I was again back teaching sixteen year olds I would enquire, after reading this, as to how many of them knew of the bands from another generation that the novel's heroine was so in thrall to. I suspect the average teen of that age would more likely be wholly into the latest here-one-minute-gone-the-next 'X-Factor' sensation and 'Ten Minutes of Spring' or whatever the name of that band is with members still barely out of short pants. But then, what would I know? Besides, Frankie is no ordinary young lady and here's where the book was so interesting to me. You see, she's the daughter of the Premier of Victoria no-less. Also, that person isn't her dad. So here Ms Hayes' focus is on what happens to their family if their publicly prominent mother becomes involved in a seemingly tawdry sex scandal - and with a much younger fellow. In this we have involved an odious shock-joke making salacious accusations based on some photos of a secret rendezvous taken of the couple by budding journalist Jake - who just happens to be Frankie's love interest. All this places the family in deep crisis, just as Premier Mum faces the biggest challenge of her career - a chance to become the first elected female leader of her state.
With all this going on around her, our heroine still has time to participate in her rock-group's rehearsals for a battle of the bands style competition and attempt to stymie her bestie's relationship with a fellow band member - the first keeper her gay mate has had.
It's a given that it is up to Frankie to come to terms not only with, but as well sort out, the mess that is confronting her life and that of those she loves. How she goes about this makes for a terrific read - but for me it's the political aspects that are the real attraction of the book. Will Jake redeem himself? Just who is the subject of her mother's extra-marital affections? Will Frankie achieve a life ambition and see her musical heroes in concert? Will the oily broadcaster get his just desserts? Will our girl resolve the fracturing of her band in time to win the competition? And, most of all, will the Premier emerge triumphant? She's somewhat self absorbed, is our Frankie, but one cannot but admire her spunk.
And congrats to Nicole H for melding all the strands together to make a juicy read for girls of Frankie's ilk as they emerge from their teenage years to make their own imprint on our world.
May 9, 2016
I had wanted to read this book since I first saw the cover reveal on twitter a few months ago, don’t judge me we all love nice covers. Researching further I discovered that this book is an Australian YA Contemporary set in my home city of Melbourne. The beautiful cover, book set in my home city what else do I really need? I was already sold but then the book went deeper taking on topics of family and politics. I’ve been interested in politics for a while , I know it’s a subject that can bore a lot of people but trust me this book mixes it well with drama and family relationships that it is not boring at all.
A lot happens in this book, the main character Frankies mum runs for Premier of Victoria so everyone is under the pump trying to campaign. Hanging over everyone is the possibility a sleazy journalist has some real dirt on Frankies mum and when some questionable photos emerge of her mum and a young man together everything in her life shifts balance.
Frankie also has to try and manage her band of which she is the creator and guitar player to get organised before battle of the bands. However this proves difficult when her best friend Kessie is keeping a secret from her and acting distant and a new guy Jake shows up claiming to want to interview the band, but he may have other plans.
One of the things I loved most about this book was that even though it had a romantic aspect to it it focuses more on friendships and family relationships, but I didn’t like how Frankie treated her family a lot of the time. Things start to get really difficult for Frankies family with the media hounding them and Frankie blames it all on her mum. Atop that she is angry with her father for sticking by her mum instead of her and has to try and protect her younger brother from everything that’s going on. I found Frankie to be very selfish throughout most of the book. I have to admit I’d probably act a little bit selfish if I was in her situation and only 17 at the time but reading it I thought she overreacted a bit. She fought with basically every character in this book except her younger brother.
To be honest though Frankies selfishness and self-centered behaviour was the only thing that really pulled the story down for me and I feel that could all be attributed to the characters age. Other components of the book that are really note-worthy were that it had two lesbian characters in the form of Frankies friends Kessie and Tyler and they played an important part in the band drama that Frankie has to deal with but also supporting her in her life. Luke, Frankies younger brother also suffers terribly from asthma and the family is always worried about his breathing this is another reason why Frankie feels she has to protect him and I loved the bond between these characters.
Overall I’d recommend this book to people after a good family and friendship oriented contemporary and for those f you after more good Australian YA books. If you’d like to know more about my thoughts or the book in general please don’t hesitate to ask.
May 11, 2015
Full review at www.alexfairhill.blogspot.com.
One True Thing is a great story with a relatable protagonist who draws the reader into current, relevant and topical issues: the media, its treatment of women in politics, and the effect of negative coverage on families.
Frankie, 16, is the daughter of Rowena Mulvaney, who, after being elevated to Premier of Victoria by her party, is running to be the first elected female premier of the state. Other than this, Frankie is your average teenage girl: she’s into music, hangs with her friends, and is in a band – No Politics – with Kessie, Tyler and Van. Frankie knows everyone is watching her, waiting for some embarrassing moment they can post online, and this grows more acute as the election campaign begins – anyone with a phone or a camera can be a ‘reporter’. Best friend and political activist Kessie is off spending more time with her new girlfriend, and introduces Frankie to Jake, who has aspirations to be a journalist, photographer and get to know Frankie better.
Rumours fly when photos showing the Premier with a younger man surface, and Frankie’s parents won’t tell her or younger brother Luke exactly what’s going on. Suddenly every move Frankie and her family makes is on show, under scrutiny and everyone seems to know more about her life than she does.
One True Thing reflects recent and current events, including the ‘woman issue’ in politics. The rumours, innuendo, bullying, harassment and scrutiny is particularly hard on Frankie and Luke; who must deal with the fallout at school and in public. The story also explores issues of good publicity versus bad publicity, the role of the media, and the impact of coverage regarding the private lives of public figures – and the families who did not ask to be part of public life.
Hayes’s first book, The Whole of My World, hit hard at the culture surrounding sports clubs – a culture that is, hopefully, changing; and with One True Thing highlights that negative coverage – whether through a radio show, television news, magazine, or a throw-away comment on a blog or social media site – can have far-reaching and devastating effects; regardless of their truthfulness or validity.
One True Thing is a great story with a relatable protagonist who draws the reader into current, relevant and topical issues: the media, its treatment of women in politics, and the effect of negative coverage on families.
Frankie, 16, is the daughter of Rowena Mulvaney, who, after being elevated to Premier of Victoria by her party, is running to be the first elected female premier of the state. Other than this, Frankie is your average teenage girl: she’s into music, hangs with her friends, and is in a band – No Politics – with Kessie, Tyler and Van. Frankie knows everyone is watching her, waiting for some embarrassing moment they can post online, and this grows more acute as the election campaign begins – anyone with a phone or a camera can be a ‘reporter’. Best friend and political activist Kessie is off spending more time with her new girlfriend, and introduces Frankie to Jake, who has aspirations to be a journalist, photographer and get to know Frankie better.
Rumours fly when photos showing the Premier with a younger man surface, and Frankie’s parents won’t tell her or younger brother Luke exactly what’s going on. Suddenly every move Frankie and her family makes is on show, under scrutiny and everyone seems to know more about her life than she does.
One True Thing reflects recent and current events, including the ‘woman issue’ in politics. The rumours, innuendo, bullying, harassment and scrutiny is particularly hard on Frankie and Luke; who must deal with the fallout at school and in public. The story also explores issues of good publicity versus bad publicity, the role of the media, and the impact of coverage regarding the private lives of public figures – and the families who did not ask to be part of public life.
Hayes’s first book, The Whole of My World, hit hard at the culture surrounding sports clubs – a culture that is, hopefully, changing; and with One True Thing highlights that negative coverage – whether through a radio show, television news, magazine, or a throw-away comment on a blog or social media site – can have far-reaching and devastating effects; regardless of their truthfulness or validity.
April 25, 2015
*An ARC was provided by Netgalley. All comments are my own.
Frankie is a high school student who happens to have a mum who is running to be the first elected female Premier of Victoria. The story centres around her life and how she copes as a daughter of someone as popular as that of a celebrity. There is of course something akin of a scandal that could rock and roll her family apart. But everything isn't all that it seems and it is through this ordeal that Frankie will learn to accept what's been thrown at her and her family.
The book is very well written and flows well. Readers will want to keep on turning the page to find out what the scandal is and how it all happened. An interesting read, but I was struggling to pin point the setting of the story. Was it in the 90s, or after the millennium? While the music Frankie loves and listens too seem to give us a clue, the fact that there are photos and videos taken on phones involved seems to highlight that it's happening in the present day. That was the issue that made me give this book four instead of five stars.
Frankie is a high school student who happens to have a mum who is running to be the first elected female Premier of Victoria. The story centres around her life and how she copes as a daughter of someone as popular as that of a celebrity. There is of course something akin of a scandal that could rock and roll her family apart. But everything isn't all that it seems and it is through this ordeal that Frankie will learn to accept what's been thrown at her and her family.
The book is very well written and flows well. Readers will want to keep on turning the page to find out what the scandal is and how it all happened. An interesting read, but I was struggling to pin point the setting of the story. Was it in the 90s, or after the millennium? While the music Frankie loves and listens too seem to give us a clue, the fact that there are photos and videos taken on phones involved seems to highlight that it's happening in the present day. That was the issue that made me give this book four instead of five stars.
June 12, 2015
I really loved the feminist elements to this, and the really unique exploration of politics and family. BUT I wasn't a big fan of Frankie as a main character, and the book itself felt quite long and a little disjointed with all the different issues going on. Still, if you want to read about Aussie politics, family and/or friendship, this is your book.
April 6, 2015
This book was interesting. Most of the characters kind of bugged me and the blurb made it seem like there would be more of a focus on Frankie and Jakes relationship then I felt there actually was. But I loved all the chapter titles and the politics was interesting.
October 23, 2019
Wow
It took me a little while to get into this book but once it hit a certain point I could barely put it down 😂
It took me a little while to get into this book but once it hit a certain point I could barely put it down 😂
September 29, 2015
Review cross-posted to my blog: http://cydoniak.blogspot.co.nz/2015/0...
Plot Summary: Frankie's mum is running for state premier and the election is coming up so life is crazier than normal. Frankie's true passion is music, and her band has the opportunity to audtion for the Battle of the Bands, so the last thing she needs is the hot guy she embarrassed herself in front of showing up to interview their band, having fights with her friends, and photos of her mum surfacing that the media have a field day with. Frankie wants the truth.
Note: I received a copy of this book on Netgalley for review.
What I liked:
The Australian setting, I really enjoyed that, even though I feel it could have been more overtly Australian. I feel that if I didn't already know what they meant by 'Victorian Premier' it would be hard to pick.
I liked the 'scandal', and how Rowena reacted as a character. I read another book recently with a woman trying to get into politics and she went about it the dodgy dishonest way (including trying to cover up a drink and drive incident), but Rowena reacted more realistically in that it takes her a little while to come clean to Frankie, but she wants to keep the truth hidden for more selfless reasons. So often in books characters will let secrets out when they are not solely theirs to tell, and don't think of the other people involved.
Luke was an awesome side character, not just your standard younger brother character, he was curious, and he was so determined to try his best and not let his asthma keep him from pursuing his dream.
What I didn't like as much:
Frankie was not my favourite main character i've read - the obsession with Pearl Jam didn't feel like an authentic character trait (it just felt like, oh, that must be the author's favourite band so they decided to make their main character love them too). It's hard though, because it's not 100% clear when this book is set, they talk about records and 90s rock music but they also have cellphones. Frankie was going to make fun of her friend for being in the brit rock section of the music store, and clearly doesn't like Oasis, which I don't really get (i'm not a huge Oasis fan or anything but I don't get why a teenager would be so judgemental of others tastes in music). She also was very controlling of 'her' band but for the most part the other band members just put up with it like she was some musical prodigy, when she has only just started playing guitar.
I think this book would have been better if it focussed more on either the romance or the family drama - it felt like it was trying to do too much, and then with the band and friendship stuff thrown in it didn't feel like the different aspects were really explored as much as they could have been.
Summary:
This book had some great ideas and themes, it was an enjoyable quick paced read, but it could have been a bit more in depth.
3/5 Stars
Plot Summary: Frankie's mum is running for state premier and the election is coming up so life is crazier than normal. Frankie's true passion is music, and her band has the opportunity to audtion for the Battle of the Bands, so the last thing she needs is the hot guy she embarrassed herself in front of showing up to interview their band, having fights with her friends, and photos of her mum surfacing that the media have a field day with. Frankie wants the truth.
Note: I received a copy of this book on Netgalley for review.
What I liked:
The Australian setting, I really enjoyed that, even though I feel it could have been more overtly Australian. I feel that if I didn't already know what they meant by 'Victorian Premier' it would be hard to pick.
I liked the 'scandal', and how Rowena reacted as a character. I read another book recently with a woman trying to get into politics and she went about it the dodgy dishonest way (including trying to cover up a drink and drive incident), but Rowena reacted more realistically in that it takes her a little while to come clean to Frankie, but she wants to keep the truth hidden for more selfless reasons. So often in books characters will let secrets out when they are not solely theirs to tell, and don't think of the other people involved.
Luke was an awesome side character, not just your standard younger brother character, he was curious, and he was so determined to try his best and not let his asthma keep him from pursuing his dream.
What I didn't like as much:
Frankie was not my favourite main character i've read - the obsession with Pearl Jam didn't feel like an authentic character trait (it just felt like, oh, that must be the author's favourite band so they decided to make their main character love them too). It's hard though, because it's not 100% clear when this book is set, they talk about records and 90s rock music but they also have cellphones. Frankie was going to make fun of her friend for being in the brit rock section of the music store, and clearly doesn't like Oasis, which I don't really get (i'm not a huge Oasis fan or anything but I don't get why a teenager would be so judgemental of others tastes in music). She also was very controlling of 'her' band but for the most part the other band members just put up with it like she was some musical prodigy, when she has only just started playing guitar.
I think this book would have been better if it focussed more on either the romance or the family drama - it felt like it was trying to do too much, and then with the band and friendship stuff thrown in it didn't feel like the different aspects were really explored as much as they could have been.
Summary:
This book had some great ideas and themes, it was an enjoyable quick paced read, but it could have been a bit more in depth.
3/5 Stars
Read
August 20, 2016I’ve never had the slightest interest in being involved in politics, but it’s always been part of my life. My parents would discuss politics the same way they would talk about the latest news and now, as a journalist, I frequently report on political issues. Politics isn’t exactly a hot topic among teens though, so it was refreshing to see Australian politics explored so uniquely in a young adult novel. But if politics isn’t your thing, One True Thing is still a fabulous contemporary novel.
Frankie’s mum is the premier of Victoria and leading her party into an election, a time when the Australian public are inevitably overwhelmed with media coverage. When a damaging secret about her mum is uncovered by the media, Frankie and her family have to deal with the fallout. Added to this is Frankie’s growing attraction to budding journalist Jake and dramas with band mates and friends. One True Thing is an engaging and easy to read novel. The twists and turns in the storyline kept me interested and although I guessed one or two of the plot points, the big reveals came as a surprise.
I loved the exploration of the impact the role of premier had on the entire family. Being on the other side of the story in my job, it’s easy to forget politicians have a private life as well. The family element was my favourite aspect of One True Thing. In some ways I felt the dramas between Frankie and her friends in the band kind of distracted from that, although I loved reading about Frankie’s passion for music. Jake was a very cute love interest and I liked watching the ups and downs of their developing relationship.
One True Thing is a unique Aussie contemporary read. While it wasn’t a favourite for me, it is a genuinely enjoyable read with a cute love interest and touching exploration of how hard it is to juggle work and family when you’re in the public eye.
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.
Thank you to Random House Australia for providing a copy of the book for review.
Frankie’s mum is the premier of Victoria and leading her party into an election, a time when the Australian public are inevitably overwhelmed with media coverage. When a damaging secret about her mum is uncovered by the media, Frankie and her family have to deal with the fallout. Added to this is Frankie’s growing attraction to budding journalist Jake and dramas with band mates and friends. One True Thing is an engaging and easy to read novel. The twists and turns in the storyline kept me interested and although I guessed one or two of the plot points, the big reveals came as a surprise.
I loved the exploration of the impact the role of premier had on the entire family. Being on the other side of the story in my job, it’s easy to forget politicians have a private life as well. The family element was my favourite aspect of One True Thing. In some ways I felt the dramas between Frankie and her friends in the band kind of distracted from that, although I loved reading about Frankie’s passion for music. Jake was a very cute love interest and I liked watching the ups and downs of their developing relationship.
One True Thing is a unique Aussie contemporary read. While it wasn’t a favourite for me, it is a genuinely enjoyable read with a cute love interest and touching exploration of how hard it is to juggle work and family when you’re in the public eye.
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.
Thank you to Random House Australia for providing a copy of the book for review.
March 30, 2015
Nicole Hayes is a magnificent rising force in Australian Publishing. One True Thing is an all encompassing tale of truths and untruths, perception versus reality and how to not go "Amanda-Bynes-Twitter-Melt-Down-crazy" when life hands you so many lemons you could create your own brand of lemonade.
Frankie is a 16 year old Rock Goddess with dreams of taking her band to great and dizzying heights. And whilst the music never lets her down, Frankie soon finds that people are a different story. Being the Premiers daughter is hard enough, but being the premiers daughter during an election when there's a shock jock out to take your Mum down, and a scandal with more heat than a volcanic eruption...no one would blame her if she DID go Amanda Bynes Crazy.
With what is becoming her trademark ability to create characters that are deeply complex and compelling Hayes explores a litany of themes. Identity, relationships, media, truth, life, love and family. There's a truly wonderful feminist bent to much of what Hayes writes (even in The Whole of my World though not as obvious as it is here in One True Thing) and the turbulent relationship through mothers and daughters is so wonderfully done.
On a side note, the character of Travis Matthews, he's both repugnant and deeply compelling, and I have to expect nothing less of Hayes who gives as much attention to detail to her background characters as she does to her main cast. Every word leaps off the page. If John Green has a contemporary then Nicole Hayes is it.
Frankie is a 16 year old Rock Goddess with dreams of taking her band to great and dizzying heights. And whilst the music never lets her down, Frankie soon finds that people are a different story. Being the Premiers daughter is hard enough, but being the premiers daughter during an election when there's a shock jock out to take your Mum down, and a scandal with more heat than a volcanic eruption...no one would blame her if she DID go Amanda Bynes Crazy.
With what is becoming her trademark ability to create characters that are deeply complex and compelling Hayes explores a litany of themes. Identity, relationships, media, truth, life, love and family. There's a truly wonderful feminist bent to much of what Hayes writes (even in The Whole of my World though not as obvious as it is here in One True Thing) and the turbulent relationship through mothers and daughters is so wonderfully done.
On a side note, the character of Travis Matthews, he's both repugnant and deeply compelling, and I have to expect nothing less of Hayes who gives as much attention to detail to her background characters as she does to her main cast. Every word leaps off the page. If John Green has a contemporary then Nicole Hayes is it.
September 1, 2016
If you want a YA book that actually talks about politics, I recommend you read The Wrong Side of Right. One True Thing is more like a big family drama.
I want to start by saying that while I really enjoyed the family dinamics (it was honestly the only interesting part of the story), I really don't see what they had to do with politics. Maybe it's an Australian thing, but all the gossiping and paparazzi reminded me of Hollywood celebrities, especially the interview at the end.
Frankie, the MC, is incredibly hard to like. She thinks she's better than everyone else, from her taste in music to her political passiveness. The way she treated her band and her freaking best friend were just ridiculous. What a wanker. I only ever understood her anger when it was directed at her parents.
I loved Luke and Colin and Kessie. And I almost respected Travis at the end. Jake and his romantic antics I could've done without. Thankfully, the story doesn't focus too much on the relationship.
All in all, I was expecting something more mature and serious. More actual politics and less petty drama. I also found everything very predictable, like, was I supposed to be shocked by Colin being who he was? Because I saw that coming a mile away.
I want to start by saying that while I really enjoyed the family dinamics (it was honestly the only interesting part of the story), I really don't see what they had to do with politics. Maybe it's an Australian thing, but all the gossiping and paparazzi reminded me of Hollywood celebrities, especially the interview at the end.
Frankie, the MC, is incredibly hard to like. She thinks she's better than everyone else, from her taste in music to her political passiveness. The way she treated her band and her freaking best friend were just ridiculous. What a wanker. I only ever understood her anger when it was directed at her parents.
I loved Luke and Colin and Kessie. And I almost respected Travis at the end. Jake and his romantic antics I could've done without. Thankfully, the story doesn't focus too much on the relationship.
All in all, I was expecting something more mature and serious. More actual politics and less petty drama. I also found everything very predictable, like, was I supposed to be shocked by Colin being who he was? Because I saw that coming a mile away.
April 4, 2016
One True Thing by Nicole Hayes is perfectly in check with the two most important things I hanker after in a smart, engaging young adult novel: plenty of dialogue and relevant social themes.
The novel is set in Melbourne, and is one of those rare works of Australian fiction where you can tell the story is taking place down under, but the author doesn’t shove it in your face with references to iced volvos and wombats on the second page.
I was lured in by the narrative and cared about the characters, particularly narrator Frankie and the dramas that unfolded in her plight. It’s always a consolation when good writing and character development jump out and grab you so early on. The story fell a little flat for me in the second half of the book, but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
This is an interesting look at the disposition of Australian politics through the eyes of a teen.
Read more on my blog: Middle Chapter
The novel is set in Melbourne, and is one of those rare works of Australian fiction where you can tell the story is taking place down under, but the author doesn’t shove it in your face with references to iced volvos and wombats on the second page.
I was lured in by the narrative and cared about the characters, particularly narrator Frankie and the dramas that unfolded in her plight. It’s always a consolation when good writing and character development jump out and grab you so early on. The story fell a little flat for me in the second half of the book, but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
This is an interesting look at the disposition of Australian politics through the eyes of a teen.
Read more on my blog: Middle Chapter
March 26, 2019
This book has been sitting on my shelf for years, and I've never gotten around to picking it up. Eventually a few weeks ago I decided to finally pick it up. It took me about two weeks to read thirty pages, and then I read the final three hundred and fifty pages in a day.
I sadly wasn't impressed. My biggest problem was the characters. They all felt very one dimensional and I was continually frustrated by everything they did. I found Frankie very boring and a little bland. She didn't really have any personality traits other than the fact that she likes rock music.
My least favourite character was probably Kessie, which in itself annoys me because a political lesbian is pretty much the recipe for a character I'll love. She was incredibly selfish towards Frankie and had very little sympathy for the issues she is going through because of the media.
I sadly wasn't impressed. My biggest problem was the characters. They all felt very one dimensional and I was continually frustrated by everything they did. I found Frankie very boring and a little bland. She didn't really have any personality traits other than the fact that she likes rock music.
My least favourite character was probably Kessie, which in itself annoys me because a political lesbian is pretty much the recipe for a character I'll love. She was incredibly selfish towards Frankie and had very little sympathy for the issues she is going through because of the media.
November 9, 2015
I sort of wavered between three and four stars this time around, and ended up settling for four because there is nothing really terrible about this book, and I couldn't justify rating a three when that's pretty low for me. I felt like Frankie could have grown a little more, but she did make some pretty startling revelations about herself and her family. I couldn't understand the fixation with Pearl Jam, because they're not exactly a favorite haha.
Still a good contemporary read that wasn't too over the top. Four stars.
Still a good contemporary read that wasn't too over the top. Four stars.
April 9, 2015
Being a bit older and having been actively involved in elections I could feel for the characters in this book. While politics wont be all teenagers ideal setting this book deals with so many more issues as well as related outcomes. Frankie, the premiers daughter is the leader of a rock band and we see the results of dirty journalism through her eyes.A really strong read for middle secondary students.
May 2, 2015
One True Thing is a very engaging YA coming-of-age/family drama with some incredibly relevant social themes including the impact social media, influence of sensationalist journalism in shaping public opinion, gender discrimination in politics, and the very blurry line between professional profile and privacy for public figures.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this contemporary YA novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this contemporary YA novel.
May 8, 2017
I may be a bad person. I got 100 pages in and gave up. I don't care about politics or footy, whether Mum gets voted in, or little brother can't breathe in the middle of his race. And the hottie journo felt one dimensional. Maybe I missed something, but I felt there was too much tell and not enough show.
I love the cover design!
I love the cover design!
April 28, 2015
*3.5*
This was a nice book but nothing particularly amazing. It did have an interesting plot though which I really enjoyed. Click on the link to see my full review --> https://gabbythedauntlesswarlock.word...
This was a nice book but nothing particularly amazing. It did have an interesting plot though which I really enjoyed. Click on the link to see my full review --> https://gabbythedauntlesswarlock.word...
July 17, 2016
This book was really good. It was hardly about politics, which is great! It teaches you good lessons... Don't let other people's false words get to you, and family is more important no matter what. I love this book and I love the romance...
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