lillucys's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
One day by David Nicholls was an interesting read following the lives of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, who meet on the night of their university graduation and then go their separate ways.
The book then tells their story through the lens of a specific day, the 15th July, St. Swithin's day, every year from 1988 to 2007, through the highlights and lowlights, from being friends to being married to other people to the end of one of their lives.
The narrative is an intriguing one, however as I read it I felt getting more and more cheated of getting the whole story! I am happy that I have read it, but it is not one that I will stay in the memory for long.
The book then tells their story through the lens of a specific day, the 15th July, St. Swithin's day, every year from 1988 to 2007, through the highlights and lowlights, from being friends to being married to other people to the end of one of their lives.
The narrative is an intriguing one, however as I read it I felt getting more and more cheated of getting the whole story! I am happy that I have read it, but it is not one that I will stay in the memory for long.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Infidelity
oceanwriter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book hadn’t been on my radar at all but it came up as a suggestion when playing around with ChatGPT when I asked for books similar to the movie The Girl in the Cafe. It also fit in for a reading challenge prompt for a book suggested by a random generator, so I picked it up right away.
Dex and Emma spent a day together in 1988. They never left each other’s minds. That date becomes the focal point of decades of love, loss, mistakes, successes, and growing up.
I was hooked at the very start of the book but my interest fizzled out quickly. I didn’t connect to the characters at all which made for a less enjoyable reading experience. Took away some great quotes though, so I’m glad I stuck with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Moderate: Drug use, Death of parent, and Car accident
abbruzzese's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"I suppose the important thing is to make some sort of difference," she said. "You know, actually change something."
"What, like 'change the world', you mean?"
"Not the whole world. Just the little bit around you."
I LOVED THIS. like omg. such a fun plot premise, great pacing, lovable main characters. i find that a lot of romance books have a couple in which one of them is the love of my life and the other is the most annoying person i've ever encountered, but dexter and emma were very well balanced, both to each other and with themselves.
the only part i didn't like was the ending.
Spoiler
it was not happy at all, which is what i was expecting. it was very jarring and seemed to come out of nowhere, for no reason. i suppose nicholls wrote it for the purpose of furthering dexter's character development, but there are lots of other ways to do that instead of killing off emma so randomly. don't get me wrong, i'm glad i read this and i enjoyed it immensely, but i can't say i would have devoured it (or even picked it up at all) had i known that the "happily ever after" the entire book was taking us towards just...doesn't happen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Death
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, and Drug use
gmjohnson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Death
jolineliest's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
catandherbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
sakisreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
What a heart-wrenching (and warming) history Emma and Dexter have! 🥲 My glasses definitely steamed up throughout the story. There are a few dated references, especially ones to the royal family, but I still felt like hugging this book at the end. I really loved Emma’s character and Dexter’s transformation and there were so many human elements that I could relate to. Them falling into ruts in their careers, or raw moments with their lovers/with each other (especially that time in the maze!) got me good ✨
Spoiler
I do think Dexter and Mandy getting together was a very stereotypical storyline, but still!Emma and Dexter’s story was felt throughout the story and this is definitely one to cherish. I am a bit scared but might try and watch the movie adaptation as the narrative was so impactful! ❤️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
anewton's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A clever, beautifully moving book, with characters who become your close friends. A highly engaging read, that makes you hungry for more, with a plot that is far from clique.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Infidelity
Moderate: Death, Drug abuse, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, Infertility, and Drug use
Minor: War and Vomit
erinbailey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was an amazing read but it also crushed my soul. If you’re up for falling in love with characters with uncertain endings I implore you to read this, but be prepared to feel very sad in the end. Whoever said this book has a happy ending on tik tok is a big ole liar.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Car accident and Death
Minor: Death of parent
only read the rest of this if you like spoilersSpoiler
death of a central character (it’s heartbreaking)Spoiler
megnzhang's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Drug use and Alcoholism