Friday, October 8, 2010

Jen Reviews 'One Day'

photo from
Title:  One Day
Author:  David Nicholls
Published:  Vintage Books, 2010
How I Got It:  Purchased myself at an independent bookstore
Why I Read It:  Heard good things about the book, plus it's being made into a movie and I almost always read the book before I watch the movie!
Rating:  3.5 stars



The first thing that drew me to this book?  The cover.  I love the silhouettes on the cover.  I read the back synopsis, thought it sounded interesting but then put it back on the shelf and kept browsing.  Before I left the store I picked it back up and one of the employees came over gushing about how amazing this book was.  So I caved and bought it.

The book tells the story of Emma Morely and Dexter Mayhew by just giving the reader a glimpse into their lives by revealing only what they do on this one day.  Think about what you were doing a year ago today.  Honestly, I have absolutely no idea what I was doing.  But I know a lot changes in a year.  I didn't think that it would be easy to keep up with the characters because of this.  Relationships change, jobs change, living arrangements change, habits can change. It just seemed like too much of a gap.  Surprisingly, I thought it worked for Emma and Dexter's story.  Although there were times when I wanted to know more then just what happened on this one day.

On July 15, 1988, Emma and Dexter meet for the first time, as they're both graduating college.  I felt that I could relate to Emma during the first few years after she graduates:  you have the whole world ahead of you...but where to begin?  She struggles with finding a job that utilizes the degree she worked so hard for.  Emma takes a job as a waitress in a restaurant, not because it's what she wants to do but because it's a source of income (personally, I can relate to this a lot.  I don't work in a restaurant but I have a job that has nothing to do with my degree and I am just there to pay the bills until I can find something else).  As Emma gets older I found it harder to relate to her.  Like how at some point when she was in her thirties she has an affair with a married man who also happens to be her boss.  I wanted to scream at her for that.

For most of the book I couldn't stand Dexter.  He's arrogant, conceited and a jerk.  After graduation he goes and travels the world (and the only sights he sees are the insides of the bars and clubs) while his parents are footing the bill.  When does finally decide to contribute to society he somehow he lands a job as a TV anchor and continues his lifestyle of drinking and women.  As Dexter gets more fame and notoriety from being on a TV show, his friendship with Emma starts to diminish.  They're growing apart.  Emma is struggling to pay her rent and Dexter is just spending money left and right.  But don't worry, when Dexter's life starts to crumble Emma comes back into his life.  Okay, I'll admit it now:  I kind of hated Dexter.

Even though the two main characters irked me at times, I thought Emma and Dexter's story seemed very real.  It was interesting to be able too see the evolution of Emma and Dexter's friendship.  They're 24 years old when the story begins and you get to know them for the next twenty years.

Currently they're filming a movie version of the book.  Anne Hathaway is playing Emma and Jim Sturgess is playing Dexter.  I have a crush on Jim Sturgess so will definitely be going to see the movie.

I'll leave you with a favorite quote from the book:  
"Independent adult life.  She didn't feel like an adult.  She was in no way prepared.  It was as if a fire alarm had gone off in the middle of the night and she was standing on the street with her clothes bundled up in her arms.  If she wasn't learning, what was she doing?  How would she fill the days?  She had no idea" (page 12).


  1. I actually really liked this book.

  2. I loved this book, even though I agree that Dexter was irritating. He never really deserved Emma.

    Have you read Starter for Ten, by the same author? If not, I recommend it.

  3. I seriously considered buying this book the other day, but ended up talking myself out of it. It sounds like such an interesting idea. I agree I like the cover to, very catchy. I keep seeing it everywhere I go!

  4. I loved this book, even though I found Dexter to be highly irritating at times.

  5. This sounds like an amazing book. I added it to my TBR list!

  6. I loved this book until the last 20 or so pages. What did you think of the end?


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