Tuesday 12 February 2013

Review for Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day by Gayle Forman 
Publisher: Definitions
Release: 10th January 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Coming of Age, Travel
Rating: 5/5 stars
Source: Bought



Goodreads Summary:
"When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines."

Review

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.

“We kiss again. This next kiss is the kind that breaks open the sky. It steals my breath and gives it back. It shows me that every other kiss I've had in my life has been wrong.” ― Gayle Forman, Just One Day 

“He showed me how to get lost, and then I showed myself how to get found.” ― Gayle Forman, Just One Day

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.

17 comments :

  1. Great review, Jess. While I didn't really connect to Allyson in this book, I adored Forman's writing and I can't wait to hear Willem's story!

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    1. Thanks Leanna! Her writing is so beautiful isn't it? I really need to hear Willem's side of the story before passing judgement on whether I like him or not.

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  2. I haven't heard of Gayle Forman but I'm always looking for new authors - so thanks :)

    I'm reading 'The One-Hundred Year Old Man That Climbed Through A Window & Disappeared'. Pretty good, great for something different & new x

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    1. Oh you have to check her out! She's a fantastic writer.

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  3. As a huge fan of If I Stay and Where She Went myself, I'm really nervous about and excited about this book too! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It look like it has worked for most people. I'll be picking it up very soon I think. :)

    Lovely review, Jess!

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    1. I think it's actually my favourite of her books yet! Thanks Sam, I'll definitely be looking out for your thoughts when you read it.

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  4. This is a great review, I loved If I Stay so I shall definitely be buying a copy of this!

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  5. Oh maaaan. I WANT THIS BOOK SO HARD IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY. I'll keep watching the library OPAC - and hey, if all else fails my birthday's only a month or three away! You do know how to tempt a girl, with all your talk of Shakespeare and Paris and romance! ;)

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    1. Haha! I really think you'll love this one Ellie it's a shame your on a book buying ban :|

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  6. Sounds like you found a really special book in Just One Day. I've heard so many great things about it that I really need to check it out. I haven't read any of the author's previous novels so I don't really know what to expect, but based on other people's reviews they're gonna be amazing.

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    1. I really did! :) Just One Day is definitely a good place to start. I think it's my favourite!

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  7. I'm so glad you loved this book, Jess! It blew me away and the journey Allyson took was such a poignant one. I think I still liked If I Stay and Where She Went a little more, but this was still an incredible story. Great review! :)

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    1. Thanks Keertana! I'm glad you loved it too all of Gayle's books are so incredible :)

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  8. I have been meaning to read a Gayle Foreman book for a while now and wow… I think I really NEED to!

    This sounds incredible, and your review is awesome! Thank you Jess!

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    1. Thanks Raimy! You should really start with this one :)

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  9. I think Just One Day was an amazing story that was put together well about two random strangers meet and end up having a strong connection for a day in Paris and suddenly the happiness/wonderful moments in Paris for Allyson fade after Willem disappears. Allyson of course through out the book keeps thinking about Paris and him, but while she's looking for him. She finds herself.

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