Title: Just One DayAuthor:Gayle FormanEdition: hardcoverSeries: Just One Day #1Released Date: January 8th, 2013Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Goodreads / Amazon 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.
Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!
When writing reviews, I generally become excited and happy and I smile through the whole way. That's because those are the emotions that are brought out in me when I read the novel. I tend to use exclamation points, and capital letters to express my emotions.
This novel brought out something different in me. It brought out different emotions - deeper and more inspirational. So that's what this review is going to be like. Deeper and more thoughtful.
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As a part of a graduation present, Allyson embarks on a trip through Europe with her best friend Melanie and other students. Nearing the end of their trip, Allyson chooses to attend one Shakespeare play over another and finds herself wrapped up in a Dutch performer named Williem. The following morning, Allyson runs into Williem again, and he takes her to Paris on a wonderful adventure. After an intimate night, Allyson wakes up to find Williem gone and has no choice but return to America and start her new year as a college student. Lost and yearning for Williem, Allyson somehow finds herself within the depressing events.
Generally, I don't believe in instant-love. Some people may not like this novel because she falls in love just over the course of one day. Honestly, this book had such raw and believable emotion, that it worked.
For example, Williem had the type of personally that was quirky and unique - a personality that a girl could easily fall in love with. Allyson seemed reluctant to fall in love, but it seemed like there would always be one person that she would love and when she found that person, it would just happen. Their love is interesting. There was an obvious spark and chemistry between the two of them, and it wasn't just a physical impact. It was rich, metaphorical, simply beautiful. They way Williem and Allyson conversed was lyrical - like they were meant to be together.
Allyson's belief in Williem was surprising too. She trusted him and believed in what he was doing. Before she really knew him she questioned his motives, but saw that this was a part of his past. Some people say she may be blinded by love, desperate, or she was simply gullible. I just think she was true. Even when she was "LuLu" you could still see the Allyson underneath that would peak through every once in a while.
There were times that I didn't like Allyson though. When she was at college, she seemed to pull the pity-party. The only difference was that she didn't make a big deal about it. She just felt sorry for herself a bit too much. I suppose it would be what any girl does. Allyson does grow up though. She realizes her true passions and what she is meant to do in life. She sparks and grows within herself - like a rebirth. Allyson becomes independent, like her other persona LuLu seemed to be. She learned how to take care of herself and how to accept things as they come to her.
Minor characters in this novel didn't seem to have as much as an impact as they do in other novels. Truthfully, they seem like facets of Allyson - helping her grow up and mature. Her parents show her it's okay to be protective, but sometimes you need to let go of the people you love. Her best friend, Melanie, shows that it's okay to adventure outside of your comfort zone, and that sometimes you can't be so dependent on one person. Wren, who appears at the end of the novel, shows that your passions are what drives you and you need to make the most out of your life.
I really cannot wait for Just One Year, which is written from Williem's point of view. All throughout the novel I wanted to dive into his thoughts and learn more about his past, and I wanted to hear about his future. Overall, this novel wonderfully written - so lyrical and gorgeous. 5 stars, hands down.
