Just One Day by Gayle Forman
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Source: Purchased
Order: Powell’s || 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.
In a nutshell: LIFE IS HARD.
We Judge Covers: If I were passing this book casually, I probably wouldn’t give it a second glance. Even looking at that girl’s face, she doesn’t look happy or sad or even particularly pleased with her cup of whatever. However, I’ve read the book and so now I’m looking at the cover thinking, “PERFECT.” Because while it is not exciting, the cover captures key elements of the story, from the dark haired, Louise Brooks-like looks of our main character, to the gauudy watch she wears. Pre-reading: she could be sitting anywhere. Post-reading: DEFINITELY EUROPE.
Main Character: At the beginning of our story, we’re told enough times that Allyson Healey is a good girl. A couple of chapters in, though, she makes an impulsive decision to follow a Dutch actor named Willem to Paris. From there, we start to see a little more of Allyson’s personality, which is one part worry-wart, one part quick witted and another part not really sure what she is.
Through the middle of the story, as Allyson returns home, starts college and deals with her heartbreak, there is a point where I felt frustrated with her. Not with the story itself, but with Allyson, which is an important distinction to make. She reaches a low and trudges through it, and because the story is written so well, you experience a variety of emotions because of it.
Love Interest? A one-day stand in Paris that pretty much rocks Allyson’s world. Willem didn’t seem like my cup of tea, but I at least saw what Allyson saw in him. It’s strange for the reader, who if like me, approaches him cautiously and with dread. I never thought she could trust him, but I suppose the point is that Willem helps bring out a side of her she never really knew was there. He’s an actor, knows a few languages, is mysterious, and he takes her through Paris. Written out, it seems like it could be a cheesy, “love at first sight” sort of deal, but you quickly understand that Willem, and the following heartbreak have more to do with Allyson than they do with him.
It has more to do with the potential for love and the things that mark us.
Negligent Parents? The anti-negligent parent: the helicopter parent. Allyson’s mother quit her job to be a full time Daughter Enthusiast. She plans out her days and sent her on the Europe tour and then picks out all her first semester classes. Really, all of Allyson’s break downs come from this beginning: her parents never let her live. She’s never really chosen anything.
One of my favorite lines of the book comes at the confrontation between Allyson and her mother, and it was a nice additional layer to the book.
Ho Suspension? No. I know, I know. A one night stand in Paris kind of would make you think I’d say yes, but Allyson is 18, and responsible and even when her heart is failing, she rationalizes, or she tries to. Ho suspensions aren’t about slut-shaming, and because the story sort of revolves around this moment of Allyson letting go of inhibitions, I cannot say that un-due importance was placed upon it.
A+: Dear Lord, the settings. From Paris to London to Amsterdam, the way that Allyson experiences these places is beautiful and rich. It made me travel hungry and pretty sad that I was in my same old city as I read it.
Additionally, the supporting characters were all nicely crafted. They each stood out as unique characters, and I loved what each of them added to the story.
Forman’s writing is also very fluid. She makes her descriptions and big life conclusions effortlessly, so that we are not weighed down by clunky wording or phrasing.
Fail: It’s a little depressing. Maybe just me because I’m solidly TEAM FEELS, but yeah. Do not enter this story expecting a romance, that’s for sure.
The End: I really liked the last quarter of this book, as Allyson returns to Paris. I wasn’t sure what to root for, if I wanted her to ever see Willem again or not. I can’t say that I was shocked but I should warn you that Gayle Forman writes book duos. Part two of this, Just One Year, is slated to also come out next year. There is a bit of emotional resolution, but as far as the story, it’s left hanging wide open.
For Traumateers who love: Sads. Feelings. I’m kidding, a little bit. For fans of Forman’s previous stories, If I Stay and Where She Went. For those of you that like coming-of-age or self-discover stories.
Final Grade: A-
I'm a 30-something south Floridan who loves the beach but cannot swim. Such is my life, full of small contradictions and little trivialities. My main life goals are never to take life too seriously, but to do everything I attempt seriously well. After that, my life goals devolve into things like not wearing pants and eating all of the Zebra Cakes in the world. THE WORLD.
