Just One Day by Gayle Forman


A few days ago I was browsing the shelves of my local Books-A-Million, looking for a book that would distract my mind from the mundane things I have to think about every day, and I came across Gayle Forman's "Just One Day." One word in the summary on the back caught my attention right away: Paris. So I decided to give it a try. I mean, the characters spend the day in Paris, France - of course I was going to read it. But I never expected this book to become one of my new favorites.
 
It made me laugh, tear up a little, and reminisce about my own summer between high school and college. But more importantly, it made me smile. And when a book makes you smile you know you have a favorite on your hands.
 

So let's jump into my review >>>>>>>>>

The Characters:

The story is told from the point of view of a girl named Allyson. She's your average, American, good-girl teenager who's been given the amazing opportunity to tour Europe with her high school best friend, Melanie. While on the trip she meets a Dutch guy named Willem and that's when the games begin. Willem is a traveler, a rogue of sorts, who doesn't stick around in one place too long. He's described as nice-looking, nice, and mysterious but not the most stable of characters - which makes him more realistic to me.
 
Allyson and Willem connect on a train ride and just before they part ways they decide to go to Paris, France for one day. Two strangers in the most romantic city in the world. Yes, please.
 
But the plot goes so much deeper than a cliché love story. You really feel like you go on a journey with Allyson - from self-awakening to losing yourself to finding out it was never really lost at all. She's a complex character who has a very simple way of describing how she feels. I found her to be relatable and at times sad but ultimately she's a very likable lead character and I enjoyed reading from her point of view. Her reactions were realistic and she's the kind of character that makes you want to root for her.
 

The Conflict:

So they have this amazing day in Paris -sightseeing, boat-riding, the whole 9 yards - and let's just say heartstrings are pulled but something kind of unexpected happens and the two are torn apart.
 
Forever . . . . ?
 
;-) You'll just have to read it to find out.
 
So, all in all I'm really glad I read this book. I give it a 5 out of 5 Stars ***** and recommend it to anyone who loves travel, chance-encounters, and excellent character development. I'm currently reading the sequel, "Just One Year," which is from Willem's point of view. Fingers crossed it'll be just as good.
 
Until next time, book lovers, keep reading :-)
 
XOXO,  Nellie

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