Books: One Day

Today I finished the novel One Day by David Nicholls. It was one of the most refreshing books that I've read in awhile. The novel covers the lives of two friends following the night of their graduation from college, where they originally meet. The story is about Dexter Mayhew a rather confident young man with no plan for his life, and Emma Morley whose only real plan is to make sure she changes the world, somehow. Their relationship is featured through snapshots on the same day each year for twenty years. The novel is hilarious, frustrating, enthralling, and tragic at moments.

I definitely give this book a very high review. Nicholls has rounded out his characters so well that as a reader you have a perfect understanding of them. You may not always agree with their decisions but you understand their personalities well enough to know why they make them.

Sometimes books take the liberty to say everything is perfect so that you feel a sense of comfort. This book isn't that way. It takes a realistic look at a modern day relationship, where life doesn't go always as expected. There are triumphs as well as great losses and many missed opportunities.

Part of the reason I loved this book was because it was very believable of a relationship today. Though it starts in 1988, not much has changed in terms of human compassion. Another reason I loved this book is because I recently graduated from college. Like the young and optimistic Dexter and Emma, I am starting to think what I would like to do in the future. This novel forces you to reflect on your own life and the relationships you already have and where if anyplace you would like to take them.

I highly enjoyed this book and hope you do too! (Plus for the lazy, the film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess opens today 4.19 so there is no reason to miss this decades long story.)

Purchase the book: HERE

Watch the trailer to the film: HERE