Bianca
Written on Apr 24, 2016
Sometimes the best way to find out what you’re supposed to do is by doing the thing you’re not supposed to do.
From the author of the international bestseller, IF I STAY, now a major film starring Chloe Grace Moretz.
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.
Perfect for fans of John Green, Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story – Just One Year – is out now.
- ISBN10 1849415668
- ISBN13 9781849415668
- Publish Date 10 January 2013 (first published 1 January 2013)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Penguin Random House Children's UK
- Imprint Definitions
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 400
- Language English
Reviews
Chelsea
Written on Nov 27, 2015
Disappointment was my first emotion. There was a lot of hype surrounding this book and I knew I’d be at least a little disappointed but I ended up really not liking this book.
What I Loved:
Not much to be honest. I think the only part I liked was the beginning. Allyson meets a cute boy and sneaks off to visit a city in one day. It seems cook right? It was! The book felt so promising after that beginning that I was forgetting about how I didn’t like the main character. It was spontaneous and cute and I was very interested.
I will give a point to the author for being a good writer though. Her writing was very nice and flowed smoothly.
What I Didn’t Like:
I couldn’t stand the main character, Allyson. Everything she did and said annoyed me to death. I couldn’t get past how much I didn’t like her and it made the book worse for me. I found that even though she was trying to be adventurous and spontaneous when she goes to Paris, all she ever does while she’s there is question herself and the boy and her decisions. I got tired of listening to all her little insecurities, which I know we all have, but come on. Even when she goes back home she’s unhappy and does nothing to change it. She doesn’t like her classes that her mom told her to take? Great then grow up and pick your own classes. It just drove me insane. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to her but I think my personalty is just so different from hers that I could never like her.
I found the plot to be a little weird. The beginning was great and all this stuff was happening and then…she goes homes. It felt like the plot buildup was at the start instead of the end where it normally is. I think this is mostly why the book fell flat for me. We were in Paris and having a good time and then all of a sudden back to the US with no questions answered. It felt like the book was almost finished and then restarted.
Who I’d recommend To:
I don’t think I’d actually recommend this book to anyone. A lot of people seem to love it but if you’re not a big contemporary reader, like myself, then maybe don’t pick this one up.
Quick Review:
While I’m sure there’s a lot of people who would love this book, I was not one of them. It’s hard to read about characters you have a clashing personalty with and that’s not the author’s fault. It was still beautifully written and not too badly paced for a contemporary book. If you’re not a big fan of contemporaries on a good day then maybe you should skip this one. Otherwise give it a shot and maybe you’ll fall in love!
nightingalereads
Written on Aug 31, 2015
jeannamichel
Written on Jul 30, 2015
girlinthepages
Written on Feb 24, 2015
Angie
Written on Dec 3, 2014
I'll start with the underlying issue I had with Just One Day, which will probably seem silly. But Allyson just taking off with a stranger to a country where she doesn't speak the language, and isn't even sure if she has a ticket back after spending all of her money, gives me a heart attack! I know people do this, and I know she was trying to be more free and do what she wants after years of doing what her parents want, but my gosh! That is just a blatant disregard for safety! In the end, the risk did pay off, but thinking about this happening in the real world just freaks me the heck out. I also didn't like how she was doing all of this in the name of her alter ego, Lulu. It's all fine and good to pretend if that's what you need to let loose and do what you really want, but don't blame it on the name like they're some separate person when things go wrong! I am never a fan of this. Own up to your reckless decisions! Lulu and Allyson are the same person, no matter what she tells herself.
Okay, rant over. I loved the first part despite all of that, because it was fun watching Allyson and Willem's adventures on fold. It kind of made me want to go backpacking through Europe (although I never will, because AAHHH!). It's amazing how one person and one day can change your outlook on life and of yourself. Just One Day did lose me for awhile when Allyson first starts college. You know those blank chapters in New Moon, when Bella turns into a zombie? It's like that, except there are words. They just didn't say anything to me. But then Allyson meets Dee and OMG I love him! He is black and gay and amazing! I loved what he brought out in Allyson and how he could be himself with her. This has to be one of my favorite friendships in fiction ever!
Of course, Allyson has to give me another heart attack by taking off to Paris again. Alone. But at least she was prepared this time. I also really loved everything leading up to her departure, since she finally stands up to her mom and begins taking responsibility for her life. I really admired her during these chapters and I wish I could apply her bravery in my own life. Anyway. Her second trip to Paris was like a scavenger hunt and I really enjoyed it. She works through all of the clues she has about Willem's whereabouts, meets great people along the way who want to help, and doesn't get defeated when she hits a dead end. That ending though? What?! I need to know! You can't just stop there!
Just One Day was really great. I honestly didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I figured it would be a kind of typical NA romance, with girl meets boy, falls in love, gets separated, angst during their separation, and then back together and happily ever after! That is exactly what did not happen! Allyson's story was much more about self discovery than any romance. Such a great surprise!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Sam@WLABB
Written on Oct 26, 2014
I cannot lie, I really liked this book. I liked this book for many reasons. It's not just a love story. Willem and Allyson's time together is only the first 30% of the book. Then Allyson returns home to deal with all her feelings and misgivings by herself. This is a story of self discovery, of taking a chance, of conquering fears and learning to live. A year after her one day with Willem, Allyson is not the same girl she was when they met. She has grown and changed in so many ways. Her world has expanded. I got to experience the wanderlust, the friendships and all the beautiful people Allyson met on her way.
I will say, I can see a parallel here to the If I Stay books (which is not a bad thing: I loved those books). This book is written from Allyson's POV and it ends RIGHT when you want to know a whole lot more. I know the second book focuses on Willem and we will get his side of the story (like how Where She Went was from Adam's POV).
Jo
Written on Feb 27, 2014
Just One Day by Gayle Forman is a book I have wanted to read for quite a while, but only recently discovered was published in the UK. I believe I must have forgotten just how awesome a writer Forman is, because although I was excited to read it, I didn't expect it to be just so beautiful!
When good girl Allyson decides to ditch watching the RSC's production of Hamlet for an underground theatre group's cool interpretation of Twelfth Night after being given a flyer while in the queue, that's accident number one, and a decision that changes everything. It's after the production she meets Willem, Dutch traveler who goes wherever the wind takes him, letting accidents rule his decisions. When he offers to take Allyson - who he decides to call Lulu - to Paris for the day, she decides to be bold and say yes. What follows is an incredible day of discovering how freeing it is to just go with the flow and do things simply because you want to, and the wonders of love.
I cannot tell you how amazing this book is! I was expecting the whole book to be the one single day spent in Paris, but it's much more than that, and so much better for it. It's almost like three separate parts (though the book is told in two parts); the first being the day in Paris, and the other two being after. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil it, but it's just so good! It tells two stories, the story of the romance between Allyson and Willem, but also Allyson's self-discovery.
The romance is so, so sweet. In a way, it feels like a fairy-tale; real life is suspended, and an adventure with a beautiful guy takes place instead. There is no real plan, whatever happens, happens, but their time takes them to various parts of Paris, Willem showing Allyson what living really is, all the while the initial spark between them grows. Willem has a unique way of looking at life, with his ideas on accidents and fate, and falling in love versus being in love. He shows Allyson a different way to be, to think.
It's so refreshing for Allyson, because her whole life has been regimented. Every aspect of her day planned and regimented, in the hands of her mother. As the book goes on, it feels very much like who Allyson is isn't actually her. Rather who she feels others want/need/expect her to be, who she must be if she's not to let anyone down.
'What if Shakespeare had it wrong?
To be, or not to be: that is the question. That's from Hamlet's--maybe Shakespeare's--most famous soliloquy... But what if Shakespeare--and Hamlet--were asking the wrong question? What if the real question is not whether to be, but how to be?' (p3)
That's how the Just One Day starts, and that's what Allyson discovers throughout this book. How to be. Who exactly she is, and then how to be that person, when not only is fear getting in the way, as it means stepping out into the unknown and being bold, but also because no-one who loves you knows this person, and expects you to be - stay - completely the same. The person they want. Discovering she's a girl who likes adventure and taking chances, and then watching Allyson take control of her life and become that person... it's just so beautiful. The awakening to who she is, and the daring to live the life she wants, it's inspiring, empowering.
Both aspects come together to create such a beautiful and unbelievably moving story. The whole section towards the end felt so romantic and brave, so exciting because of how scary it was. The uncertainty that runs throughout, of not knowing where Allyson will be taken next, either by Willem or by life, is just so awesome, and left me feeling like that's the way to live. No plans, just following the hints given to you by fate and going with what feels right.
I feel so inspired to go out and try to live this book. Go see some Shakespeare! Go travel and allow myself to just get lost! Be bold and daring! To meet new people and experience new things! Have one single incredible, life-changing day I will always remember! To simply do stuff!
Just One Day is so, so gorgeous! A book I will always treasure. I absolutely cannot wait to read Just One Year, the companion story told from Willem's point of view. I have no doubt it's going to be just as incredible!
Thank you to Random House Children's Books for the review copy.
Nessa Luna
Written on Jan 8, 2014
I am not usually a fan of romance books, but this one took me by surprise. It was mainly the fact that Willem’s Dutch that I wanted to read this book (because I’m Dutch myself), and I actaully really loved it.
The Characters – I didn’t really like Allyson at the beginning, but she grew on me. I did like Willem right from the start, but I actually started hating him after that, because of what he’d done (until I learned the truth near the end of the book, and I actually liked him a bit more after that).
I also almost immediately fell in love with Dee, because he’s just amazing and weird (in a good way) and I loved his friendship with Ally (yeah, I am going to call her that). Other than that, the other characters were good as well, but I didn’t really ‘connect’ with them as I did with Dee and Willem.
Also, perhaps a bit of a spoiler, but Willem’s last name is de Ruiter. And that is just the funniest thing ever, because the most famous brand of Hagelslag in the Netherlands is called de Ruiter (or Ruijter, I never really checked actually; but you pronounce it the same). Coincidence? I think not!
And the Giant (whose name I have currently forgot, sorry) in France made me sob a little bit. HE HELD ONTO HER SUITCASE FOR A YEAR. A YEAR!
The Dutch stuff – Of course, with a (main) character being Dutch, there was a lot of Dutch talking; Hagelslag, Gezondheid, Godverdomme. There was one tiny part that bothered (or well ‘bothered’, I was a bit confused about it actually) me a bit; the big departure board thing. In the book, it was said that it was in Amsterdam, but I have been to Amsterdam a lot in my life, and I don’t remember anything like that (sure, there are screens with departure times, but I am guessing that they meant the big blue departure board with the ratteling sounds and the nostalgia; because that’s in Utrecht. Or rather, was (rip beautiful departure board)). But hey, mistakes can (will and may) be made. And my favourite part of the book:
Ally: *Sneezes*
Willem: “Gezondheid.”
Ally: “Hagelslag.”
Perfect.
And Wren and Ally met up at ‘the white statue that looks a lot like a penis’, that made me laugh out loud because I know exactly which statue they mean; and then I told myself they should have gone to Rotterdam, where there’s a statue of Santa Claus holding a Christmas tree, but it looks more like a dwarf holding a butt plug.
The Romance - Like I said, not a fan of romance; and though this book felt a bit like ‘insta-love’ to me, I loved it. The whole romance part was quite short, tbh, and the rest of the book was actually more Ally trying to get over/find Willem, but I liked it. I can’t say I actually ship them, but I would like to read more about them being together and talking about stuff (like hagelslag).
The Plot – I must admit, I am not a fan of Shakespeare, but I liked that the story kind of revolved around his plays, and yeah well, I just loved the story. I don’t really know what else I can say about it, I loved reading about Ally’s life after Willem, and the trip’s she’s made, the things she’s done.
The Writing – I really like Gayle Forman’s writing. I enjoyed reading If I Stay (and I am ashamed to say I still need to read Where She Went), and that’s also a main reason I bought this book. I am definitely going to read Just One Year, because I want to read more about Ally and Willem; and I have also added Where She Went to my 2014 reading list!
One more quote, that actually made me sob with laughter:
“Orlando,” said the Hobbit.
Mainly because I love the Hobbit, and because of Orlando Bloom; who plays Legolas in the Hobbit. Yeah, I have weird humour. Sorry.
Anyway, I loved this book, and if you want to read a nice romance-y book, I suggest you pick up Just One Day!
Jyc
Written on Jan 1, 2014