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One Lonely Degree
Alternate cover version of ISBN 1548692727
Anything is possible...
Finn has always felt out of place, but suddenly her world is unraveling. It started with The Party. And Adam Porter. And the night in September that changed everything. The only person who knows about that night is Audrey—Finn’s best friend, her witness to everything, and the one person Finn trusts implicitly. So when Finn’s childhood friend Jersy moves back to town—reckless, beautiful Jersy, all lips and eyes and hair so soft you’d want to dip your fingers into it if you weren’t careful—Finn gives her blessing for Audrey to date him. How could she possibly say no to Audrey? With Audrey gone for the summer, though, Finn finds herself spending more and more time with Jersy, and for the first time in her life, something feels right. But Finn can’t be the girl who does this to her best friend...can she?
Anything is possible...
Finn has always felt out of place, but suddenly her world is unraveling. It started with The Party. And Adam Porter. And the night in September that changed everything. The only person who knows about that night is Audrey—Finn’s best friend, her witness to everything, and the one person Finn trusts implicitly. So when Finn’s childhood friend Jersy moves back to town—reckless, beautiful Jersy, all lips and eyes and hair so soft you’d want to dip your fingers into it if you weren’t careful—Finn gives her blessing for Audrey to date him. How could she possibly say no to Audrey? With Audrey gone for the summer, though, Finn finds herself spending more and more time with Jersy, and for the first time in her life, something feels right. But Finn can’t be the girl who does this to her best friend...can she?
Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
C.K. Kelly Martin
17 books323 followersLong before I was an author I was a fan of books about Winnie the Pooh, Babar, Madeline, Anne Shirley and anything by Judy Blume. Throughout high school my favourite class was English. No surprise, then, that most of my time spent at York University in Toronto was as an English major—not the traditional way to graduate with a B.A. (Hons) in film studies but a fine way to get a general arts education.
After getting my film studies degree I headed for Dublin, Ireland and spent the majority of the nineties there in forgettable jobs meeting unforgettable people and enjoying the buzz. I always believed I'd get around to writing in earnest eventually, and I began writing my first novel in a flat in Dublin and finished it in a Toronto suburb. By then I'd discovered that fiction about young people felt the freshest and most exciting to me. You have most of your life to be an adult but you only grow up once.
Currently residing near Toronto with my Dub husband, I'm an aunt to twenty-one nieces and nephews, and a great-aunt to five great-nieces and two great-nephews. I became an Irish citizen in 2001 and continue to visit Dublin as often as I can while working on novels about young people.
My first young adult book, I Know It's Over, came out with Random House in September 2008, and was followed by One Lonely Degree, The Lighter Side of Life and Death, My Beating Teenage Heart and sci-fi thriller Yesterday. I released Yesterday's sequel, Tomorrow, in 2013 and put out my first adult novel, Come See About Me, as an ebook in June 2012. Two of my contemporary YA books, The Sweetest Thing You Can Sing and Delicate, were published by Cormorant Books' Dancing Cat Books imprint in 2014 and 2015. They also published my middle grade sci-fi, Stricken.
My 2017 young adult novel, Just Like You Said It Would Be, is the book of my heart. Packed with movies references and giddy love for Dublin, Ireland, Just Like You Said It Would Be is a frank exploration of first love, full of confusion, elation, disappointment and its knack of making the ordinary seem amazing.
In 2019 I made my horror debut with DCB under the name Cara Martin. Booklist described Shantallow as "serious, literary and very scary" and Kirkus called it "gut-wrenching on various levels." It was an Ottawa Book Awards finalist and was longlisted for the Sunburst Award.
After getting my film studies degree I headed for Dublin, Ireland and spent the majority of the nineties there in forgettable jobs meeting unforgettable people and enjoying the buzz. I always believed I'd get around to writing in earnest eventually, and I began writing my first novel in a flat in Dublin and finished it in a Toronto suburb. By then I'd discovered that fiction about young people felt the freshest and most exciting to me. You have most of your life to be an adult but you only grow up once.
Currently residing near Toronto with my Dub husband, I'm an aunt to twenty-one nieces and nephews, and a great-aunt to five great-nieces and two great-nephews. I became an Irish citizen in 2001 and continue to visit Dublin as often as I can while working on novels about young people.
My first young adult book, I Know It's Over, came out with Random House in September 2008, and was followed by One Lonely Degree, The Lighter Side of Life and Death, My Beating Teenage Heart and sci-fi thriller Yesterday. I released Yesterday's sequel, Tomorrow, in 2013 and put out my first adult novel, Come See About Me, as an ebook in June 2012. Two of my contemporary YA books, The Sweetest Thing You Can Sing and Delicate, were published by Cormorant Books' Dancing Cat Books imprint in 2014 and 2015. They also published my middle grade sci-fi, Stricken.
My 2017 young adult novel, Just Like You Said It Would Be, is the book of my heart. Packed with movies references and giddy love for Dublin, Ireland, Just Like You Said It Would Be is a frank exploration of first love, full of confusion, elation, disappointment and its knack of making the ordinary seem amazing.
In 2019 I made my horror debut with DCB under the name Cara Martin. Booklist described Shantallow as "serious, literary and very scary" and Kirkus called it "gut-wrenching on various levels." It was an Ottawa Book Awards finalist and was longlisted for the Sunburst Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 8, 2012
Good. Really, really good. Exactly the kind of wistful, painful realism I like in contemporary YA.
October 3, 2011
So my English teacher told me to stop using dashes and to start “utilizing semi-colons; they’re more proper.” I, of course, wanted to trap her in the stinky staff room, considering dashes and semi-colons are BASICALLY the same thing, but I stood by her word and decided to figure out WHAT THE HELL SEMI-COLONS DO.
You use semi-colons to JOIN ALIKE PHRASES SO THEY BOTH FIT IN A SINGLE SENTENCE.I honestly think dashes do a better job of that, and that they’re prettier, but hey. She’s the English teacher.
What’s the reasoning of my bringing such up, you ask? Well. C.K. Martin’s book is “basically” a semi-colon in itself. This book brings two similar “things” – friendships and boyfriends – together, doing such with lyrical, flowing simplicity and a well-written voice. This book IS the semi-colon; this book CONNECTS TWO IDEAS so that they flow endlessly into one another. This book is NOT the dash, though, as it does not clearly connect two ideas together. You need to go looking for the squiggly comma, the blurry but very-there connection, to see.
…
So, I’m stretching the definition of The Semi-Colon to fit my review. (I apparently also need to work on my metaphors. Or would that be similes?) In all seriousness, though, let me attempt to break down this book for you.
One Lonely Degree tied together friendship, romance and family in a Sarah Dessen-y way, giving space to elaborate on drugs, alcohol and rape in a respectable fashion; obviously Martin isn’t as scared to touch on such iffy topics as Dessen appears to be. Finn’s childhood friend Jersy is back in the picture (and hotter than ever), her parents are hiding toeing the outskirts of Splitsville, and her best friend, Audrey, is the only one holding her to Earth. Of course, as all of the stories like these go, Finn and Jersy “rekindle” their friendship – which, of course, turns into more because they now have more active sexual organs and blahblahblah-all-that-health-class-stuff – and Audrey ends up falling for Jersy because Finn’s toochicken shy to say anything. AND THEN, as all of these stories go, Audrey miraculously (and I really do mean miraculously, because damn, I hated that chick) disappears for a summer, leaving her two lovelies to entertain one another.
It’s not as frivolous and stupid as it sounds, guys. Not only am I hyper-high on Triple Soothing Action Halls, but I also really enjoyed this book and I’m just not very good with writing semi-positive reviews, which explains my half-assed attempt above. C.K. Martin has this flow of writing, this specific style, that caters perfectly to teenagers. The writing itself is specific, but never too preachy or emotional – for example, Jersy was a druggie, but aside from the occasional diminishing of his habits, Finn and Audrey reacted the same way average, non-using teenagers in real life would; with cautionary words but no explicit judging. Martin was also quick to highlight Finn’s emotions and thoughts, and the change she was going through, but she never really made Finn angst-ridden or overly-depressed.
The characters weren’t overly special, which is why I don’t have all good-things to say about this book. For a character-driven novel, you’d think there’d be some strong ones in it somewhere. Finn was a great protag because she wasn’t the Jane or simply the “nice girl.” (I am so, so sick of “nice girls” in YA (books in general, really), because there is no such thing as a “nice” person. Nice is an adjective, yes, but it’s not one that should be applied at all times. Really, I don’t know a single person who hasn’t had a bad thought about someone, or something ever. It’s virtually impossible, as is a wholly-unselfish person. Finn was so realistic as a person because she was never a “nice” or “unselfish” person; she was human, and while she had her kind moments, she stayed the gray colour that everyone truly is.) Unfortunately, Jersy and Audrey didn’t venture from their Perfect Boy – Beautiful Boy, in Finn’s words – or Pure, Soulfully-Virginal Girl boxes.
This book was exactly what I needed, typically because it was very, very real. Thinking back on why my feelings settled in the three-four star range, I must admit it’s because this book never opened my mind or made me truly care. Yes, I was curious about the ending of the novel (which I was disappointed in, honestly), and yes, I thought Martin could write, but nothing emotional went on Where it Counts.
One Lonely Degree was improvement upon Martin’s I Know it’s Over, and I have a feeling I’ll be picking up a copy of her next books sometime soon.
(A very undermined 3 stars. My thoughts vary on this one.)
You use semi-colons to JOIN ALIKE PHRASES SO THEY BOTH FIT IN A SINGLE SENTENCE.
What’s the reasoning of my bringing such up, you ask? Well. C.K. Martin’s book is “basically” a semi-colon in itself. This book brings two similar “things” – friendships and boyfriends – together, doing such with lyrical, flowing simplicity and a well-written voice. This book IS the semi-colon; this book CONNECTS TWO IDEAS so that they flow endlessly into one another. This book is NOT the dash, though, as it does not clearly connect two ideas together. You need to go looking for the squiggly comma, the blurry but very-there connection, to see.
…
So, I’m stretching the definition of The Semi-Colon to fit my review. (I apparently also need to work on my metaphors. Or would that be similes?) In all seriousness, though, let me attempt to break down this book for you.
One Lonely Degree tied together friendship, romance and family in a Sarah Dessen-y way, giving space to elaborate on drugs, alcohol and rape in a respectable fashion; obviously Martin isn’t as scared to touch on such iffy topics as Dessen appears to be. Finn’s childhood friend Jersy is back in the picture (and hotter than ever), her parents are hiding toeing the outskirts of Splitsville, and her best friend, Audrey, is the only one holding her to Earth. Of course, as all of the stories like these go, Finn and Jersy “rekindle” their friendship – which, of course, turns into more because they now have more active sexual organs and blahblahblah-all-that-health-class-stuff – and Audrey ends up falling for Jersy because Finn’s too
It’s not as frivolous and stupid as it sounds, guys. Not only am I hyper-high on Triple Soothing Action Halls, but I also really enjoyed this book and I’m just not very good with writing semi-positive reviews, which explains my half-assed attempt above. C.K. Martin has this flow of writing, this specific style, that caters perfectly to teenagers. The writing itself is specific, but never too preachy or emotional – for example, Jersy was a druggie, but aside from the occasional diminishing of his habits, Finn and Audrey reacted the same way average, non-using teenagers in real life would; with cautionary words but no explicit judging. Martin was also quick to highlight Finn’s emotions and thoughts, and the change she was going through, but she never really made Finn angst-ridden or overly-depressed.
The characters weren’t overly special, which is why I don’t have all good-things to say about this book. For a character-driven novel, you’d think there’d be some strong ones in it somewhere. Finn was a great protag because she wasn’t the Jane or simply the “nice girl.” (I am so, so sick of “nice girls” in YA (books in general, really), because there is no such thing as a “nice” person. Nice is an adjective, yes, but it’s not one that should be applied at all times. Really, I don’t know a single person who hasn’t had a bad thought about someone, or something ever. It’s virtually impossible, as is a wholly-unselfish person. Finn was so realistic as a person because she was never a “nice” or “unselfish” person; she was human, and while she had her kind moments, she stayed the gray colour that everyone truly is.) Unfortunately, Jersy and Audrey didn’t venture from their Perfect Boy – Beautiful Boy, in Finn’s words – or Pure, Soulfully-Virginal Girl boxes.
This book was exactly what I needed, typically because it was very, very real. Thinking back on why my feelings settled in the three-four star range, I must admit it’s because this book never opened my mind or made me truly care. Yes, I was curious about the ending of the novel (which I was disappointed in, honestly), and yes, I thought Martin could write, but nothing emotional went on Where it Counts.
One Lonely Degree was improvement upon Martin’s I Know it’s Over, and I have a feeling I’ll be picking up a copy of her next books sometime soon.
(A very undermined 3 stars. My thoughts vary on this one.)
November 1, 2008
I’m not really sure what to say about this book. I liked it, but I didn’t. I liked Finn, but I didn’t. The only thing that I really liked was Martin’s writing.
There were some aspects of the novel that I really thought played well, the dysfunctional family, the forbidden relationship, and Finn’s growth, but everything else was just meh. It kept me entertained, but I didn’t particularly enjoy reading it. The ending is another big issue for me. I like how Martin kept it “open” but I would have liked to seen some issues resolved, at least had some sort of closure. I just felt like the book ended, not necessarily had an ending.
I’m actually really disappointed that I didn’t like it more. I’ve heard great things about I Know It’s Over, which I still haven’t read, but I own, so I was expecting something spectacular from One Lonely Degree as well. Too bad that didn’t happen. I am however interested in reading more novels from Martin, she’s an excellent writer, but this story just fell short of her talent.
There were some aspects of the novel that I really thought played well, the dysfunctional family, the forbidden relationship, and Finn’s growth, but everything else was just meh. It kept me entertained, but I didn’t particularly enjoy reading it. The ending is another big issue for me. I like how Martin kept it “open” but I would have liked to seen some issues resolved, at least had some sort of closure. I just felt like the book ended, not necessarily had an ending.
I’m actually really disappointed that I didn’t like it more. I’ve heard great things about I Know It’s Over, which I still haven’t read, but I own, so I was expecting something spectacular from One Lonely Degree as well. Too bad that didn’t happen. I am however interested in reading more novels from Martin, she’s an excellent writer, but this story just fell short of her talent.
October 11, 2010
4.5
I absolutely loved this. beautiful and seamlessly written. It made me ache.
I absolutely loved this. Beautiful and seamlessly written. It made me ache.
I loved Finn - I so related to her - quietly, beautifully angsty and unassuming and genuine - a stunning portrait of a teen muddling through life.
As for Jersey - what a dynamic relationship - so much to read in between the lines. I am crushing on him hard. HARD.
This is contemporary relationships crafted at it's best. Friendship and family and love.
The ending - just so well done. This book has lingered and I keep feeling the urge to go back and flip through it's pages.
The premise may sound ordinary, but the book definitely is not. If you are a fan of Sarah Dessen, Elizabeth Scott or contemp YA in general - this should be screaming out at you from a must-read list.
I absolutely loved this. beautiful and seamlessly written. It made me ache.
I absolutely loved this. Beautiful and seamlessly written. It made me ache.
I loved Finn - I so related to her - quietly, beautifully angsty and unassuming and genuine - a stunning portrait of a teen muddling through life.
As for Jersey - what a dynamic relationship - so much to read in between the lines. I am crushing on him hard. HARD.
This is contemporary relationships crafted at it's best. Friendship and family and love.
The ending - just so well done. This book has lingered and I keep feeling the urge to go back and flip through it's pages.
The premise may sound ordinary, but the book definitely is not. If you are a fan of Sarah Dessen, Elizabeth Scott or contemp YA in general - this should be screaming out at you from a must-read list.
March 18, 2015
This was an okay read, but it took me a while to get into it, and even then, it didn't suck me in.
The characters in this were alright, but I didn't love any of them.
Overall, An average read.
The characters in this were alright, but I didn't love any of them.
Overall, An average read.
March 3, 2012
4.5.
I adore Martin's writing. Something about it just works for me. But more than that, I loved the characters -- Finn and Jersy and Audrey. They're all so real and flawed and yet so likable. I related a lot to Finn, her insecurities, her rocky relationship with a father who she doesn't get and who doesn't seem to want to get her, either.
I so appreciated how the ending isn't cut and dry. It's open. Not all of the questions in the story have answers nor should they. It's life. It's Finn's life.
The book broke my heart a few times but then mended it enough to keep me going. I'm pretty much sold on Martin all together and trust her choices and decisions in her story telling.
I adore Martin's writing. Something about it just works for me. But more than that, I loved the characters -- Finn and Jersy and Audrey. They're all so real and flawed and yet so likable. I related a lot to Finn, her insecurities, her rocky relationship with a father who she doesn't get and who doesn't seem to want to get her, either.
I so appreciated how the ending isn't cut and dry. It's open. Not all of the questions in the story have answers nor should they. It's life. It's Finn's life.
The book broke my heart a few times but then mended it enough to keep me going. I'm pretty much sold on Martin all together and trust her choices and decisions in her story telling.
June 2, 2011
Damn, it has been a month since I've read this book and I honestly can't remember how I felt about it. I think it was a 3 stars read for me... *frowns*
April 19, 2015
Not my favorite C.K. Kelly Martin book but still 5 stars. Just can't think of anything wrong with it.
November 11, 2008
Ms. Martin has a way with manipulating the past into the present and future. The format of her previous book, I Know It’s Over, makes another appearance in One Lonely Degree. She has this way of forcing the past into the present as the prominent setback the character faces and yet still making it seem a part of whom there are. Not just as an unfortunate event that happened but rather what makes them grow. It becomes what they are as they face every day life with the ever lingering past haunting them. This is what Ms. Martin excels in—mixing the past with the present.
Like her previous book I had some trouble with One Lonely Degree. There were sudden burst of magic that left me pleased but some scenes that were monotone. Think of a roller coaster. We had the highs and the low. The lows made the highs just all that much better. They were still low though.
The lows were the sections where it was all details—daily routines of her job, her fixation to her height, those types of things. The highs were definitely the emotional parts, the relationships with the family and friends, the development.
Speaking of family relationships I must say there seems to be a trend in regards to the dysfunctional families. I think it played a key role in furthering the relationship between Jersy and Finn however.
One thing that left me baffled was the friendship between Finn and Audrey. The final breakup between the two left me disordered as I could not tell if I loved it or hated it. What I felt was that it broke my heart to see that. I am so used to books where friends go through a rocky path but ultimately reunite. On the other hand, this is a realistic scene. In the real world friends will separate because of this, it has happened and will continue to do so. The key is the borderline of the fantasy world and the real world. What we expect and hope as opposed to what should technically occur. So kudos to Ms. Martin, for making me dislike and praise the same scene at the same time.
The issue with Audrey about not getting back together? Well I got my happily ever after with Jersy. Jersy was everything—he had no apparent class in the high school hierarchy. Jersy and Finn I felt were a sweet couple together. I could see them as friends or as a couple. They have the best friends talk—deep and meaningful, but the sexual tension as well.
Speaking of sexual, this book is more for the mature audience. I will not go into further details of it but trust me on this—read if you are an older teen.
Overall: One Lonely Degree delivers as a provocative piece that sets the bar of a past versus present book high. Fans of I Know It’s Over will fawn over C.K. Kelly Martin’s One Lonely Degree.
Like her previous book I had some trouble with One Lonely Degree. There were sudden burst of magic that left me pleased but some scenes that were monotone. Think of a roller coaster. We had the highs and the low. The lows made the highs just all that much better. They were still low though.
The lows were the sections where it was all details—daily routines of her job, her fixation to her height, those types of things. The highs were definitely the emotional parts, the relationships with the family and friends, the development.
Speaking of family relationships I must say there seems to be a trend in regards to the dysfunctional families. I think it played a key role in furthering the relationship between Jersy and Finn however.
One thing that left me baffled was the friendship between Finn and Audrey. The final breakup between the two left me disordered as I could not tell if I loved it or hated it. What I felt was that it broke my heart to see that. I am so used to books where friends go through a rocky path but ultimately reunite. On the other hand, this is a realistic scene. In the real world friends will separate because of this, it has happened and will continue to do so. The key is the borderline of the fantasy world and the real world. What we expect and hope as opposed to what should technically occur. So kudos to Ms. Martin, for making me dislike and praise the same scene at the same time.
The issue with Audrey about not getting back together? Well I got my happily ever after with Jersy. Jersy was everything—he had no apparent class in the high school hierarchy. Jersy and Finn I felt were a sweet couple together. I could see them as friends or as a couple. They have the best friends talk—deep and meaningful, but the sexual tension as well.
Speaking of sexual, this book is more for the mature audience. I will not go into further details of it but trust me on this—read if you are an older teen.
Overall: One Lonely Degree delivers as a provocative piece that sets the bar of a past versus present book high. Fans of I Know It’s Over will fawn over C.K. Kelly Martin’s One Lonely Degree.
August 14, 2012
3.75/5
The girl is Set apart. Intense. And yes, I’d even say lonely. More, having hard time with the changes going on. She’s an intense girl who feels everything deeply - too deeply. With all that in mind, things are not made easier with her needing only a few deep connections. So she has those: one deep connection with Audrey, the only person who knows most everything about her then, and another close(ish) relationship with her father. But when her hated “anything is possible” rears its head, things start shifting and it’s in these moments that we see more of her:
that she get’s in her own head;
that she feels even more;
and things can get too much (especially for her);
and later that she tries to do the right thing…even if it’s the hard thing.
For me this was better than MARTIN’s first book that I read because where that had death and grief and a star (well, not really); this one’s more about a girl and things changing, coming to grips with what can’t be changed and just letting things go the way they’re going. And Finn being such a control freak, you can imagine just how hard things could get for her! Then again, perhaps that’s the common thread between these two books that has me so impressed; there’s a coming to grips and an acceptance of things for what they are and (trying to) move on.
So, things got Slow. Soft. Sad. The girl’s emotions are laid out for us to wade through. With Finn it’s all about being set apart and different, as such all her emotions come out stronger. And for the most part, almost nothing really big happens, but by its end everything’s changed! Her introduction that you can’t really pinpoint the exact moment of change, is true… but I witnessed everything she felt as things progressed, so that even when I couldn’t quite agree with what’s going on or with her choices, I still came away knowing her. Why? Because it’s all based on what she was feeling at the moment. And you’d think things would get boring with all the girl’s asides on what she was feeling given all that’s going on and the people in it, but it didn’t! She drew me in and had me feeling for/with her. She leads an almost insulated day to day perhaps because she does feel so intensely, and though she seems so alone, and at first glance lonely, may be she was not? Or maybe she was? My point is I felt things here… and though it reads contradictory: at first nothing actually happens but in the end everything’s changed.
The girl is Set apart. Intense. And yes, I’d even say lonely. More, having hard time with the changes going on. She’s an intense girl who feels everything deeply - too deeply. With all that in mind, things are not made easier with her needing only a few deep connections. So she has those: one deep connection with Audrey, the only person who knows most everything about her then, and another close(ish) relationship with her father. But when her hated “anything is possible” rears its head, things start shifting and it’s in these moments that we see more of her:
that she get’s in her own head;
that she feels even more;
and things can get too much (especially for her);
and later that she tries to do the right thing…even if it’s the hard thing.
For me this was better than MARTIN’s first book that I read because where that had death and grief and a star (well, not really); this one’s more about a girl and things changing, coming to grips with what can’t be changed and just letting things go the way they’re going. And Finn being such a control freak, you can imagine just how hard things could get for her! Then again, perhaps that’s the common thread between these two books that has me so impressed; there’s a coming to grips and an acceptance of things for what they are and (trying to) move on.
So, things got Slow. Soft. Sad. The girl’s emotions are laid out for us to wade through. With Finn it’s all about being set apart and different, as such all her emotions come out stronger. And for the most part, almost nothing really big happens, but by its end everything’s changed! Her introduction that you can’t really pinpoint the exact moment of change, is true… but I witnessed everything she felt as things progressed, so that even when I couldn’t quite agree with what’s going on or with her choices, I still came away knowing her. Why? Because it’s all based on what she was feeling at the moment. And you’d think things would get boring with all the girl’s asides on what she was feeling given all that’s going on and the people in it, but it didn’t! She drew me in and had me feeling for/with her. She leads an almost insulated day to day perhaps because she does feel so intensely, and though she seems so alone, and at first glance lonely, may be she was not? Or maybe she was? My point is I felt things here… and though it reads contradictory: at first nothing actually happens but in the end everything’s changed.
May 31, 2009
Finn’s life has been unraveling ever since that night in September, that party and Adam Porter. And of course, to add even more stress, her parents’ relationship has been steadily deteriorating. Life is almost more than she can bear. It’s a good thing her best friend Audrey is there for her, or Finn wouldn’t know what to do. Thus, Finn ignores her tentative initial attraction to Beautiful Boy Jersy, her childhood friend from way back when, when Audrey expresses her interest. When Audrey goes away for the summer, Finn finds herself spending more time with Jersy. But being with Jersy, the only thing that feels right amidst the disaster in Finn’s life, would mean betraying Audrey. How if Finn supposed to know what’s right and wrong now?
Martin paints a vivid picture of the effects of damage on people’s lives in One Lonely Degree. Protagonist Finn is the prime example of this. She is still reeling, months later, from an unpleasant experience that probably freaked her out more than harmed her but is nonetheless branded into her brain. She consequently withdraws into herself and she feels helpless when other things start to fall apart around her. Even though I’ve read many books that present similar problems as in One Lonely Degree, Martin seems so much more frank on the subject by including emotionally scarring experiences in multiple characters’ lives. It just goes to say that in spite of damage happening, life goes on. Martin portrays this superbly through Finn’s rocky struggle to overcome her past drama. Martin’s characters are undeniably realistic, even the ones the reader only gets a few glimpses of. I like how she neither condemns nor condones any of the characters’ actions, but rather leaves that to the reader’s prerogative. One Lonely Degree is a beautifully written and moving story like life imitating art.
I recommend One Lonely Degree to readers who also liked Purge by Sarah Darer Littman, Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers, Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell, and anything by Sarah Dessen or Deb Caletti. I can’t wait to see more writing from Martin in I Know It’s Over and novels to come.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Martin paints a vivid picture of the effects of damage on people’s lives in One Lonely Degree. Protagonist Finn is the prime example of this. She is still reeling, months later, from an unpleasant experience that probably freaked her out more than harmed her but is nonetheless branded into her brain. She consequently withdraws into herself and she feels helpless when other things start to fall apart around her. Even though I’ve read many books that present similar problems as in One Lonely Degree, Martin seems so much more frank on the subject by including emotionally scarring experiences in multiple characters’ lives. It just goes to say that in spite of damage happening, life goes on. Martin portrays this superbly through Finn’s rocky struggle to overcome her past drama. Martin’s characters are undeniably realistic, even the ones the reader only gets a few glimpses of. I like how she neither condemns nor condones any of the characters’ actions, but rather leaves that to the reader’s prerogative. One Lonely Degree is a beautifully written and moving story like life imitating art.
I recommend One Lonely Degree to readers who also liked Purge by Sarah Darer Littman, Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers, Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell, and anything by Sarah Dessen or Deb Caletti. I can’t wait to see more writing from Martin in I Know It’s Over and novels to come.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
July 18, 2009
Anyone who looks at this cover would think it's a romance. Two teens by the swimming pool. Someone's lonely, obviously. The tagline is "Anything is possible..." Their hands are touching just barely atthe fingertips.
But I didn't put this in the romance shelf because it's really not just a romance. It's more about a girl, and romance sort of just happens to be there. And if you read the book, you know the tagline isn't really romantic. Here's an excerpt, a mini-spoiler of the first page about the tagline:
"Audrey says they could just be going through a bad patch and that things could start changing back when I least expect it. 'Anything is possible'. That's almost the truth, but it doesn't fill me with any hope. 'Anything is possible" makes me feel like someon's scraping at the edge of my rib cage with dull scissors. If you kept that idea in your head, you'd never leave the house for fear you'd be crushed by a runaway bus or gunned down in a mall parking lot."
I couldn't help but be reminded of the narrative of "Speak": darkly sarcastic and funny. This book would be great for fans of Anderson's masterpiece. Like Melinda, she has problems that rupture and accumulate at a rate faster than she can repair them. Unlike Melinda, she actually has someone to talk to about it. But sometimes that's not enough.
What would you think about a girl that has a thing for her best friend's boyfriend? She's a slut, she's immoral, she puts guys above friendship. You hate her. She's either beautiful enough to attract a taken guy easily or he's enough of a jerk not to care that he has a girlfriend, to not care about who that girlfriend is. You hate him
(By the way, I don't consider this a spoiler, because you read it in the jacket. And if you're one of the rare people that never read a book jacket, you probably don't read reviews either).
But you don't hate Finn. You feel more than sympathy for her, you end up feeling empathy. You end up loving her anyway.
Any book that can inspire you to love or hate the main character blindly deserves five stars.
But I didn't put this in the romance shelf because it's really not just a romance. It's more about a girl, and romance sort of just happens to be there. And if you read the book, you know the tagline isn't really romantic. Here's an excerpt, a mini-spoiler of the first page about the tagline:
"Audrey says they could just be going through a bad patch and that things could start changing back when I least expect it. 'Anything is possible'. That's almost the truth, but it doesn't fill me with any hope. 'Anything is possible" makes me feel like someon's scraping at the edge of my rib cage with dull scissors. If you kept that idea in your head, you'd never leave the house for fear you'd be crushed by a runaway bus or gunned down in a mall parking lot."
I couldn't help but be reminded of the narrative of "Speak": darkly sarcastic and funny. This book would be great for fans of Anderson's masterpiece. Like Melinda, she has problems that rupture and accumulate at a rate faster than she can repair them. Unlike Melinda, she actually has someone to talk to about it. But sometimes that's not enough.
What would you think about a girl that has a thing for her best friend's boyfriend? She's a slut, she's immoral, she puts guys above friendship. You hate her. She's either beautiful enough to attract a taken guy easily or he's enough of a jerk not to care that he has a girlfriend, to not care about who that girlfriend is. You hate him
(By the way, I don't consider this a spoiler, because you read it in the jacket. And if you're one of the rare people that never read a book jacket, you probably don't read reviews either).
But you don't hate Finn. You feel more than sympathy for her, you end up feeling empathy. You end up loving her anyway.
Any book that can inspire you to love or hate the main character blindly deserves five stars.
April 21, 2009
This is the first book I've read by C.K. Kelly Martin, I know for shame, I need to read I Know It's Over. I really liked the idea of this book but it played out a bit differently than I would have hoped. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it and I loved Finn. I mean she wanted to be a graphic designer and move to London or New York, we basically had the same dream!
One thing I was really interested in finding out was what happened at The Party, and I was surprised to find out how soon that information was given out. I figured I would have to wait a lot longer than I did. But at the same time it was kind of nice to know what the incident was because it allowed me to understand why Finn was the way she was without having to do that after I had finished the book, I got to do it during the book.
The parts I enjoyed most of the book were after school had let out and Finn's friend and Jersy's girlfriend Audrey was out of the picture. I really wanted to see how this relationship would develop between Finn and Jersy. How could it happen in such a way that Finn would be horrified with herself when she finally realized what was going on between herself and Jersy. I thought it was pretty believable. Sidenote: these characters have the coolest names! Anyhow, I really liked these parts but the ending left me wanting more. I'm not really certain how it ended, this was a case were I wanted a more concrete ending, I was having trouble imagining for myself where this would go.
All in all an interesting book and I can't wait to read the author's other title, I Know It's Over!
One thing I was really interested in finding out was what happened at The Party, and I was surprised to find out how soon that information was given out. I figured I would have to wait a lot longer than I did. But at the same time it was kind of nice to know what the incident was because it allowed me to understand why Finn was the way she was without having to do that after I had finished the book, I got to do it during the book.
The parts I enjoyed most of the book were after school had let out and Finn's friend and Jersy's girlfriend Audrey was out of the picture. I really wanted to see how this relationship would develop between Finn and Jersy. How could it happen in such a way that Finn would be horrified with herself when she finally realized what was going on between herself and Jersy. I thought it was pretty believable. Sidenote: these characters have the coolest names! Anyhow, I really liked these parts but the ending left me wanting more. I'm not really certain how it ended, this was a case were I wanted a more concrete ending, I was having trouble imagining for myself where this would go.
All in all an interesting book and I can't wait to read the author's other title, I Know It's Over!
September 18, 2012
Meh. 2.5-3 stars. Not nearly as good as
I Know It's Over
. I'm hoping
The Lighter Side of Life and Death
will be better.
I feel like Finn and Audrey's relationship needed to be fleshed out more. And Finn herself was just okay. Definitely too many Beautiful Boy and emo band references for my taste.
But I also thought Martin did a good job writing about how Finn's experience with Adam affected her and her relationships thereafter. And I liked that the ending was left open.
Good, but disappointing after I Know It's Over.
I feel like Finn and Audrey's relationship needed to be fleshed out more. And Finn herself was just okay. Definitely too many Beautiful Boy and emo band references for my taste.
But I also thought Martin did a good job writing about how Finn's experience with Adam affected her and her relationships thereafter. And I liked that the ending was left open.
Good, but disappointing after I Know It's Over.
December 22, 2009
I stayed up until 1:15am finishing this book and although I'm exhausted today, it was worth it.
I loved, loved, loved this young adult novel. I think CK Kelly Martin is getting better with every book. She continues to successfully tackle "hard subjects" with characters that are complicated, realistic, and relatable.
Sexual assault, divorce, messy young love, friend "break ups"--she pulled it all off without making cheesy concessions or sounding like a lecturer.
can't wait for her next!
I loved, loved, loved this young adult novel. I think CK Kelly Martin is getting better with every book. She continues to successfully tackle "hard subjects" with characters that are complicated, realistic, and relatable.
Sexual assault, divorce, messy young love, friend "break ups"--she pulled it all off without making cheesy concessions or sounding like a lecturer.
can't wait for her next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2015
It's the right amount of awkward. Normally I'm not interested in YA because of the selfishness and angst but this put a kid in impossible and adult situations. Finn is an outcast trying to make it through family issues, a lost best friend, new job, a boy, and a traumatic event. Though I may not agree with her decisions, she's a teenager, but more importantly human, and makes mistakes like all of us. she simply does the best that she can.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
July 17, 2014
Read this two years ago and absolutely loved it no doubt. Picked it up just a few weeks ago and realised how it wasnt that great of a book after all. Overall and average read.
September 28, 2017
This story is about a girl named Finn who feels like her whole world is changing around her. Finn’s mom and dad are the perfect couple, until they start to drift apart and divorce. Her younger brother, Daniel is popular and is always doing something with her friends. Finn is an out of place teen aged girl with a best friend named Audrey. Audrey isn’t as awkward as Finn, but their personalities are the same and they know each other inside and out. Finn had a different best friend when she was younger but he moved away. His name is Jersey and conveniently he moves back this year looking better than ever. Finn noticed how much Jersey had grown up and Audrey noticed him too. Jersey ends up dating Audrey but they do some things that get Audrey in trouble so she has to move away after school, which leaves Finn and Jersey together all summer. Finn starts hanging out with Jersey a lot in her free time, and they eventually fall for eachother. Finn can’t believe that she would do that to her own best friend. They end up kissing and growing closer by the second, until Finn can’t deal with the guilt anymore and confesses what she’s done to Audrey. Audrey’s so hurt she doesn’t talk to Finn anymore because she doesn’t feel like she can trust her. Finn avoids Jersey for the rest of the summer trying to prove to Audrey that there’s nothing going on, risking anything she has with Jersey. Eventually they both give up on their friendship and Jersey and Finn pick up right where they left off.
I connected with Finn because her best friend moves away and she’s left without a best friend. She feels alone and has to try to make new friends and get a job. This reminds me of a lot of the dramatic shows on T.V. This also reminds me of Hush Hush a little bit. In Hush Hush Nora is with Patch, but Patch works with his ex girlfriend Dabria forcing them to interact.
I liked this book a lot because it kept pulling you right back in. This book has been very relatable to me in many ways and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I did like that Finn and Jersey ended up together because when he moved back to town he liked Finn, but thought she wasn’t interested, so Finn backed off because Audrey liked Jersey. You could tell that they really liked each other, but it was a complicated mess. I liked that the author made this book very easy to read and get wrapped up in, and I liked the drama. Towards the end I feel as though the author rushed the book too much. It dragged on for a while about the divorce and Audrey and Jersey’s relationship, and when Audrey was out of the picture they were together right away. I think the pace should have been a little slower, but it was still a good read. The ending kind of leaves your mind to wonder and assume the end, or perhaps create your own ending in your mind. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for some drama. It is a very high school drama filled book that keeps you guessing and foreshadowing.
I connected with Finn because her best friend moves away and she’s left without a best friend. She feels alone and has to try to make new friends and get a job. This reminds me of a lot of the dramatic shows on T.V. This also reminds me of Hush Hush a little bit. In Hush Hush Nora is with Patch, but Patch works with his ex girlfriend Dabria forcing them to interact.
I liked this book a lot because it kept pulling you right back in. This book has been very relatable to me in many ways and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I did like that Finn and Jersey ended up together because when he moved back to town he liked Finn, but thought she wasn’t interested, so Finn backed off because Audrey liked Jersey. You could tell that they really liked each other, but it was a complicated mess. I liked that the author made this book very easy to read and get wrapped up in, and I liked the drama. Towards the end I feel as though the author rushed the book too much. It dragged on for a while about the divorce and Audrey and Jersey’s relationship, and when Audrey was out of the picture they were together right away. I think the pace should have been a little slower, but it was still a good read. The ending kind of leaves your mind to wonder and assume the end, or perhaps create your own ending in your mind. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for some drama. It is a very high school drama filled book that keeps you guessing and foreshadowing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2017
This was almost 5 stars...almost. But the ending just sort of...well...it ended. There wasn't some great revelation or even closure. For me it was a bit abrupt...just when I thought we were getting closure with Jersy and Finn. Ugh.
But overall this was actually a really fun book to read. I fell HARD for Jersy...like I'm madly in love with him HARD haha! He was a total dream and the chemistry between him and Finn was obvious from day one. I wanted Finn and Jersy through the whole story...I didn't even care about Audrey...her character didn't really matter to me, she wasn't that interesting and I didn't understand why Finn even cared, Audrey wasn't going to forgive her anyway. Finn was awesome, she was funny and her thoughts about Jersy were so relatable OMG. She made me laugh and swoon along side her. Great story! Martin's writing is spot on...she doesn't waste time with filler and I loved the pacing of this story.
But overall this was actually a really fun book to read. I fell HARD for Jersy...like I'm madly in love with him HARD haha! He was a total dream and the chemistry between him and Finn was obvious from day one. I wanted Finn and Jersy through the whole story...I didn't even care about Audrey...her character didn't really matter to me, she wasn't that interesting and I didn't understand why Finn even cared, Audrey wasn't going to forgive her anyway. Finn was awesome, she was funny and her thoughts about Jersy were so relatable OMG. She made me laugh and swoon along side her. Great story! Martin's writing is spot on...she doesn't waste time with filler and I loved the pacing of this story.
August 22, 2012
After reading two of C. K. Kelly Martin's novels, I added all of the others to my wishlist on Amazon, and bought three of them, her first three novels, when they went on sale. One Lonely Degree differs quite a bit from my prior experiences. Although the style clearly belongs to Martin still, and the books have a similar tone that I associate with her, I can really tell how much she grew as an author from this book to My Beating Teenage Heart. I did enjoy reading One Lonely Degree, but the subject matter is a bit overdone and it's also a subject I really just don't care for much personally.
Of course, Martin does not write contemporaries full of rainbows and sunshine and happiness. The first half of the novel reminded me quite a bit of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, though their plot and situations differ. Finn, short for Fionnuala, aches and lives in fear, cringing at the memory of some incident months before. The reader does not learn precisely what transpired until quite a long ways in, allowing time for guesses. This both builds suspense and lets the reader see just how much Finn refuses to deal with what happened. She avoids talking about it to anyone, and even thinking about it to herself.
As always, I respect Martin so much for not shying away from how terrible teens can be. They have sex, they drink, they do drugs, and they generally hurt one another constantly. Finn is so incredibly selfish throughout One Lonely Degree, and, honestly, I'm finding that I really love the main characters that admit their own selfishness and indulge anyway, because that is being a teenager, or, really, a human.
On top of her personal difficulties, Finn's parents have been going through something, and she fears that divorce is on the way. Already so unstable, she throws bratty temper tantrums and ignores her obviously upset parents, hoping that, if she fights back hard enough, the current of change will retreat back whence it came. With her friend Audrey, too, Finn always focuses on herself first, her personal dramas counting much more, largely because of The Event.
At this point, I'm going to have to venture into spoiler territory, because I just don't see any other way to talk about what happens and why I didn't like this book more than I did. As happens in about 75 percent of YA novels set in a school, a new guy comes into Finn's class. In this case, her turns out to be a childhood friend, Jersy. Though at first annoyed by him, she quickly starts to crush on him, but tamps those emotions down when Audrey expresses interest, because broken as Finn is, she doesn't think she could handle a relationship anyway.
Jersy's presence destroys the friendship between Finn and Audrey in so many ways, none of which were his fault, but I still never cared for him as a character largely because I feared where the novel was going (and I was right about that). I did think it was awesome that he is shorter than Finn, though, because that pretty much never happens in fiction. Anyway, his presence in their lives breaks down their friendship, first because Finn pretends never to have wanted him, second because he and Audrey end up having to sneak around while dating because of her father's disapproval, and third because, when caught sneaking around, Audrey gets sent away from the summer, leaving Jersy and Finn free to bond and hook up.
Damn it, I suspected the whole time that One Lonely Degree was taking the slow train to infidelity town, but I kept hoping, because, as I said, SLOW train. I know nobody likes cheating, but I seriously hate it, because I've always had a very black and white sense of justice, and, to me, such things seem stupid and so easily avoidable. In this modern age of communication, send your girlfriend an email and end things, so that you can launch on your new relationship as something other than a cheating douchebag. Similarly, talk your feelings out with your best friend before you ever lay a finger on her boyfriend in a sexual manner, and, ideally, don't tell her he's fair game when you've already got feelings for him. Audrey would have backed off immediately had Finn mentioned her burgeoning attraction, because of all of Audrey's lingering guilt about her part in what happened.
Sadly, I would have liked Finn and Jersy well enough as a couple had they not been betraying someone else. Maybe you can't help who you fall for, but you can at least try to be less of a jerk about it than they did. While my heart ached for what Finn went through, that does not excuse her behavior here. Plus, once the characters are in that place, there aren't really any endings that will satisfy me. Pretty much as soon as the cheating occurs, I cannot like those characters as much as I did before, and I can't root for them to have a happy ending, at least not for a long while. Forgiveness and empathy are not emotions that I'm especially good at.
In no way would I say that One Lonely Degree is a bad book, but if you have huge issues with infidelity as a theme like I do, you may not love it either. I feel, too, that I might have appreciated this more had I not read several novels with similar themes that spoke to me more than this one happened to.
Of course, Martin does not write contemporaries full of rainbows and sunshine and happiness. The first half of the novel reminded me quite a bit of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, though their plot and situations differ. Finn, short for Fionnuala, aches and lives in fear, cringing at the memory of some incident months before. The reader does not learn precisely what transpired until quite a long ways in, allowing time for guesses. This both builds suspense and lets the reader see just how much Finn refuses to deal with what happened. She avoids talking about it to anyone, and even thinking about it to herself.
As always, I respect Martin so much for not shying away from how terrible teens can be. They have sex, they drink, they do drugs, and they generally hurt one another constantly. Finn is so incredibly selfish throughout One Lonely Degree, and, honestly, I'm finding that I really love the main characters that admit their own selfishness and indulge anyway, because that is being a teenager, or, really, a human.
On top of her personal difficulties, Finn's parents have been going through something, and she fears that divorce is on the way. Already so unstable, she throws bratty temper tantrums and ignores her obviously upset parents, hoping that, if she fights back hard enough, the current of change will retreat back whence it came. With her friend Audrey, too, Finn always focuses on herself first, her personal dramas counting much more, largely because of The Event.
At this point, I'm going to have to venture into spoiler territory, because I just don't see any other way to talk about what happens and why I didn't like this book more than I did. As happens in about 75 percent of YA novels set in a school, a new guy comes into Finn's class. In this case, her turns out to be a childhood friend, Jersy. Though at first annoyed by him, she quickly starts to crush on him, but tamps those emotions down when Audrey expresses interest, because broken as Finn is, she doesn't think she could handle a relationship anyway.
Jersy's presence destroys the friendship between Finn and Audrey in so many ways, none of which were his fault, but I still never cared for him as a character largely because I feared where the novel was going (and I was right about that). I did think it was awesome that he is shorter than Finn, though, because that pretty much never happens in fiction. Anyway, his presence in their lives breaks down their friendship, first because Finn pretends never to have wanted him, second because he and Audrey end up having to sneak around while dating because of her father's disapproval, and third because, when caught sneaking around, Audrey gets sent away from the summer, leaving Jersy and Finn free to bond and hook up.
Damn it, I suspected the whole time that One Lonely Degree was taking the slow train to infidelity town, but I kept hoping, because, as I said, SLOW train. I know nobody likes cheating, but I seriously hate it, because I've always had a very black and white sense of justice, and, to me, such things seem stupid and so easily avoidable. In this modern age of communication, send your girlfriend an email and end things, so that you can launch on your new relationship as something other than a cheating douchebag. Similarly, talk your feelings out with your best friend before you ever lay a finger on her boyfriend in a sexual manner, and, ideally, don't tell her he's fair game when you've already got feelings for him. Audrey would have backed off immediately had Finn mentioned her burgeoning attraction, because of all of Audrey's lingering guilt about her part in what happened.
Sadly, I would have liked Finn and Jersy well enough as a couple had they not been betraying someone else. Maybe you can't help who you fall for, but you can at least try to be less of a jerk about it than they did. While my heart ached for what Finn went through, that does not excuse her behavior here. Plus, once the characters are in that place, there aren't really any endings that will satisfy me. Pretty much as soon as the cheating occurs, I cannot like those characters as much as I did before, and I can't root for them to have a happy ending, at least not for a long while. Forgiveness and empathy are not emotions that I'm especially good at.
In no way would I say that One Lonely Degree is a bad book, but if you have huge issues with infidelity as a theme like I do, you may not love it either. I feel, too, that I might have appreciated this more had I not read several novels with similar themes that spoke to me more than this one happened to.
Read
September 3, 2020note to myself so i dont pick this up for the fourth time: MC IS FIFTEEN SO UR NOT INTERESTED
May 26, 2009
For fifteen year old Finn, the world seems like it's crashing down. For one thing, her family's falling apart. And on top of that, there's that thing with Adam Porter that happened at the Party and it continues to haunt her. Only one person knows about it and that's Audrey, Finn's best friend. But when Finn's childhood friend, Jersey, comes to town and things between him and Audrey begin to heat up, well, things begin to change.
When summer rolls around, Audrey's parents go off, with Audrey in tow, on vacation, leaving Finn to spend her summer without her confidante. But as life continues to get harder on Finn, she finds herself hanging out more and more with Jersy. Everything with him is perfect, except for one small issue. Can Finn really do something so horrible to Audrey?
Having read I Know It's Over, I had high expectations for One Lonely Degree. I have to say, One Lonely Degree panned out very differently than the way I'd expected it to be.
Finn, who wants to be a graphic designer and move to London or New York, is easy to relate to. She shares the type of dreams that many teens do, likes similar music and has a unique way of looking at things that really struck a chord with me. Watching her watch her family life disintegrate was painful to read about and her reactions were realistic. It was easy to feel her desperation and her anger.
Audrey and Finn's friendship was also portrayed very well. I hate it how in some books things like that are just stated and never really shown. In One Lonely Degree, the depth of their bond is evident and it makes Finn's horror at what happens during the summer more palpable.
Jersy, on the other hand, kind of conflicted with me. For one, he was going out seriously with Audrey and then after she was gone, he tries to get together with Finn. In my opinion, that would make him the lowest of the low. But then Jersy also had his own problems, he was never really a jerk and CK Kelly Martin did make it seem like the thing between Jersy and Audrey was basically over when Audrey went away for the summer. I guess, overall, Jersy is just like any of us. Someone who makes mistakes, just like Finn.
The way that the story is told is different from I Know It's Over. In I Know It's Over, there were clear events which marked risings and fallings of tension. In One Lonely Degree, it seemed sort of passive. Instead it was more of a recounting of a period in Finn's life. While this caused One Lonely Degree to not be as engrossing as CK Kelly Martin's first novel, One Lonely Degree is decent and entertaining read that many teens will be able to relate to.
When summer rolls around, Audrey's parents go off, with Audrey in tow, on vacation, leaving Finn to spend her summer without her confidante. But as life continues to get harder on Finn, she finds herself hanging out more and more with Jersy. Everything with him is perfect, except for one small issue. Can Finn really do something so horrible to Audrey?
Having read I Know It's Over, I had high expectations for One Lonely Degree. I have to say, One Lonely Degree panned out very differently than the way I'd expected it to be.
Finn, who wants to be a graphic designer and move to London or New York, is easy to relate to. She shares the type of dreams that many teens do, likes similar music and has a unique way of looking at things that really struck a chord with me. Watching her watch her family life disintegrate was painful to read about and her reactions were realistic. It was easy to feel her desperation and her anger.
Audrey and Finn's friendship was also portrayed very well. I hate it how in some books things like that are just stated and never really shown. In One Lonely Degree, the depth of their bond is evident and it makes Finn's horror at what happens during the summer more palpable.
Jersy, on the other hand, kind of conflicted with me. For one, he was going out seriously with Audrey and then after she was gone, he tries to get together with Finn. In my opinion, that would make him the lowest of the low. But then Jersy also had his own problems, he was never really a jerk and CK Kelly Martin did make it seem like the thing between Jersy and Audrey was basically over when Audrey went away for the summer. I guess, overall, Jersy is just like any of us. Someone who makes mistakes, just like Finn.
The way that the story is told is different from I Know It's Over. In I Know It's Over, there were clear events which marked risings and fallings of tension. In One Lonely Degree, it seemed sort of passive. Instead it was more of a recounting of a period in Finn's life. While this caused One Lonely Degree to not be as engrossing as CK Kelly Martin's first novel, One Lonely Degree is decent and entertaining read that many teens will be able to relate to.
June 15, 2015
Review Posted @ She Reads Things
http://shereadsthings.blogspot.com/20...
This book was hot and cold. There were moments where it was just so spot on. But then there were the other times where everything drew a blank. I truly think that this is a hit or miss kind of book. For me, this was a miss unfortunately.
First of all, the characters. I couldn't relate or connect in any way whatsoever. I felt for them, that's for sure, but I don't think they were developed thoroughly enough. I got glimpses of each of them, but I never really saw the whole of them, not even Finn, who I actually got to learn about more, since this book is about her life and told from her point of view. There were some random people thrown in, similar to what I'd compare to extras in a movie. They didn't have a specific role or purpose, yet they rolled on by and subsequently left unnoticed. Character development is always important, and I just don't think there was enough going on with them to be able to connect with them and thus the story.
I think that the base of this plot was a good one. But it was all predictable. I always had a guess as to what happened, what was happening, and what was about to happen, and each time, I was correct. I had speculations as to what happened with Finn and Adam Porter and The Party, and my speculations were confirmed. I had a feeling about what would happen with Finn and Jersy and Audrey as well, and that happened.
Then there were some loose ends. I never really truly understood what happened between Finn's mom and dad. It was all unclear to me, and it was a messy conflict. I was going back and forth between the whole family as they went through it all, but I honestly couldn't follow. It just wasn't too organized and when the book reached its last page, the family issues hit a dead end, leading nowhere even though there were different possible outcomes. Plus, the whole thing with Finn and Audrey and Jersy was so complicated and odd. It's like they were the best of friends (and more) while also being the worst of friends (and more). It was all too dramatic and jumbled up and a bit abrupt.
I really wanted to like One Lonely Degree, but nothing seemed to click. While it would definitely appeal to some (like I said, definitely hit or miss), I'd say that it'd be more worth it to read something else. Even though there were some defining moments, overall, this wasn't a cohesive book. There are better books out there that would be more enjoyable to read.
Grace @ She Reads Things :)
http://shereadsthings.blogspot.com/20...
This book was hot and cold. There were moments where it was just so spot on. But then there were the other times where everything drew a blank. I truly think that this is a hit or miss kind of book. For me, this was a miss unfortunately.
First of all, the characters. I couldn't relate or connect in any way whatsoever. I felt for them, that's for sure, but I don't think they were developed thoroughly enough. I got glimpses of each of them, but I never really saw the whole of them, not even Finn, who I actually got to learn about more, since this book is about her life and told from her point of view. There were some random people thrown in, similar to what I'd compare to extras in a movie. They didn't have a specific role or purpose, yet they rolled on by and subsequently left unnoticed. Character development is always important, and I just don't think there was enough going on with them to be able to connect with them and thus the story.
I think that the base of this plot was a good one. But it was all predictable. I always had a guess as to what happened, what was happening, and what was about to happen, and each time, I was correct. I had speculations as to what happened with Finn and Adam Porter and The Party, and my speculations were confirmed. I had a feeling about what would happen with Finn and Jersy and Audrey as well, and that happened.
Then there were some loose ends. I never really truly understood what happened between Finn's mom and dad. It was all unclear to me, and it was a messy conflict. I was going back and forth between the whole family as they went through it all, but I honestly couldn't follow. It just wasn't too organized and when the book reached its last page, the family issues hit a dead end, leading nowhere even though there were different possible outcomes. Plus, the whole thing with Finn and Audrey and Jersy was so complicated and odd. It's like they were the best of friends (and more) while also being the worst of friends (and more). It was all too dramatic and jumbled up and a bit abrupt.
I really wanted to like One Lonely Degree, but nothing seemed to click. While it would definitely appeal to some (like I said, definitely hit or miss), I'd say that it'd be more worth it to read something else. Even though there were some defining moments, overall, this wasn't a cohesive book. There are better books out there that would be more enjoyable to read.
Grace @ She Reads Things :)
July 4, 2012
***Some spoilers ahead***
YA author (and fellow Canadian) Courtney Summers has given high praise to the writing of C.K. Kelly Martin. I adore Summers' writing style, so after reading her reviews of Martin's books on Goodreads, I thought I should definitely give Martin's books a go.
One Lonely Degree is a contemporary, emotionally-charged, roller-coaster of a YA novel; one that took me by surprise. The book description makes it sound like it will be- more than anything- about a potentially awkward love triangle between Finn, her best friend Audrey, and Jersy. I know a lot of you readers out there are very much over the love triangle convention, so let me say that this YA novel is NOT about that. For me, at the core of the story is Finn trying, mostly unsuccessfully- to live her life and keep herself together following The Party. Adam Porter sexually assaulted Finn at a party in September. The only person that Finn has told is Audrey, her best friend, her everything, her witness in the world. Porter himself is an almost non-existent character in the novel, except that he is EVERYWHERE. His presence pervades the novel, in Finn's thoughts, in her worries, at school, at work, how she talks to her parents, in her opening up and falling in love with Jersy. Almost anything Finn does, her thoughts take her back to Adam Porter.
I think that Martin got inside the brain of a fifteen year old girl so well that it was almost uncanny. Finn's narrative and her friendship with Audrey reads like that of a teen and not of an author trying to sound like a teenager. Martin lays it bare and raw, the ugly and real (along with some better parts of life); there don't seem to be any pretenses/pretensions in her writing and in Finn's story. The novel and narrative is nuanced and the way that Finn narrates the story reads like the run-on and furious thoughts of an anxious, distressed teen girl who: has buried everything from The Party, has only one friend to confide in, is watching the dissolution of her parent's marriage, and has conflicting thoughts about one beautiful boy. And I have to add that the unfolding closeness and relationship of Jersy and Finn is written beautifully; so very fragile and aching.
I would recommend this YA title for readers who like the no-holds-barred writing style of authors like Carolyn Mackler, Courtney Summers, Jessica Warman, Judy Blume, Lara Zielin, Chris Lynch, and Anna Jarzab.
YA author (and fellow Canadian) Courtney Summers has given high praise to the writing of C.K. Kelly Martin. I adore Summers' writing style, so after reading her reviews of Martin's books on Goodreads, I thought I should definitely give Martin's books a go.
One Lonely Degree is a contemporary, emotionally-charged, roller-coaster of a YA novel; one that took me by surprise. The book description makes it sound like it will be- more than anything- about a potentially awkward love triangle between Finn, her best friend Audrey, and Jersy. I know a lot of you readers out there are very much over the love triangle convention, so let me say that this YA novel is NOT about that. For me, at the core of the story is Finn trying, mostly unsuccessfully- to live her life and keep herself together following The Party. Adam Porter sexually assaulted Finn at a party in September. The only person that Finn has told is Audrey, her best friend, her everything, her witness in the world. Porter himself is an almost non-existent character in the novel, except that he is EVERYWHERE. His presence pervades the novel, in Finn's thoughts, in her worries, at school, at work, how she talks to her parents, in her opening up and falling in love with Jersy. Almost anything Finn does, her thoughts take her back to Adam Porter.
I think that Martin got inside the brain of a fifteen year old girl so well that it was almost uncanny. Finn's narrative and her friendship with Audrey reads like that of a teen and not of an author trying to sound like a teenager. Martin lays it bare and raw, the ugly and real (along with some better parts of life); there don't seem to be any pretenses/pretensions in her writing and in Finn's story. The novel and narrative is nuanced and the way that Finn narrates the story reads like the run-on and furious thoughts of an anxious, distressed teen girl who: has buried everything from The Party, has only one friend to confide in, is watching the dissolution of her parent's marriage, and has conflicting thoughts about one beautiful boy. And I have to add that the unfolding closeness and relationship of Jersy and Finn is written beautifully; so very fragile and aching.
I would recommend this YA title for readers who like the no-holds-barred writing style of authors like Carolyn Mackler, Courtney Summers, Jessica Warman, Judy Blume, Lara Zielin, Chris Lynch, and Anna Jarzab.
June 23, 2012
One Lonely Degree is a perfect book for summer ,this book put me in a summer mood. The main character Finn is shy which is why I connected mostly with her because I am just like her. Finn had only one true friend, her best friend which was Audrey. Finn has always been nervous around guys probably because she has never been so close to guys, but she got more scared to be around guys after what happened at one of the parties she went to. After her friend Jersy (a guy which was her friend years ago) moves back into town she develops a little crush for him. But Audrey her best friend start dating Jersy and Finn tells herself that she does not have any feelings for him. But something happened and Audrey had to move for the summer so Finn was all by herself this summer as well as Jersy. The attraction between Finn and Jersy might be to strong to ignore. Well that is something you should read because I am not telling you the answer. This book was an awesome read which created mixed feelings.
This book was something I was looking for this summer, one that would put me in the summer mood, an easy read, and most importantly entertaining with some romance in it. I loved how this book made me keep reading because sometimes things happen and I wanted to keep going and know what was going to happen next. Something that dissapointed me was the ending because I felt like there should be things included I just hope there is a continuation to this book because I felt like it ended unexpectedly. But even though that got me a little dissapointed I still liked the book because I connected with some characters, it was kind of sad at times, and it included romance in it (which is something I am always looking in books). I loved the writing of this book, Kelly Martin knows how to write in a way that would captivate people and keep them flipping pages. The cover is absolutely amazing and would look really cute in my shelf (lol) because it looks just like summer.
I give this book a 4.0/5.0 and I truly recommend this book to anyone that would want to get in the summer mood and read something easy and fast which would keep them entertained from the beggining to the end. Hope you go grab a copy of this book and tell me what you think.
Comment and tell me if you have read the book and liked it or if you would love to read this book.
Have a nice day :D & Summer ^_^
This book was something I was looking for this summer, one that would put me in the summer mood, an easy read, and most importantly entertaining with some romance in it. I loved how this book made me keep reading because sometimes things happen and I wanted to keep going and know what was going to happen next. Something that dissapointed me was the ending because I felt like there should be things included I just hope there is a continuation to this book because I felt like it ended unexpectedly. But even though that got me a little dissapointed I still liked the book because I connected with some characters, it was kind of sad at times, and it included romance in it (which is something I am always looking in books). I loved the writing of this book, Kelly Martin knows how to write in a way that would captivate people and keep them flipping pages. The cover is absolutely amazing and would look really cute in my shelf (lol) because it looks just like summer.
I give this book a 4.0/5.0 and I truly recommend this book to anyone that would want to get in the summer mood and read something easy and fast which would keep them entertained from the beggining to the end. Hope you go grab a copy of this book and tell me what you think.
Comment and tell me if you have read the book and liked it or if you would love to read this book.
Have a nice day :D & Summer ^_^
February 23, 2012
Soo, I was heading to the beach, and thought, I want a nice fluffly book to read while there. So I choose this.
Turns out, not a nice fluffy book.
It's a book about a girl with serious issues and who frankly needs to get over herself.
Maybe I'm not being sensitive enough, because personally I would have never have gotten into the situation she did I would have just kicked him and walked out the door to the crowd of people outside. I was expecting something really bad, and while we're told what happens, I'm just like well, you could have gotten out there, and there, and there. And really, nothing happened, there was a threat of it, and okay, you can hate him and freeze up when you see him. But why is you life in shambles because of this?
But then, I've never experienced anything remotely like what she did so I might be coming across of an insensitive bitch right there but you know, I saw ways out, so I just don't get it.
I do get her not telling anyone about it, and that making it worse.
Anyways, regardless of my opinion of her on that whole situation [and that I picked it up expecting, and wanting, a fluff read], it was a decent book. And I did find her interesting, and I unfortunately could relate to her.
She's not happy, she doesn't trust boys, won't let them get close, she doesn't have a lot of friends, feels like she doesn't know how to talk to people. And then her parents are having a lot of problems, making things worse for her.
This book takes place over a long period of time considering the length, we go from winter to the end of summer. And then winter half, while they're all still in school, is very different from the summer part. While she's in school she's pretty much a mess, sticking with the people she knows, but during the summer she grows up a bit, steps out of her comfort zone and a lot more things happen during that time.
OH, I did love that it was set in around the area I live, I'm fairly confident its a fictional town (least not a town I've ever heard of, and it's set on the lake, like mine, I think I'd know it) but the other towns she mentions are real places, and I'm a weirdo that goes 'hehe! I've been there!'
Turns out, not a nice fluffy book.
It's a book about a girl with serious issues and who frankly needs to get over herself.
Maybe I'm not being sensitive enough, because personally I would have never have gotten into the situation she did I would have just kicked him and walked out the door to the crowd of people outside. I was expecting something really bad, and while we're told what happens, I'm just like well, you could have gotten out there, and there, and there. And really, nothing happened, there was a threat of it, and okay, you can hate him and freeze up when you see him. But why is you life in shambles because of this?
But then, I've never experienced anything remotely like what she did so I might be coming across of an insensitive bitch right there but you know, I saw ways out, so I just don't get it.
I do get her not telling anyone about it, and that making it worse.
Anyways, regardless of my opinion of her on that whole situation [and that I picked it up expecting, and wanting, a fluff read], it was a decent book. And I did find her interesting, and I unfortunately could relate to her.
She's not happy, she doesn't trust boys, won't let them get close, she doesn't have a lot of friends, feels like she doesn't know how to talk to people. And then her parents are having a lot of problems, making things worse for her.
This book takes place over a long period of time considering the length, we go from winter to the end of summer. And then winter half, while they're all still in school, is very different from the summer part. While she's in school she's pretty much a mess, sticking with the people she knows, but during the summer she grows up a bit, steps out of her comfort zone and a lot more things happen during that time.
OH, I did love that it was set in around the area I live, I'm fairly confident its a fictional town (least not a town I've ever heard of, and it's set on the lake, like mine, I think I'd know it) but the other towns she mentions are real places, and I'm a weirdo that goes 'hehe! I've been there!'
September 7, 2009
I felt that One Lonely Degree is a mix between Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Waiting For You by Susane Colasanti. But Speak is much more powerful. One Lonely Degree is mostly the cute, light, summer read that while realistic, doesn't have much deeper meaning. It's straight forward.
Audrey likes Jersy. Finn likes Jersy. Finn is too broken up from her "encounter" with Adam Porter to be able to do anything with Jersy. So Finn gives her blessing to Audrey and Jersy, who for months, date with the excitement from hiding from Audrey's parents keeping them strong. But when Audrey is sent away for the summer after being caught with Jersy... Finn is there with Jersy. And you can guess what happens.
I guess the good thing about that book is that it's fast. The book takes place over several months, but lots of months are simply skimmed through, until summer comes along, so it feels much faster. I was able to breeze through this book, easy, done, whatever.
Some characters, I like. I found Finn relate-able, but also annoying at times. While the whole Adam Porter incident is traumatizing, I found how Finn reacts to it weak, and really, just aggravating. I did like to read about Finn's growth throughout the novel though. She starts out completely dependent on Audrey, but slowly opens up and is able to make new friends. She gets a job. Somewhat grows a spine. Audrey is a bit of a drama queen. Jersy, actually, contrary to others, was probably my favourite character. While he doesn't always do the right thing, he's brave and foolhardy.
The ending was a bit of a surprise. In some ways. It's a bit of your typical ending, but not. I think. I don't know. I liked the ending and how everything wrapped up. It wasn't perfect, but it was realistic and worked well.
The thing with One Lonely Degree, it that it doesn't bring anything new to the table. It's got the realistic characters, the simple romantic plot, the uncomplicated and smooth writing. But it's... average. If you want to read this sort of book, go ahead. You may love One Lonely Degree. I guess I was hoping for more since I Know It's Over handles a difficult topic. One Lonely Degree doesn't.
Audrey likes Jersy. Finn likes Jersy. Finn is too broken up from her "encounter" with Adam Porter to be able to do anything with Jersy. So Finn gives her blessing to Audrey and Jersy, who for months, date with the excitement from hiding from Audrey's parents keeping them strong. But when Audrey is sent away for the summer after being caught with Jersy... Finn is there with Jersy. And you can guess what happens.
I guess the good thing about that book is that it's fast. The book takes place over several months, but lots of months are simply skimmed through, until summer comes along, so it feels much faster. I was able to breeze through this book, easy, done, whatever.
Some characters, I like. I found Finn relate-able, but also annoying at times. While the whole Adam Porter incident is traumatizing, I found how Finn reacts to it weak, and really, just aggravating. I did like to read about Finn's growth throughout the novel though. She starts out completely dependent on Audrey, but slowly opens up and is able to make new friends. She gets a job. Somewhat grows a spine. Audrey is a bit of a drama queen. Jersy, actually, contrary to others, was probably my favourite character. While he doesn't always do the right thing, he's brave and foolhardy.
The ending was a bit of a surprise. In some ways. It's a bit of your typical ending, but not. I think. I don't know. I liked the ending and how everything wrapped up. It wasn't perfect, but it was realistic and worked well.
The thing with One Lonely Degree, it that it doesn't bring anything new to the table. It's got the realistic characters, the simple romantic plot, the uncomplicated and smooth writing. But it's... average. If you want to read this sort of book, go ahead. You may love One Lonely Degree. I guess I was hoping for more since I Know It's Over handles a difficult topic. One Lonely Degree doesn't.
March 6, 2009
After reading C.K. Kelly Martin's fantastic first novel, I Know It's Over, I was a bit weary to see how this one would compare to that amazing and heartbreaking tale. Luckily, by the end of the first chapter, I was already addicted to One Lonely Degree. Leaving me to think only one thought: C.K. Kelly Martin never writes a bad book!
Finn was a character that was easy to love. I was constantly cheering for her to overcome what had happened the previous year and to work out the situation between between her and her dad. Plus, I loved how she just an "ordinary girl" who was self conscious about herself, because I , and I'm sure many other teens out there, can relate to that piece of her. I also admired her friendship with Audrey because it was interesting to see their never ending bond that seems like it can never be broken. Though, in the book it kind of did, but you'll have to read One Lonely Degree to find out for yourself. Jersey was also totally dream worthy and someone who was fun to read about.
The plot was close to flawless and flowed extremely well with C.K. awesome writing. I loved how the tale of what happened at the party last Fall to Fin went to was told slowly, one tiny detail at a time. Since, it made for a fast paced novel. Also, it was interesting to see the whole problems between Fin's patents measure over time and how Fin's relationship with Jersey got even more complicated every day.
Unfortunately, the one thing that brought One Lonely Degree a grade down the predictably it showed at time, but the ending, which I thought fit the novel extremely well, mostly made up for it.
Overall, C.K.'s sophomore attempt definitely doesn't disappoint, I can't wait to read her future novels!
Grade: B+
Finn was a character that was easy to love. I was constantly cheering for her to overcome what had happened the previous year and to work out the situation between between her and her dad. Plus, I loved how she just an "ordinary girl" who was self conscious about herself, because I , and I'm sure many other teens out there, can relate to that piece of her. I also admired her friendship with Audrey because it was interesting to see their never ending bond that seems like it can never be broken. Though, in the book it kind of did, but you'll have to read One Lonely Degree to find out for yourself. Jersey was also totally dream worthy and someone who was fun to read about.
The plot was close to flawless and flowed extremely well with C.K. awesome writing. I loved how the tale of what happened at the party last Fall to Fin went to was told slowly, one tiny detail at a time. Since, it made for a fast paced novel. Also, it was interesting to see the whole problems between Fin's patents measure over time and how Fin's relationship with Jersey got even more complicated every day.
Unfortunately, the one thing that brought One Lonely Degree a grade down the predictably it showed at time, but the ending, which I thought fit the novel extremely well, mostly made up for it.
Overall, C.K.'s sophomore attempt definitely doesn't disappoint, I can't wait to read her future novels!
Grade: B+
January 29, 2009
So, I loved C.K. Kelly Martin's debut novel, "I Know It's Over" so much that I had HIGH expectations for this one. I'm not sure I even would have picked it up if it wasn't by her, but as soon as I saw her name, I couldn't resist (mind you, I still get lots of books for free from my old job, so it wasn't like my non-resistance cost me any money--just bookshelf space. ;))
There were a few moments when I thought this book might live up to the promise of the first one, but in the end, it didn't quite do it. It felt like the book was just trying to tell too many stories at once, and it was hard to figure out what the book was "really" about. Was it about . . .
1) The MC dealing with the trauma of sexual assault?*
2) The MC's best friend getting a boyfriend and having the MC feel like a third wheel?*
3) The MC's parents going through a separation?
4) The MC's best friend getting sent away for the summer, leaving her feeling isolated with all her issues or
5) The MC falling for said best friend's boyfriend?
In the end, it felt like this book just tried to do a little too much, and it didn't (or couldn't) do equal justice to all those threads. It also didn't really do anything that hadn't been done before. But, to be fair, as I was reading, I couldn't help but think that that *is* the way life usually goes, with all the shit hitting the fan at once. I'm sure the MC's next year is going to be really boring and uneventful. :p
And why did it get four stars even though I don't have much gushy to say? Because I don't really have much bad to say, either, and I do still carry that torch for CK Kelly Martin.
* denotes the subplots handled with the most mastery
There were a few moments when I thought this book might live up to the promise of the first one, but in the end, it didn't quite do it. It felt like the book was just trying to tell too many stories at once, and it was hard to figure out what the book was "really" about. Was it about . . .
1) The MC dealing with the trauma of sexual assault?*
2) The MC's best friend getting a boyfriend and having the MC feel like a third wheel?*
3) The MC's parents going through a separation?
4) The MC's best friend getting sent away for the summer, leaving her feeling isolated with all her issues or
5) The MC falling for said best friend's boyfriend?
In the end, it felt like this book just tried to do a little too much, and it didn't (or couldn't) do equal justice to all those threads. It also didn't really do anything that hadn't been done before. But, to be fair, as I was reading, I couldn't help but think that that *is* the way life usually goes, with all the shit hitting the fan at once. I'm sure the MC's next year is going to be really boring and uneventful. :p
And why did it get four stars even though I don't have much gushy to say? Because I don't really have much bad to say, either, and I do still carry that torch for CK Kelly Martin.
* denotes the subplots handled with the most mastery
April 14, 2009
I had tons of mixed feelings about this novel. There were the good and the bad. The unexpected and the expected. The useless excess information and the highly addictive facts that will keep you going.
There were a lot of things in this book that I wasn't so sure about. Finn, for example, was someone I liked but didn't like at the same time. On one end, she seemed like a good girl set out to do the right thing. On the other hand, she's easily swayed and she seems to have little to no backbone. She was hard to relate to. Also, there were a ton of useless information about her that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot. It just seemed as if Martin was just putting in random facts to make the book thicker.
The one thing that kept me going through was the emotional aspects of Finn and her family and relationships. I wanted to see what would happen between Finn and Jersy - if they would get together and betray Finn's friendship with Audrey or if they would give up and keep Finn's friendship with Audrey.
The ending was just blah to me. It didn't seem like anything ended and everything seemed to be out in the open for your own imagination. I really wanted to see some sort of closure between Jersy and Finn instead of the open-ended ending. And the relationship with Audrey and Finn was to be expected after what Finn did to her. There was no surprise there.
Overall, One Lonely Degree is an interesting book but I would only recommend this to those who enjoy having endings left open so they could fill in the missing spots.
There were a lot of things in this book that I wasn't so sure about. Finn, for example, was someone I liked but didn't like at the same time. On one end, she seemed like a good girl set out to do the right thing. On the other hand, she's easily swayed and she seems to have little to no backbone. She was hard to relate to. Also, there were a ton of useless information about her that had absolutely nothing to do with the plot. It just seemed as if Martin was just putting in random facts to make the book thicker.
The one thing that kept me going through was the emotional aspects of Finn and her family and relationships. I wanted to see what would happen between Finn and Jersy - if they would get together and betray Finn's friendship with Audrey or if they would give up and keep Finn's friendship with Audrey.
The ending was just blah to me. It didn't seem like anything ended and everything seemed to be out in the open for your own imagination. I really wanted to see some sort of closure between Jersy and Finn instead of the open-ended ending. And the relationship with Audrey and Finn was to be expected after what Finn did to her. There was no surprise there.
Overall, One Lonely Degree is an interesting book but I would only recommend this to those who enjoy having endings left open so they could fill in the missing spots.
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