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Radio 2 Book Club: The One

The One by John Marrs will be featured on the Radio 2 Book Club on Monday 3 July.

We have the chance for you to win 10 copies of this thought-provoking novel for your reading group. Please enter by Friday 7 July.

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We also have an exclusive extract for you to read as well as a discussion guide for your reading group

The One

One simple mouth swab is all it takes.

One tiny DNA test to find your perfect partner – the one you’re genetically made for.

A decade after scientists discover everyone has a gene they share with just one person, millions have taken the test, desperate to find true love.

Now, five more people take the test. But even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking – and deadlier – than others…

Selection panel review

The book was selected with the help of a panel made up of library staff from across the UK. The panel really enjoyed The One – here are some of their comments:

“I got completely immersed in the characters and the storyline. The basic premise is that everyone can be matched by a gene and that there is just one person out there for each individual. It covered every eventuality – terminal illness, serial killing, death, kidnap, coma, mismatching, affairs, adoption and families of every variety in these five people’s stories. I will happily recommend this book.”

“This book was an absolute page turner.”

“Such a fun and thought-provoking novel, lots going on and loads to enjoy.”

About the author

John Marrs is a freelance journalist based in London, England, who has spent the last 20 years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines.

He has written for publications including The Guardian’s Guide and Guardian Online; OK! Magazine; Total Film; Empire; Q; GT; The Independent; Star; Reveal; Company; Daily Star and News of the World’s Sunday Magazine.

A word from John

“When I learned my novel The One was being chosen for the Radio 2 Book Club, I had to re-read the email several times before the news sank in. My book? Really? I sat back at my desk for a moment and thought about how being picked was the culmination of a lifetime’s love affair with reading and writing and which started in a library in my home town of Northampton.

One of my earliest childhood memories is of my mum taking me to the library every week as a little boy. Over the following years, my love for them only ever increased and when my parents did their fortnightly food shop, they’d drop me off amongst the bookshelves of Weston Favell Library where I’d spend a couple of hours devouring the latest releases recommended by its friendly staff. I still remember the excitement of ordering a book then going to the library next time to pick it up.
So knowing that The One is being borrowed, read, and borrowed again across the country brings back many wonderful memories."

Get involved

Tune in to Simon Mayo’s Drivetime show on Monday 3 July to hear a live interview with John.

Have you read The One? You can share your thoughts with us on Twitter or follow author John Marrs.

You can also see what other readers thought or add the book to your group’s reading list.

Want to find out more? Take a look at the Radio 2 Book Club Twitter feed or find out more on the Radio 2 Book Club website.

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