Just One Day

I've honestly been staring at this screen for a long time, wondering what more I can say or write about Just One Day that has not already been said (and beautifully) by someone else. It's one of the few books that I picked up on release day and read during its release week, so that obviously says a lot about its appeal. And it tells a story that it appears most of us can relate to, based on the reactions from most of the book bloggers I know. This book has wormed its way into my heart, leaving a lasting impression - and I know that it's going to be a book that I revisit and savor time and time again. The reason that this story resonated with me so much comes simply in the form of its main character - Allyson. It's not a secret that I often identify with characters in the books I read, but Allyson definitely takes the cake! Allyson is definitely me. It's almost as if Gayle Forman decided to ride along in my thoughts and write down whatever she experienced. The different facets of who Allyson was and who she became - I could definitely see myself reflected in them. I shared the same rigid, controlled, careful nature when I was younger, trying to do what was right and what was expected of me. And, like Allyson, there was this one moment in my life - moving to the US in 2010 (which, like Allyson's Europe trip, was my parents' idea) - that opened me up to a whole new set of experiences. These experiences, in turn, led to a spark that inspired a transformation in who I was. It took some time for me to readjust my perception of who I was and what I wanted to do, but it eventually got a point where I settled comfortably into the me I am right now. Watching Allyson go through the same journey in this book was a comfort, a treat and a total out-of-body experience since half the time I felt like going, "I've been there. I've felt that way. I know how that goes." Other great things about the book? Well, the setting is definitely one of them. Paris has been calling to me to come and visit for quite some time now, and I really, really hope I get to do it sometime soon. The way Paris is brought to life in this book is beautiful. There's not a big focus on the touristy Paris, but rather on Paris as it actually is in day-to-day life. Considering the limited time frame that this setting is given in the book, I commend the author for doing an impeccable job in making me feel like I was immersed in the busy streets and little side paths right along with Allyson and Willem. I also loved that the author set part of the book during Allyson's first year of college. There's certainly a lack of books (at least in my reading pile!) that feature college, and I loved that this one did. It brought me right back to my first year in college - the new friendships, adjusting to living away from home, learning what classes would suit me and what wouldn't. The authenticity just made me the slightest bit nostalgic for my college days (though I definitely do not miss the studying!). Allyson's friends, both old and new, were also essential people in the journey she takes. From the best friend that she has to learn to grow with (especially when they go to separate schools) to the new friends she gains along the way, each and every single one plays a part. My particular favorite is Dee, mostly because he's a very unique character, provides a quirkiness and humor to certain situations and because he proves himself to be a true friend to Allyson throughout it all. I suppose Willem is a very important part of this book, as it is her encounter with him that changes everything for Allyson. However, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, I honestly do not know how I feel about him. This is mostly because I don't know his side of the story. He seemed enchanting and charming and lively and adventurous to me when he first appears, but little by little, the facts that creep in started adding to my suspicions and doubts about who he is and what he's like. Even though we learn a few surprising things about him towards the latter part of the book, I find that I'm still conflicted about how to feel about him. Hopefully, of course, that changes when we read about what happened to him in the next novel! I have come to two very important conclusions after reading this book: (1) Everyone (and I mean just about everyone) has an experience that changes them for the rest of their lives. (2) Gayle Forman is a brilliant writer, and I'm an idiot for not having read anything by her before. Just One Day is a book with words that went straight from the pages and into my heart. The journey that Allyson goes through, the beautifully written settings, the wonderful and quirky characters and even the presence of a handsome European boy all combine together to form a wonderful, beautiful, incredibly moving tale. Without a doubt, this is going to be one of my favorite reads of this year - and one that I highly recommend to every reader.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars Quite a few months ago, in my early reviewing days, when I was just a new face in the world of reviewing and book blogging, I read a book called Die for Me. Although it had an interesting and original premise (which, ultimately, was revealed to be poorly executed), a pretty cover, and some mixed to positive reviews from friends of mine, the main reason I really wanted to read Die for Me was because it took place in Paris, and I'd hoped that the author would take advantage of such a wonderful and rich setting. Unfortunately, the most background of Paris the author provided us readers with in Die for Me was the Metro and a few coffee shops. Maybe a lake or two. Some really great details of Paris in that book, you guys. Since then, I've been wary of books taking place in Paris. Until, however, Just One Day appeared on my feed. Written by an incredibly hyped author and receiving rave early reviews, I figured that Forman could do no wrong with the beautiful Paris. And I was right. I'd gone into Just One Day with expectations of heartbreak, high levels of swoon, awe-worthy prose and a strong, overwhelming desire to hop on a plane to Paris immediately. And while all of those expectations were met, and in fact exceeded, I came across quite a few surprises along the way - such as the fact that Just One Day is filled with truly hysterical passages and moments - which I don't say very often about books, especially not about books in the YA genre, considering the fact that I have the sense of humor that will have me inevitably burning in hell, and most YA novels don't cross that particular boundary to meet my sense of humor - and the fact that I'd be so engaged with Allyson and Willem's travels in such a short amount of time. Allyson was, for the most part, an awesome and incredibly witty character, and in the end, I am definitely able to say that I enjoyed reading in her perspective and seeing her character meet such a large amount of growth throughout the course of the novel. While she did, at times, get on my nerves - most notably how she got jealous whenever a girl looked at Willem, or whenever a girl talked to Willem after knowing him for just one day (oh look, I've used the title of the book in my review! This is almost as exciting as when the title of a movie is spoken in said movie.), she eventually ended up winning me over once again with her wit and snark. Willem was also an amazing character, and while he wasn't met with very much growth at all throughout the course of Just One Day, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes where he opened up to Allyson - however slightly - about his home life, even after knowing her for such a short period of time. Charming, often hysterical, with some great characters, equally as great relationship dynamics, and a clever incorporation of Shakespeare, Just One Day is not a novel to be missed for anyone looking for a quick and incredibly fun read that makes you feel like you're roaming the streets of Paris. If you had asked me before reading this novel if two people can fall in love in just one day, I probably would have lectured you about the vast difference between lust and love, but after reading this novel and experiencing the relationship that is Allyson and Willem's firsthand, my opinion may have been swayed.

book was nicely packaged and reading it is a delight

Read the whole series and loved the characters and the story line. Must read.

"She went looking for him and along the way she found herself." This sentence sums up the plot pretty well for this novel. Throw in travel, Shakespeare, art, identity, love, heartbreak, self-discovery, Paris, theatre, romance, goodbyes, fate, chance, mistakes, friendship and adventure plus the utter beauty that is Gayle Forman's writing and you've got Just One Day - one of my new all-time favourite books. Ever. I'm a huge fan of Gayle Forman's If I Stay and Where She Went so I had the total first date feels about Just One Day. I was nervous and excited and had no idea how it was going to go so I put off reading it until I couldn't resist any longer and I wish that I wasn't so scared to pick it up and that I read it sooner because this book was everything I hoped it would be and more. I loved everything about this book and I did the thing were I went and liked every quote from this book I could find on Goodreads which I only ever do with those extra special books that I deeply connect with. If you're familiar with Gayle Forman's books you'll know how beautiful her writing is. Her turn of phrase is so honest and raw sometimes that it hits me right in the gut and I get all chocked up and emotional without really knowing why other than that I've just read something true. Once again her words set the scene for my eyes, and the feelings of the characters for my heart so that I was completely invested in this story. Whilst Just One Day has a heart wrenching romance it's so much more than a love story. I'd even go as far as to say that above all it is a book about taking a leap of faith into the unknown and going on such a once in a lifetime journey that you can't help but come out the other end changed. Allyson starts off as a quiet, anal, stick to the rules kind of girl and by the end of the book she has grown into this strong, independent, adventurous young woman. I loved that Just One day was a mature YA/ New Adult book and dealt with themes like growing apart from high school friends, figuring out what you want to do with your life and discovering who you want to be. I felt like Gayle Forman really got the thoughts and feelings of an 18 year old girl starting out in the world for the first time and discussed these feelings in her book. Just One Day was in my opinion a complete masterpiece that made my heart thirsty for adventure and travel. I'm so happy that the companion novel Just One Year is out this October because I can't wait to get Willem's version of events. After all, there are two sides to every story.

ine wundervolle Geschichte darüber, wie ein Tag ein ganzes Leben verändern kann und das man sich Hals über Kopf verlieben kann, ohne viel über den anderen zu wissen. Mir ist Allyson ans Herz gewachsen, besonders als sie sich gegen die übersteigerten Erwartungen ihrer Mutter stellt. Die Wandlung von Allyson zu Lulu wird am deutlichsten, im Vergleich zu ihrer Freundin aus Kindertagen, die sich alle paar Monate selbst erfindet, nur um schließlich doch den ihr bestimmten Weg folgt. Wohingegen Allyson die harte Schule des Lebens durchmachen muss und durch ein Tal der Tränen, bevor sie merkt, dass sie den Schlüssel zum Glück in der Hand hält und niemand anderer. Ich mochte schon die ersten beiden Romane der Autorin, deren Schreibstil mich vom ersten Satz an gefesselt hat. Die Charaktere sind so wirklichkeitsnah beschrieben und trotz Fehlern so liebenswert, dass ich mir zeitweise auch einen draufgängerischen Schauspieler wie Willem in meinem Leben wünschten oder zumindest einen Tag in Paris abseits der Touristenattraktionen. Die Botschaft des Buches ist einfach und doch so hinreißend verpackt, dass ich es kaum aus der Hand legen wollte. Lebe den Moment, sei offen für die Wunder um dich herum, aber vor allem lass dir von niemandem vorschreiben, was du tun sollst. Manchmal kann halt schon ein Tag alles auf den Kopf stellen.

Allyson Healey est une jeune femme américaine, sage et sans histoire. Elle ne s'écarte pas du droit chemin; celui que lui ont choisi ses parents. Elle est ce qu'ils attendent d'elle: une gentille fille, collectionnant les horloges et s'apprêtant à entamer de longues et difficiles études de médecine... Mais sur ce chemin tracé par ses parents qui la mène en Angleterre, il y a Willem. Un jeune homme mystérieux qui semble croquer la vie et les femmes à pleines dents. Pour lui, elle devient «Lulu» une femme intrépide, libre et heureuse, capable de toutes les folies, comme de s'enfuir pour 24h avec un étranger dans un pays inconnu. Mais après une journée éblouissante, Willem disparaît sans laisser de trace, faisant disparaître Lulu et réapparaître une Allyson amoureuse et désemparée. Mais qui est elle vraiment? Allyson? Lulu? Pourquoi l'a-t-il abandonné? C'est une quête de l'amour aussi bien qu'une quête de soi-même. Ce livre est un vrai coup de coeur et je trépigne d'impatience en attendant de découvrir l'histoire de Willem. Mais qui est-il vraiment???