One Day by David Nicholls

Synopsis from Goodreads:  It's 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. They both know that the next day, after college graduation, they must go their separate ways. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. As the years go by, Dex and Em begin to lead separate lives—lives very different from the people they once dreamed they'd become. And yet, unable to let go of that special something that grabbed onto them that first night, an extraordinary relationship develops between the two.
            Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself. 

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

My thoughts:  I had really high expectations for One Day.  I had read several favorable reviews of the book and gotten more than one personal recommendation.  Maybe it was because I had such high expectations that it fell short for me. 

I really liked the concept of viewing their lives over time on the same date and overall I thought that part of the story was well executed.  I really didn't understand either Emma or Dexter and found each of them difficult to like at times.  I wondered how could be such close friends and not sense something of the others feelings?  If they did sense them but didn't want to ruin their friendship, why not at least acknowledge them?  


Having said that, I did enjoy the book.  I just don't think it held up to the hype.  Had I not heard about how incredible it was, I likely wouldn't have had such high expectations and may have enjoyed it more.  Have you ever experienced a letdown after reading a book that had been hyped up?  I'd love to hear your experiences.


Disclosure:  I purchased my copy of One Day.