Review: One Day by David Nicholls

Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? Twenty years, two people, ONE DAY.- Summary from Goodreads

I heard good things about this book, plus, it's being made into a movie so I had to pick up a copy. After finishing it I have to say, I have some mixed feelings. Parts of me really loved it an parts of me were a bit ticked off. I was so conflicted I had to let it marinate for a day or two before sitting down to write this review. I'm going to try and keep this spoiler-free but I can't promise anything, proceed with caution if you've not read the book.

I loved the concept and I think Nicholls did well in filling in the year long gaps with enough information to keep you up to date on the characters lives without overloading you with it. Dexter and Emma aren't perfect, he's a basically a train-wreck and she's annoyingly self deprecating, but I found myself drawn into their story and rooting for them despite their many flaws and mistakes. Maybe I just related to their relationship, that one person, romantic or platonic, who sort of drifts in and out of your life over the years and who you can't help but think about no matter how long you've been apart or the circumstances surrounding your distance.

I think it may have been my enjoyment of the duo's dynamic which led to me getting so ticked off. I felt like I was a little cheated. Actually, I felt more like I had a piece of delicious cheesecake in front of me only to have it snatched away. Total let-down.

Overall, it was engaging and funny and despite my disappointment with the end, I did end up enjoying the story and would recommend it, just don't go into it with any pre-conceived expectations.