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One Day - By David Nicholls

I finished this wonderful book today (February 23, 2025) after watching the movie One Day, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, for the first time in 2019. Since then, I have watched it every year, so I had to read the book! Reading after watching the movie can be a little distracting because you already know the story and imagine the characters as they were on screen instead of how they are described in the book. But no matter what, the book always tells the story in a better and deeper way than the movie.

One Day by David Nicholls is an emotional and beautifully written novel that tells the story of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew over 20 years. The book checks in on them every year on July 15th, showing how their relationship, dreams, and lives change over time.

Emma is smart, witty, and hardworking, while Dexter is charming, carefree, and privileged. They are complete opposites, but their bond is strong, making their story engaging and real. The novel is about love, timing, missed chances, and personal growth, making it much more than just a romance. Right from their first meeting, their connection feels natural and relatable.

One of the best parts of the book is the way it starts—showing how two people connect so easily, something that happens to many of us. Nicholls’ writing is simple yet detailed, making it easy to imagine every scene. He doesn’t just describe beautiful things but also everyday messiness—bad smells, sweat, and even how a baby’s poop looked like peanut butter. His descriptions make the story feel real and alive.

"At some point, you have to stop looking back and start moving forward."

Dexter and Emma are like yin and yang—Dexter is careless and fun-loving, while Emma is serious and thoughtful. As the story moves forward, their roles slowly change. Emma becomes more confident and successful, while Dexter struggles with his choices. Some moments truly stand out—like when Emma writes him long, heartfelt letters while he replies with just three words, or when Dexter jokingly tries to tip Emma while she’s working as a waitress. These small moments say so much about their personalities.

One of the most interesting things is how their lives almost switch—not in terms of money or status, but in their personalities. Emma grows into someone admired by many, while Dexter begins to lose himself. He later realizes that Emma helps him become a better person, while the people around him only remind him of his fame.

The ending is emotional and unexpected, leaving a lasting impact. One Day is not just about love but also about how people change over time, how timing affects relationships, and how life is full of surprises. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

If you like emotional stories with deep characters, humour, and heartbreak, this book is a must-read.

And here I leave you with a quote from the book:

"The future is unwritten, and you can always change what happens next."

AS: Happy Reading!😃

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Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

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