Just One Day: A Book Review

Hello!

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

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.

{kindly taken from Goodreads}

My Thoughts: I knew immediately when I started this book that I was going to like it because, gosh, it is GAYLE FORMAN, but in all truth, it really hooked me from the very beginning! :) The characters were easy to connect with, the plot kept me engaged, and I was really invested in the story. Do yourself a favor if you have not read a book by Forman, and check one out. They are hard to put down!

Allyson has always lived a sheltered life, and it is quite evident from her wacky mother. Her mom has kept tabs on every single part of Allyson’s education, extracurriculars, and friends, just so she could get into a good college. Instantly, the relationship between Allyson and her mom was created, and the tension was well-shown. I could tell where both characters were coming from, but I often sided with Allyson. She was a strong main character, and her growth throughout the novel was really well-done. I think she learned to act and speak for herself as the year progressed in the story. My favorite part was when she traveled to Europe on her own, mostly because I think that traveling by one’s self really shows great independence. The supporting characters were nothing truly memorable, but there were a few stand-outs. One, for example, was Wren, a girl Allyson meets and explores with on her trip. I loved her unique personality! Another favorite would definitely be Dee. I do hope that he makes an appearance in the next book!

The plot was really entertaining, and I always wanted to know more. The chapters didn’t drag on, and the author did a nice job not adding any “fluff” to fill up the novel. You could tell that great detail went into the storyline, and that any extra information was taken out, because who needs that?! The story, for me anyways, really picked up about one hundred pages in. Once Allyson met Dee and started college, I didn’t want to stop reading! 

Overall, Just One Day was an outstanding read, and like Forman’s past books, packed an emotional punch. I am really looking forward to the sequel, Just One Year, that comes out this fall.

Pros: Strong, developed main character, and an engaging plot.

Cons: Nothing big.

Heads Up: Romance was a biggie.

Overall: I give it 5 stars {*****} and I recommend it for ages 14 and up.

Have a wonderful night!