ONE PLUS ONE Ad hoc Families Improvising as Best They Can

British author Jojo Moyes' novel "One Plus One" takes many unexpected twists for the strewn together Thomas family, spearheaded by single, working class mom, Jess, her math prodigy daughter Tanzi from estranged husband, Marty & Nicky, Marty's son from a former relationship.  Jess became pregnant with her daughter while in high school.  She's determined to provide a loving, stable home for her daughter.   Life rarely follows a smooth path.  Obstacles abound making life's journey arduous & unpredictable.  Marty proves to be a major screw-up & soons abandon Jess & Tanzi but not before leaving Jess with his son Nicky.  Tanzi is 2,  Nicky 8, when he 1st comes to live with them. Tanzi ask's Nicky what their family relationship is, he quips "we're a family of losers."  Tanzi is a math "geek" oblivious to her social pariah status.  Nicky is all too aware of his outcast status.  He is a relentless target of vicious beatings from bullies.  Meanwhile, unflappable Jess, is working 2 jobs; barely scraping by & with barely enough time to spend with "both her children."  The love connecting Jess, Tanzi, Nicky & Norman, their wolf size lunk of a dog is endearing & resilient.  Today's families are in constant flux.  Jess is the responsible/caring parent who holds their family together.  She provides unqualified love and moral fortitude.  Jess tells Nicky & Tanzi "I've learned it's best to be honest & stand-up & follow the compass."  Their paths cross with Ed, a decent kind man except for the fact he's under investigation for insider trading.  A hilarious romp ensues in Ed's van with Jess, Nicky, Tanzi & Norman.  This joyride of a novel does not so much pontificate "to do the right thing," as it speaks to fallibility, kindness to others & the indefatigable human spirit.