One on One

by Stephen King and Tabitha King

Book Overview

Sam and Deanie, a mismatched pair of teenagers, engage in a long-shot love affair that leaves both with more than they bargained for. By the author of Pearl. Reprint. NYT. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525935908
• ISBN13: 9780525935902
• Release Date: March 1993
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

No Dust Jacket

The book is a great read but if you want it as a collection wich I did, you will not get a Dust Jacket. Apparently Dust Jackets do not seem to come with any hard back books when you order from them. Out of all the books I have ordered I have maybe got a Dust Jacket with one book and that sucks!

Riveting, Sharp, Completely Un-Put-Downable!

Until two days ago, I never knew Stephen King's wife was a published author. Now, after losing most of my sleep last night because of her, I can't understand why she isn't at least as famous a writer as her husband! I was given this book Tuesday afternoon by a friend who knows my taste in books. It's the only book she's ever told me I really _should_ read in all the time I've known her. I didn't start it until bedtime Wednesday, and finished it Thursday afternoon despite my washing machine going out, several calls from clients, my son having playmates over all day, a doctor's appointment, and lunch out.WOW.I never wanted it to end even though I wanted Deanie's ordeal to be over with as soon as possible. Tabitha King's writing style is almost poetic in its descriptions of feelings and places and situations. Her dialogue is not bogged down by too many adjectives or adverbs, and she knows her characters inside out from the very beginning. These characters aren't just developed -- they spring to life fully formed nearly from the instant we meet them, with all of their baggage properly influential in their decisions, their attitudes, and even in their nicknames. We meet them from a distance, almost like a new kid at school who will become increasingly intimate with them and their close friends and family members. As we learn each fact that constitutes their baggage, we nod and agree that yes, we really should have known that from the way the character acted or reacted. The author uses present tense throughout the story. I usually find present tense novels awkward, but not in this book. The present tense lets us find out more about Deanie and Sam as they learn more about each other. We are right there with them, going through the hormonal hells and peer pressure battles just like they are. We feel how important the state championship is. We don't blame Deanie for her need of chemical solace; we admire Sam's restraint each time he wants to, but does not, break his training. We become a little annoyed with his righteousness, but we shake our heads and acknowledge that that's just Sam.Evil characters are not pure evil, except for two which could easily fit into one of Stephen King's horror stories as unearthly bad-guy archetypes: J.C. and Tony.We want to take Deannie's chains and swing them at Tony with all our might, and we want to put J.C.'s cigarettes (and joints) out on his exposed skin. Our stomachs roil with disgust and Deanie's mother. We want to hug and love the awkward, shy, ugly, unlovable Deanie and we want Sam to find a nice girl with whom he can achieve that physical relase sought be every seventeen-year-old boy. When we read the last page we want to know more about these brave survivors. We don't want to leave them so young and vulnerable, even though we recognize their incredible resilience. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who remembers high school, who might not have fit in, who fit in almost too well

The best novel I've ever read...

I've read this book over and over again for about 5 years. It was introduced to me in a college class at the University Of Maine at Orono, and I was lucky enough to have Mrs. King autograph my copy in our class one day. This book captures the teenage heart and soul perfectly, as well as life in Maine highschools. I have, and will continue to recommend this book to all, and do wish the publisher would reprint, as my copy is becoming worn, and I would like to pass a new copy on to others.

Haunting & evocative

One on One is without a doubt one of the best pieces of fiction I have ever read. Tabitha King brings to life haunting evocative visual scenes with her succinct prose. She does not resort to florid verbal descriptions, yet she brings the places alive in a way that the real world seldom seems to be. The characterizations are brilliant, capturing all the subtlties and nuances of human thought, emotion, and interaction. The people are sensitively portrayed in their strengths and imperfections. Rarely have I read a book that so perfectly captures the human experience in all it's ambiguities. I highly recommend this book. It encourages one to see beyond the superficial. It will forever alter the way you see the people and places around you as you make your way through your own world.

The Most Endearing Fictional World I've Ever Known

I've read this book so many times I've lost count. I go back to it about once every six months as I would go back to look at a yearbook. I recall the small incidents (such as the sexual prank that opens the novel), the emotions (like Deanie's 'second' sexual awakening) and the people (especially Sam and Deanie 'The Mutant')with such a vivid recollection that I'm swept right back into their world as I turn to page two. Tabitha King has created a masterpiece that has affected me in such a deep way that I cannot even fathom. Seeing that it is out of print is disheartening. I would dearly love a copy. MESSAGE TO PUBLISHER: PLEASE REPRINT! Not only do I want a copy of my own but I'd like the rest of the world in on the secret... Tabitha King is masterful and has recounted life of every teenager in One On One. I hope that this book will be studied in schools. Bravo Tabitha!

Awesome.....real-life from a teenager's perspective

One on One is one of the best novels I have ever read...and re-read and re-read. I feel as if Sam and Deanie are part of my family. Having read this book at least 15 times, I still look forward to reading it again when I 'run out' of new material...it is my favorite of all time. King has such a wry perspective on the world, and on the Nodd's Ridge community, but still delivers her characters with all their frailties, hopes and desires. Add these 3 together and throw in the hormonal problems that only teenagers seem to experience, and you have the best novel Tabitha King has written to date. I hope and pray that she sees fit to continue writing Sam and Deanie's story. I truly want to know what happens to them after "they grow up quite well together."!!! Three cheers for Tabitha King!!!