Before I discovered the joys of Nicholas Sparks and long before I read Jojo Moyes bestseller Me Before You, there was this book.
It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another.
Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.
Twenty years, two people, one day.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I’ll always remember it”
Since the day I picked up (and devoured) One Day it has been my favourite romance novel. The concept is simple, the characters are beautifully crafted and the love story resonates in my soul. Filled with humour, love, friendship and heartbreaking moments, this is what I would call the perfect contemporary.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster ride but I loved the whole romantic journey so much I’m willing to forgive David Nicholls for breaking my heart.
This is a story that follows two friends on the same day every year over twenty years. From the get go, Dex and Emma have instant chemistry. Their natural shorthand and affinity for one another grows as their friendship does and as far as leading duos go, these two have long been amongst my favourite.
“You can live your whole life not realizing that what you’re looking for is right in front of you.”
What I really enjoyed about the format of this story is that we get to experience each character as they grow individually; from bad romances to shitty jobs and holidays to big life changes, every yearly encounter gives the reader insight into the highs and lows of learning to grow. Since we get to see Dex and Emma’s struggles and triumphs on a yearly basis, these characters feel very alive and for me existed outside of a fictional world. Authors who can create dynamic characters that I feel I might meet in my own life will always have a special place in my bookish heart.
Nicholls has done a great job of making this disjointed narrative flow with ease. Part of this is because the writing is so excellent and part of this is because it is so easy to get wrapped up in the journey of these two soulmates.
This book will mess you up emotionally but trust me, it is worth it. For every heartbreaking moment, there is a lighthearted quip to combat it and through the tears you will get to witness a true love story with two best friend’s at the helm.
Have you read this book or seen the movie?
Written by Her World’s bookworm and entertainment editor
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Written by Monique Renee
Usually barefoot and deep in wanderlust mode, Mon loves binging Netflix, cuddling babies and stalking through Instagram looking for boho decor inspo and hotties with man buns. You’ll usually find her on holiday, planning a holiday or thinking about holidays.
Favourite Instagram to follow: @hotdudesreading
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