Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Series: Just One Day Book 1

Genre: YA Romance Fiction

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All characters in any books before Just One Day that I believed to be my book clone do not even live up to the exact replica of myself in this book. Well, I shouldn’t say this entire book, because Allyson Healy went through immense changes throughout the story, but in the beginning of the book, when she first met Willem, it was like reading a novel from the point of view of myself. I had the same insecurities, same voice, same antisocialness, and even the same issue with traveling (although after traveling to New Zealand, those issues disappeared, so I guess I went through a similar change to Allyson’s, as well). Because of my connection with Allyson, it felt as if her experiences were happening to me. It felt like Gayle Forman was talking directly to my soul, and it made me miserable as well as slightly elated. I felt the heartbreak as Allyson experienced it, I felt the courage as Allyson took the leap of faith. I felt like Allyson as Allyson felt like Lulu.

Then, of course, that leads me to Part 2. Allyson suffered in Paris, and that led to her depression at home. Once again, Gayle Forman was speaking to my heart. Allyson refused any invites to social activities, she was failing her classes, she hated her life. She was depressed, and I’ve heard that many freshmen in college experience this. And this wouldn’t have impacted me were it not for my own struggle with all of her same feelings and issues (besides the heartbreak—who needs boys when you have books?), and also the fact that I’m feeling these emotions four years prematurely. Her experiences caused me to feel the loneliness, frustration, and exhaustion deeply, as well as caused me to feel incredibly terrified for the future and what it brings.

I loved this book so very much. I loved the format, and the evolution of Allyson’s character. After her depressive faze, she made many life changes and got back on her feet. That was the end of our resemblances, but I’m hoping one day I might find myself with her courage and strength and bravery.

Also, I had mixed feelings about Willem. He was perfect in the beginning, but I always had my doubts about his credibility (as did Allyson). Then I thought he was a player, and just used Allyson for sex. But clues kept popping up and I won’t spoil the ending.

Overall, this was such a great book, and it impacted me as well. Gayle Forman has a way with words that always seems to hit me in the softest spots, deep down inside. I’m still recovering from this book and I know I will be for a while.

5 stars.