Maggie’s summer was supposed to be epic. She’s got the best friends ever, a fantastic boyfriend and is going to be a senior. One Moment by Kristina McBride shows what happens after tragedy strikes Maggie’s life in a poignant, can’t look away, tear through the pages sort of manner.
One Moment
Y’all, I was fairly invested in McBride’s sophomore novel and was totally feeling THE THINGS from rage to very slight swoons. So, basically the gist of the plot of One Moment is that Maggie and her friends go cliff diving one day. Her boyfriend, Joey, jumps off and ends up dying in a horrific accident. Maggie can’t remember how it happened because she’s been traumatized and so, represses her memories. She then spends her grief putting Joey on a pedestal but of course, SECRETS come out.
As a fan of secrets and drama, I think that One Moment delivers. Despite my being able to predict all of the major plot points right down to a certain first date, I really liked One Moment. I love a plot where there are twists, turns, backstabbing and some tight pacing. This book is short, yes, but. there’s also not a lot of BS to cut through to get to the heart of the story. Seriously, McBride’s latest is a very quick page turner.
Plus, I unfortunately could identify with Maggie – not in that I’ve ever lost a boyfriend to a horrific tragedy. However, I have been in the position where I’ve put a guy on a pedestal and made him out to be something more than what he was or deserved (out of a low self esteem). But still, it sucks, but I had empathy for her. I will also say that I desperately wanted Maggie to knock a certain character out, but alas that did not happen which was kind of disappointing.
I think that I am not alone in that experience and a lot of girls will be able to relate to Kristina McBride’s main character, Maggie. I think if you like contemporary  with lots of secrets and don’t mind predictability, you will end up enjoying One Moment as much as I did.
Disclosure: Received for review via Netgalley.
Other reviews of One Moment by Kristina McBride:
Rather Be Reading – “Incredibly fast-paced and engaging”
Galleysmith – “Had the benefit of a suspenseful tone”
VeganYANerds – “AÂ little frustrating”
Other Books by Kristina McBride:
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Ditto that wanting to punch someone out thing. I suppose the thing I’ve thought about the most since finishing this is how pissed I would be to not be able to yell at Joey in person. I would want to have a knock down drag out fight to kick his ass. I think Maggie handled things much better than I would have. Haha
Great review, looking forward to reading this one as it sounds like I’d love it!
Ohh another great review and a book recommendation I’ve not yet heard about. I think a lot of us will be able to relate to Maggie with the putting the guy on the whole pedal stool thing. So glad I lived and learned from that experience. LOL
I started this one the other day and am really into it! It’s such a fast read, but in a totally good way. I’m really excited to see more of the developments, but I can totally get where you’re coming from about being able to relate to Maggie; we’ve all been there sadly! (putting a guy on a pedestal, not having a bf die in a tragic way) Great review, as always!
This sounds like it’s a realistic portrayal of grief – I’d been on the fence on if I wanted to read this or not, but I think I’ve made up my mind – I will be reading it!
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Contemporary read? Secrets to be uncovered? This sounds like something I’d definitely enjoy reading. I’m curious about the plot, though I have a few ideas about what’s really going on.
Predictable isn’t always a bad thing. I enjoyed McBride’s first book and have this one on my Kindle…like you, I can’t quite identify with the MC and that tragedy but it still sounds like a good read.
this one sounds really good. Maybe a little heartbreaker, but I do love secrets in contemporary.
also, I go cliff jumping ALL THE TIME, so maybe not read this one. O____o
great review, though! this is the first review I’ve read of this book that makes me want to read One Moment.
I really like the cover of this book because from that and the title you can tell there’s a lot of metaphor with the ripple effect.
Great review, as always 🙂
I didn’t relate to Maggie or with anyone in general in this book, it felt sort of weird to me. I wanted to like it but it started to get predictable early on.
This novel sounds so good! I’ve been into contemporaries lately, and I’m excited to read this one. It sounds good. Thank you for the review!