One True Thing: Summary

One True Thing is a novel by Anna Quindlen that focuses on the themes of family, mortality, and self-discovery. The story follows a young woman named Ellen Gulden who is forced to confront the realities of her father’s terminal illness after her mother requests that she come home to take care of him. During her stay at home, Ellen begins to come to terms with her complicated relationship with her parents, particularly her strained relationship with her father. She also discovers a newfound appreciation for life and learns to accept death as a part of life. Ultimately, Ellen’s journey teaches her to embrace difficult moments in life and to cherish the relationships she has with those around her.

1. What did you think of the characters in One True Thing?
2. In what ways does the book explore the complex dynamics between family members?
3. How does Kate's journey from ‘ignorant’ to ‘enlightened’ reflect on the themes of the novel?
4. What do you think were the main themes of the story?
5. Did you find it difficult to sympathise with Ellen’s choices as a mother?
6. How did Kate’s relationship with her father change throughout the novel?
7. How does One True Thing compare to other works of contemporary fiction?
8. What elements of the novel surprised you or caught your attention?
9. Do you think the ending was satisfactory or would you have preferred a different outcome?
10. What messages, if any, do you think the author is trying to convey through their writing?

• The novel's exploration of morality and ethical obligation was particularly compelling.
• I found the nuanced portrayal of emotional complexities in the story to be especially moving.
• The way the author portrays family dynamics is both realistic and powerful.
• I was struck by how the characters' decisions are shaped by their individual experiences and beliefs.
• The themes of guilt, responsibility, and redemption are explored in ways that make these ideas accessible to readers of all ages.
• I appreciated the subtlety with which the narrative examines difficult topics such as death and loss.
• The book's exploration of grief provides a unique perspective on how individuals process tragedy differently.
• One True Thing offers an enlightening look at how relationships can be both fragile and resilient in the face of adversity.
• It was fascinating to see how the main characters grapple with questions about identity and purpose as they navigate through life's challenges.
• This book serves as a reminder that ultimately, we all have to make our own choices, no matter what anyone else might think or say.

1. "Life is a gift, given in trust - like a child."
2. "We must take life as it is, not as it was or as we wish it to be."
3. "What matters most is how well you walk through the fire."
4. "Sometimes the only way out of a dark place is to forgive."
5. "No matter how hard you try, you can't make somebody love you."

1. One True Thing (1998) – This is the feature film adaptation of the novel, starring Meryl Streep, Renée Zellweger, and William Hurt. 2. The Oprah Winfrey Show: “One True Thing” (1999) – A TV special based on the novel and film adaptation, hosted by Oprah Winfrey. 3. Radio: “One True Thing” (2003) – A radio adaptation of the novel, produced by RadioDrama UK and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. 4. Podcast: “One True Thing” (2013) – An episodic podcast adaptation of the novel and film, produced by Panoply Media in partnership with WNYC Studios.

• Still Life with Bread Crumbs
• Rise and Shine
• Blessings
• Object Lessons
• Every Last One
• A Short Guide to a Happy Life
• Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake
• Being Perfect
• Thinking Out Loud