From the Bookshelf of 2015 Reading Challenge [Closed]…

One Day

David Nicholls

Discussion: . Week 5: Number in Title

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. Week 5: Number in Title

* Week 5: Introduction
By Jessica · 17 posts · 303 views

last updated Jul 26, 2015 11:34AM

* Week 5: Progress Post
By Jessica · 39 posts · 139 views

last updated Nov 29, 2015 05:57PM

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What Members Thought

Jun 16, 2011 Kat rated it it was ok

I really wanted to like this book. It's one of those that I'd heard a lot about and that I was interested by. The idea of following two characters for twenty years but only actually focussing on one specific day seemed intriguing and was a concept I hadn't really stumbled across before.

The problem for me was that I didn't especially like the two main characters. If I had to pick a favourite it would be Dexter. He is something of an idiot and I spent a lot of the book wanting to be able to reach I really wanted to like this book. It's one of those that I'd heard a lot about and that I was interested by. The idea of following two characters for twenty years but only actually focussing on one specific day seemed intriguing and was a concept I hadn't really stumbled across before.

The problem for me was that I didn't especially like the two main characters. If I had to pick a favourite it would be Dexter. He is something of an idiot and I spent a lot of the book wanting to be able to reach in to the pages and shake some sense in to him. But in many ways he was charming and that helped me to be able to see why Emma loved him.

On the other hand we have Emma. The second of the main characters. I would have liked to like her. With her dreams of being a writer and other aspects of her character, she shares many traits with me. However, I hope that that is where the comparison ends because Emma spends a great deal of time in the book moaning. Even when good things happen to her she doesn't seem to be happy.

The book is meant to be funny. Rather like the comedy styling of would be comic Ian – I didn't find it to be. I definitely didn't laugh out loud during the book and don't even recall the vaguest hint of a giggle or a titter on my lips.

I suppose I would touch on the ending of the book. The twist that comes in 2005. I'll be honest in that I didn't really see it coming but I also can't say that I was totally shocked by it either. I don't think it had the effect on me that it should have in that it was basically an 'oh well' sort of moment. I don't think it was a twist that worked overly well for me.

I did like how in the last few chapters we saw more of a glimpse in to the first day with Emma and Dexter. July 15th 1988 (just over two years before my own birth). It was nice to read more about the day that started their friendship. I suppose part of me thought it was a little bit strange to end with a scene from 1988 but I suppose it ended where it started.

Would I pick up another novel by David Nicholls? Probably not. I doubt this is a book that'll stick with me. Maybe I'll go to the cinema to watch the film when it comes out but I don't think I'll rush there. I didn't really like Emma on the page and I can't really see Anne Hathaway bringing anything to the role – although I don't think she's a bad actress (just not how I see Emma). ...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Ann rated it really liked it

Shelves: on-kindle

I liked it. I could have loved it.

I hated the mid 90's. Stupid Dex...I was reading as fast as I could to make that part end.

Not thrilled with the end. It just started to get really good, then...

I would like to see the movie. I will not seek other books by this author. ...more

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Jul 06, 2018 Diana rated it liked it

3.5 Have I read this before? Did I see the movie? I can’t recall but that’s okay. This romcom does not disappoint even as it travels the ‘classic’ lines.

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Jul 10, 2010 Melyssa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2010

Loved this book. It is funny, sad, surprising. I heard this author was like Nick Hornby, an author I love, so my expectations were high. Not disappointed at all. I am a little afraid of the inevitable movie version.

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