Helpful Score: 7
Oh, this book made me smile so much. A bit predictable in parts, but written so well and so true-to-life that you will love every chapter. Emma and Dexter meet on the last day of university and there's undeniable connection between the two. And yet, they go on with their separate lives, keeping in touch sporadically. Each chapter advances the timeline forward one year, and always there is Emma and there is Dexter. Liberal arts-educated Emma struggles during her post-graduate years (fast food worker, acting troupe director's assistant) while Dexter uses his good looks and charm to become a huge TV star. Then years later, Emma becomes the rising star author while Dexter becomes the celebs you see on reality shows. And still they keep in touch.
This books was just a delight to read. The author catches the zingy British slang and clipped dialogue between close lovers/friends. My only hope is this does not get made into a movie as I don't want my wonderful mental images of Emma and Dex to become corrupted on screen (though Hugh Grant would probably fit Dexter's character to a T).
This books was just a delight to read. The author catches the zingy British slang and clipped dialogue between close lovers/friends. My only hope is this does not get made into a movie as I don't want my wonderful mental images of Emma and Dex to become corrupted on screen (though Hugh Grant would probably fit Dexter's character to a T).
Helpful Score: 5
One day tells the story of Emma and Dexter over a period of about 20 years. They meet as they are both graduating from college. Each subsequent chapter gives a snapshot of the same day in each subsequent year. It tells their "love" story. Unfortunately, neither Emma or Dexter are particularly likeable characters who elicit empathy. Each day described leaves an image of sadness and something missing. I kept reading hoping that happiness was around the corner - much as it seems the characters lived their lives. The lesson I walked away with was that life is what happens while you keep waiting for "the time when...".
Helpful Score: 3
One Day was an entertaining read. Some times I couldn't put it down because I was so interested in seeing what happened to the characters through the years.
I did not care for the ending.
I did not care for the ending.
Helpful Score: 3
I was really excited to pick this book up as I had heard such great things about it (and several of my friends had recommended it) but I had such a hard time getting into it. As someone else mentioned I did not think the characters were particularly likable (especially Dexter). I skimmed through part just so I could get through the book faster and then the ending was terrible! I wonder how the movie will compare to the book.
Helpful Score: 2
I found my interest lagging after the third chapter or so and as so ended up not finishing the book a few chapters later.
Helpful Score: 1
i loved this story. did not want to put it down and when it was over, i was sad. i knew they were making this into a movie when i started reading it and the book is very much a film.. cant wait to see who they cast in the lead characters! i enjoyed this book, and would rec. it to anyone looking for a wonderful love story.
Helpful Score: 1
Sort of like life, some days in "One Day" are better to read than others. Finding yourself in India? A vacation to a Greek island? A friend's wedding? A summer day in Paris? Yes, please. These are the chapters that resonate and make you feel and experience the strength of the bond between the 2 main characters. Working in a cruddy restaurant? Buying a dumpy apartment with the wrong guy? Seeing drugs destroy your relationship with your best friend? Not so much, but, really, "One Day" is pretty close to life. Escapism mixed with harsh reality. Hints about what makes a friendship, and ultimately love, last over time. When the reason for the central conceit is revealed, it sort of jumps up and bites you and can ruin the rest of the story, but the overall ride is like life: sometimes worth the trip, but often just a series of days to get through.
Helpful Score: 1
The enormous buzz about One Day created very high expectations. My first reactions upon finishing this book were two: it is overrated and Dex is a jerk. But then, three days later I found myself still thinking about the story of Emma and Dexter and decided that a book that lingered with me like that was better than I first gave it credit for. The author writes authentically about the highs and lows in the early and mid careers of both characters. There is a lot of humor too. I still think Em deserves better than Dex. The way the definition of "one day" changes at the end of the book was very powerful. Looking forward to the movie adaptation.
I really enjoyed this book. It took a little bit to adapt to the writing style, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I loved that the story took place every year on the same day. I found it touching and funny.
Interesting way to describe the lifelong friendship that Dexter and Emma begin on their college graduation day. Each chapter is a window into their lives on July 15th of every year. The author did a great job of making the story flow, and I didn't feel like anything was left out even though I didn't "see" any of the other 364 days of all the years. Kind of a sad story.
Reading this was so like watching a movie, everything is so well described and the dialogue so complete and engaging. Sweet story about Dex and Em meeting at Uni, from different sides of the tracks (both British, both beautiful), parting ways and meeting up again and again throughout their 20s, 30s and 40s, being friends and supporting each other through triumphs and rock bottoms. I wish I'd read it before it was made into a movie, I hated picturing Anne Hathaway throughout the whole thing.
This book was OK. It was actually great to start - but the more I kept reading the more I was expecting a bigger and better ending than what I got. I was reading it before seeing the movie, however upon finishing the book I'm not really sure I want to waste the money on the movie anymore. I'll just wait for DVD
An engaging story of two people who were brought together and moved apart over many years, only to find each other when stars align, and don't. Interesting format, accounts of one day over many years. I was sorry when I had finished reading it!
took me a while to really get into this book, it was easy to read, just wasn't that interested. after a few chapters, i started to like the female character and wanted to keep reading to see how her life turns out. i can not give this book four or five stars, and not really sure what all the hype is over this book. and i don't want to spoil the ending....but i didn't like it.
I could not finish this book, and I really tried. When I gave up I started to read the last chapters to see how it ended and after 2 pages I knew I really didn't care.......
The first 100 pages I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep reading this book, but then it completely turned around for me. I couldn't put it down. This book will make you laugh hard and cry hard. After I finished it, I wanted to talk to someone else that read it but had to settle for letting my husband listen to me recount the 20 year relationship of Dex and Em! If the rumor is true that it's going to be made into a move, I can't wait to see it! Will be so interesting to see how they adapt it for the screen. Great read!
As is usually the case, this was even better than the movie. :) I'd recommend it to fans of High Fidelity.
This is a love story and while I don't usually enjoy romance, some do seem to grab my attention. This one did because of the key players who were so well done that I felt as if they could have been at my own graduation. The characters, Dexter and Emma, met on the night of high school graduation after which they pursue their own dreams and move into new paths. But this novel isn't just about that meeting. It moves on to time afterward, their lives and their encounters.
The chemistry from that first meeting brings them together as we view them throughout twenty years of the book covers. During most of that period we view them separately getting brief snapshops of a certain day during which we see what is happening to each. It's such a creative approach yet the emotions are there compelling us to read along. Haven't many of us had similar experiences which extend throughout our lives in some way? While Dexter and Emma love each other, they create a friendship that keeps them in touch. What happens with the conclusion is for readers to discover and the author to wind up the story. You may very well find something that touches your life and your heart.
The chemistry from that first meeting brings them together as we view them throughout twenty years of the book covers. During most of that period we view them separately getting brief snapshops of a certain day during which we see what is happening to each. It's such a creative approach yet the emotions are there compelling us to read along. Haven't many of us had similar experiences which extend throughout our lives in some way? While Dexter and Emma love each other, they create a friendship that keeps them in touch. What happens with the conclusion is for readers to discover and the author to wind up the story. You may very well find something that touches your life and your heart.
Fantastic from beginning to end!
Um, without spoiling things, do not read this book if you are looking for a happy ending to a love story.
I loved this book! It had a lot of humor and was such a
good story. I wanted the main characters to get together
and I really enjoyed reading about their relationship.
Sad ending - but so worth reading - can't wait for the
movie!
good story. I wanted the main characters to get together
and I really enjoyed reading about their relationship.
Sad ending - but so worth reading - can't wait for the
movie!
Engaging book. Didn't want to put it down. I like the setting and how the characters each had their flaws. Good read.
Predictable and annoying. I heard this is coming out as a movie. Wasn't once enough?
A bit sketchy getting into the book but got increasingly drawn in the more I read. Ended up really liking it.
I loved this book! What a great idea to see a couples relationship for just one day a year for over 20 years! Mr. Nicholls is such an engaging writer - you really get to know Dex and Em. I was actually weeping the last 30 pages of the book while my husband was asleep beside me! I might just keep this one to read again one day. I also read that they have already begun filming the movie version and can't wait to see if it lives up to it's predecessor. Well done!
I didnt know much about this book prior to reading it, just that it was being turned into a movie and people liked it overall. So I came into the book with few expectations, and although it took me awhile to get used to the format of it simply being a snapshot of the lives of Emma and Dexter on their anniversary every year, I quickly understood why people enjoy this book so much. Because its just a lovely, honest story.
Admittedly, I spent a lot of the book wondering why on earth Emma would put up with Dexter. He is such a stereotypical, slightly famous jerk alcohol, drugs, women. A very frustrating guy to read about! But I feel like hes someone we all know a variation of, which ultimately lends credibility to the real-feel of this story.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3095
Admittedly, I spent a lot of the book wondering why on earth Emma would put up with Dexter. He is such a stereotypical, slightly famous jerk alcohol, drugs, women. A very frustrating guy to read about! But I feel like hes someone we all know a variation of, which ultimately lends credibility to the real-feel of this story.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3095
Enjoyed, but didn't live up to the hype.
