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One Day
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One Day
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One Day
Ebook525 pages7 hours

One Day

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5/5

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About this ebook

NOW A NETFLIX SERIES  • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • TWO PEOPLE. ONE DAY. TWENTY YEARS. • What starts as a fleeting connection between two strangers soon becomes a deep bond that spans decades. •  "[An] instant classic. . . . One of the most ...emotionally riveting love stories you’ll ever encounter." —People
 
It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. 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. They face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. Dex and Em must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself. As the years go by,  the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed. 
 
"[A] surprisingly deep romance...so thoroughly satisfying." —Entertainment Weekly

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 15, 2010
ISBN9780307739308
Unavailable
One Day
Author

David Nicholls

David Nicholls is the bestselling author of Starter for Ten; The Understudy; One Day; Us, which was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction; Sweet Sorrow; and You Are Here. He is also a screenwriter who has also written adaptations of Far from the Madding Crowd, When Did You Last See Your Father? and Great Expectations, as well as his own novels, Starter for Ten, One Day, and Us. His adaptation of Edward St Aubyn's Patrick Melrose, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was nominated for an Emmy and won him a BAFTA for best writer. Nicholls is also the Executive Producer and a contributing screenwriter on a new Netflix adaptation of One Day.

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Reviews for One Day

Rating: 3.70824750185567 out of 5 stars
3.5/5

2,425 ratings229 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really liked it. Great idea. I got really attached to the main characters, and I thought the author did a good job at sustaining the characters over such a length of time, although this was my main issue. It was hard for me to imagine the characters and how they'd look over that period of time.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    ** spoiler alert ** You're going to read this book and know at least one thing: That the end won't end happily or tied up in a big pink bow and that tissues will be needed.This is David Nicholls we are talking about here, where his endings are never simple nor do they tie together at the end to make the reader happy. No, the book is about the author and the challenge to the reader to believe - whether or not a story of a friendship between man/woman over 20 years can make it without sounding like a rip...more You're going to read this book and know at least one thing: That the end won't end happily or tied up in a big pink bow and that tissues will be needed.This is David Nicholls we are talking about here, where his endings are never simple nor do they tie together at the end to make the reader happy. No, the book is about the author and the challenge to the reader to believe - whether or not a story of a friendship between man/woman over 20 years can make it without sounding like a rip off of "When Harry Met Sally" or some other derivative, trite plot line.The story is gorgeous and IT IS believable. You can feel Emma's frustration in her letter writing, the pooling of the grease on her nose and Dexter's legendary trim backside and feel the heat of his hand on your ass. Nicholls knows how to capture that fine line of realism without being overtly descriptive and to not use the description as mere filler for the novel. The plot, the snapshot one day every year into the lives of these two people, is also incredibly clever. Watching Dex and Em (Em and Dex, together forever), grow up, fall in love and struggle with that idea of love over the course of 20 years is painful, hilarious and heartbreaking all at the same time.Nicholls has a way with prose that you cannot put the damned book done - it's like they injected heroine or crack into the binding of the book. I was so desperate to finish the book that I stayed in a black car in 95F heat while my aged mother was shopping because being 2 hours away from the book was painful. The night before, I was up to 4am because I couldn't imagine falling asleep while there was more Dex + Em to get through. I finished the book in less than two days, reading at diners, coffee shops, parking lots and until my eyes were bleeding from lack of sleep.The reviewers who said this was chick-lit are wrong, it's not even lad-lit. There is no happy ending and no moral or tale or lesson to take from it. The guy does not, for the sake of argument, get the girl. It's, simply the snapshot of the lives of two very ordinary people and their extraordinary relationship. And it is also one of the better written books in the last few years.THIS, that feeling of having to finish the book before anything else was to take place is the feeling that all writers should aspire their readers to want to feel whilst reading their book. Writing in the last few decades has become almost unbearable dreck with a few jewels thrown in - particular in American writing. If you're not writing some fake existentialistic-esque material with a vaguely catchy title, then you won't be read. And that's a shame because Nicholls, being a Brit, will be mostly ignored by the American audience who will attempt to liken him to Nick Hornby which is like comparing Jane Austen to a Bronte: There are similarities, yes, but they are vastly different.And if you don't love it, then you are simply Un-American.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a novel that takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions. It begins light, humorous, warm and aloof, just like most of us are once we graduate, all our efforts and studies paying off, looking into the future full of ideals, hopes and dreams. Then we face adult life and responsibilities, disappointment, and all the disillusionment that eventually knocks our doors.

    At the heart of the story are Emma and Dexter, two young people who start out long-time friends and one-night lovers and go on becoming so much more over the course of 20 years. David Nicholls chooses to have each chapter dedicated to a single specific date, the 15th of July, a chapter for every year. On this day, Emma and Dexter sometimes come together, sometimes they don't.

    Emma is an extremely interesting character. Idealist, compassionate, cautious, caring. She is no saint, of course, but she is the only presence in the book who knows what she wants and succeeds in overcoming the hurdles. Dexter is not a likeable character and this is precisely as it should be. He is not meant to be well-liked, in my opinion. His cockiness is actually a facade most of the times and Emma is the only person who helps him bring out his better self. It is not an easy task and certainly not always successful. What is very interesting and telling is the fact that these two often do whatever is possible to keep the other at a distance, but they are always brought together. The secondary characters are really, really annoying.

    The incident that makes the book a true success is one of the most heart-wrenching moments, described in a single sentence at the very end of one of the last chapters. It throws your heart to the beasts. Call me melodramatic, but this is how it made me feel. I felt a deep sadness, witnessing Death having the final word. It was unfair, depressing, cruel. Still, I don't really enjoy happy endings, they are far from realistic, and one must applaud David Nicholls' boldness.

    One Day is one of the most celebrated novels of our times, full of nostalgia for decades passed, beautiful, realistic dialogue, excellent prose and two of the most memorable protagonists in recent Literature.



  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Emma and Dexter meet in college, have one night together and become good friends. Friends is not Emma’s choice, but Dexter’s playboy lifestyle and irresponsible attitude is what it is. The book gives us a look at what Emma and Dexter are doing on July 15 of every year from the day they meet in 1988 through 2007. We see their struggles in life and relationships and how they help each other out through it all.Personally, I found them both to be immature throughout, especially Dexter, and the book seemed to drag on too long. I felt for Emma during her struggles, but I could care less about Dexter. I guess raising these emotions in a reader is what the writer intended to do, so it worked for me.There are a few funny moments, but I found the story pretty sad. Now a major motion picture.Thanks to BookBrowse for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Disliked the film which is what made me wait 9 months before reading the novel.
    I loved Emma as a character, the frustration at getting her degree and finding herself working in a Mexican restaurant instead of the glittering, brilliant career she had envisioned, while Dex, who partied through university, achieved the fame and fortune.
    Their love story was inevitable, passionate and ultimately tragic. I cry reading lots of books but I literally sobbed in this one. It felt like real life, the ups and downs, the seesaw of life!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I'm hesitant to read romance novels because they just aren't my thing but I really enjoyed this book. Unfortunately I felt the ending was predictable and then dragged on a bit. I also found myself angry at all of the characters at one time or another; not a single person had a lick of self confidence and it annoyed me at times. Overall it was a very entertaining read and I enjoyed it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    So good. Showing Dex and Emma on July 15th of every year for 10-15 years really gives a stronger impression of their lives and characters than just checking in on them over a shorter time period. It's fun to see how tertiary characters wind in and out of the longer narrative, although you spend most of the book just waiting for them to KISS ALREADY.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    What a wonderful adult fiction book. It is a fun read that has great dialogue and characters, who while not always likable are still great characters. I was impressed with Nicholls' ability to move a story forward and recount what happened in the past year (since the reader only is in one day per year) without slowing down the story or stifling the story.I won an ARC from the publisher via Shelf Awareness ad.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Damn good read!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Really well-written story of July 15th in the life of Emma and Dex, two graduates of Edinburgh University from 1988 through to 2006He has a great ear for dialogue. Felt a bit like I was reading the screenplay (of course, movie to follow!) Emma - sweet, politically active, smart, working class from Yorkshire and Dex - rich, snobbish, vapid, drug dependent, but handsome have a deep "friendship" that lasts through thick and thin.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Absolutely sublime.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I picked up this book to read as had it sitting on my TBR pile for a long time. I had also been recommended it by a few people so thought I'd give it a go.This book is about em and Dex, Dex and Em - friends who meet on the day of their graduation -July 15th. This book takes you through the next 20 years of their lives and gives you snapshots of that day. And it's interesting. I kept thinking that they would get together at some point, sometimes wishing it would happen and other times, very against it!As the years went by, I was struck by what different lives they were living but happy that they maintained a friendship. And then the book got sad! I was lying in bed finishing one last chapter before going to sleep and it just hit me like a train! I struggled to put the book down but had to and started again as soon as I could.It finished sort of as expected for me and was a great, great book to read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Remember the tv series Cold Feet? This novel by the author of that series tells a story along the same lines. A comedy of morals of the late 80s, the 90's and early 21rst century, funny, moving and very entertaining.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    An amazing read. It had an unexpected twist that made the book seem true to life. I loved the style of writing, and the idea that we got a look into Emma and Dexter's lives only once a year. Happy-Sad-Funny-Touching-Uplifting-Heartbreaking. Great read!! Highly recommend!!!
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    Way way over hyped
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Liked it, didn't love it.Thought the idea of the novel, seeing the same characters each year on the same day, was a brilliant and unique concept and Nicholls pulled it off really well. Characters were endearing, honest and you really do root for them to get together! But it just didn't leave much of an impact, I think it's forgettable. Because it's just two peoples lives, there's no big story or adventure, just life.I enjoyed it, but I think it fell a little flat below all the hype and what I was expecting.Four stars.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A very passionate story. Far from a modern love story. It's more of a story about the complexity of life and decisions one has to make. And above all about timing. Once you miss your moment, things might never be the way you want them to be. This story screams out more than any other - Carpe Diem!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    i have to admit that i shedded a few tears near the end of this book and felt quite depressed when i finished. then again, those are the kinds of books i adore, that really get to you! i really enjoyed the author's writing. the book was funny, sad, heartwarming and heartbreaking. i was rooting for emma and dexter to get together the whole time and let's just say the ending wasn't at all what i expected!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The thing I love about this book is the detail. The amount of insignificant detail is what makes this book so thick - but it's also what made it so wonderfully inviting. I felt like a snoop, peering in on Emma and Dexter year after year -- and it was amazing.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I enjoyed reading about a relationship as it evolved over 20 years. The structure of focusing on the same day each year added a unique flavor to an otherwise diary-like novel. The only thing I wasn't prepared for was the ending. I won't write a spoiler, but the ending fit although it took me by surprise.

    An unusual but realistic love story.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Dexter and Emma meet the night of the their college graduation and have a fling. And although they're both mad for each other, they spends years being "just friends." This book follows their lives together and where they're at on the same day each year for twenty years.

    I told one of my friends that this book is like reading British TV. There's smoking, drinking, some drugs and lots of sex. So much time passed in the novel and we saw so much of the character's lives yet it was like little glimpses because each chapter was just one day in one year. I wanted the characters to get on with it already. I liked the characters and wanted them to get together and then at the end I felt a bit cheated.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    It is the 15th July 1988 and Dexter and Emma having spent three years at Edinburgh university have only just met at their graduation ceremony. Having spent the night together they talk a lot about the future, in particular what they will be doing once they are 40. Whilst it isn’t a romance, it is the start of a long friendship between the pair.

    This particular day is then used as the snapshot moment of their lives for the next two decades. We see the rise and fall of careers, Dexter manages to land a job as a TV presenter, Emma becomes a teacher. At the point of each year, he brings their lives into focus once again; how their friendship is, their relationships with others, their lovers and marriages and the loss of friends and families. They consider starting something more than a friendship too.

    Different events bring them closer together at certain points over the years, and at another time, a major falling causes a massive rift. As Dexter’s TV career slides, Emma’s begins to rise, as she realises her dreams from university.

    I quite liked the concept of seeing where a pair of characters is at on a given date each year; Nichols has managed to get the ebb and flows of success and failure, turmoil and calm in people’s lives across well. The character of Dexter is quite obnoxious, and Emma comes across a bit stereotypical at times. Plot wise it is not particularly challenging either, but there were a couple of minor twists, just to spice it up a little. There was little improvement towards the end of the story too where it gained a certain poignancy. I gave it two stars in the end as I do like it when an author decides to chose an alternative ending to the inevitable.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I wavered between 2 and 3 stars, but Dexter is such a wanker. It is very possible to create a character like Dexter and still engage the reader but this novel never managed to overcome his wanker-ness. Finally I just didn't care.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Even though “Dex and Em” frustrated me for a majority of the story, they still kept me entertained. I enjoyed the format of glimpsing their lives on one day over the years, full of ordinary moments, and seeing their growth as people and friends.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This little book was unexpectedly affecting. I cried a few times. Well written and funny, and more than a little spot-on about aging, about how we see ourselves and how others see us. I kind of want a Dex. Or maybe I need an Emma.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I did not like this book at all. I did not like Dexter because he is a callow asshole. I did not like Emma because she wallows in self-pity. (She improves in the second half of the book, I'll give her that.) (Also, I realize that I also wallow in self-pity in times, but that does not make a whiny character any more enjoyable to read about.) I did not like the writing because it was shallow. I did not like the Big Twist at the end because it was unearned. I did not like the epilogue because it was far too long. I did not like it, Sam I am.
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I hated everyone in this book. I... actually can't think of anything more to say than that. There is no plot. There is absolutely nothing of value here. Given the nature of the beast, it could have been saved by characterisation but... nope. Everyone is horrible in it, even, eventually, Emma, who was the most bearable of the lot.

    Save yourself the trouble of reading it, really. It is, in no way, worth it.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    One Day is a funny, perceptive love story and a brilliant slice of British culture. Dexter and idealistic Emma meet in their early twenties and form a tight if unlikely bond. Although they seem destined to remain just friends, the reader sees what the proud pair cannot. Dexter is a bit shallow however and a drinker, thus it's hard to see how Emma is in love with him and harder still to root for him. Their lives are told in snapshots on a certain day of each year over a twenty year period. The end may surprise you – I thought it was clever. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a light read that held my attention.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    I started this last August and could not get into it. Decided to try again since the movie is coming out. I really, really didn't like it until about page 400. I thought it was predictable and I found it hard to like Dex at all. The last 30-something pages of the book broke my heart and left me in tears, but it wasn't enough for me to say I liked this book.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Not exactly an uplifting story. I felt sad for these two who just couldn't get together, what with lost letters and pride and family expectations and appallingly bad choices. And like real life, just when they thought they finally had things in hand...