Just One Day (Just One Day)

by Gayle Forman

[Angie]

I kind of loved Just One Day, and probably would have rated it higher if it weren't for one huge issue I had with the entire premise. But aside from that, this was such a delightful read! Allyson is on a European tour before she starts college. One night, she and her friend decide to ditch the group to see an amateur performance of Twelfth Night. Allyson catches the eye of one of the actors and then meets him again on their train to London. She's always one to follow the rules and be a "good girl" but then, on a whim, Allyson goes to Paris with Willem for the day before heading back home. They have an amazing day of adventure, but then Allyson wakes up alone and in a panic. She got her one day in Paris with Willem, but it didn't exactly end the way she hoped.

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.