In the following review, Thomas asserts that Quindlen fails to deliver in the second half of One True Thing, but shows signs of becoming a first-rate novelist.

In the following review, Leland praises Quindlen's style in One True Thing, but points to a few of the novel's weaknesses as well.

In the following review, See calls Quindlen's One True Thing “a hypnotically interesting novel, straight and plain, and very lovable.”

In the following review, Dorris lauds Quindlen's One True Thing for its interesting plot and satisfying ending.

In the following review, MacLachlan concludes that the second half of Quindlen's One True Thing falters and that the author is best when she focuses on the relationship between the mother and daughter.