ONE DAY by David Nicholls

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

This story takes place during a single day each year for two decades. It follows the lives of Emma and Dexter.  The story begins when Emma and Dexter have a brief hook-up immediately following their graduation from college. These star-crossed lovers don't become an official couple but instead embark upon a decades-long friendship.  Dexter is a "Ryan Seacrest"-type--a privileged golden boy who falls into the profession of a television presenter.  Emma, secretly in love with Dexter but settling for friendship, is a bookish sort who bounces from profession to profession before ending up a writer.  The book follows the evolution of their friendships over two decades checking in on them on the exact same date each year.

At first, I found the construction of the plot a little distracting. Jumping into the lives of Dexter and Emma on one day each year could be a little jarring. It took a moment to get your bearings as a reader. Still, this technique allows the reader to view how the individuals grow and change and how a person's life can change a great deal in the space of a few months.

I didn't find either Dexter nor Emma particuarly likeable but I found their story compelling.Once I got to used how the plot was unfolding, I got caught up in the story. I thought it unfolded well.  My one complaint was that the ending went on too long. It felt as if the story had already come to a close but there were thirty more pages to read. Overall, the book was a very decent read.

This book is currently being made into a film with Anne Hathaway as Emma.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended.  If you can get past the sometimes jarring nature of the plot device, you will find an interesting story about the evolution of the relationship of two people over two decades.  It provides some insight into how small events can have great impact on a life and how much people's lives can change in the space of a few months.

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ONE DAY