Title: Just One Day

Author: Gayle Forman

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication Date: January 2013

Genre: Young Adult Realistic Fiction

Series or Stand Alone: Series, Book One

Synopsis can be found here.
I borrowed this book from the library.

Review:

While I enjoyed Gayle Forman’s other two books, If I Stay and Where She Went, I think I may actually love this book.
Just One Day is book one in a duology. It is Allyson’s story of finding love but more importantly, of self discovery.

Allyson is on a trip with her best friend Melanie and other teenagers when she meets Willem, an actor in an underground performance of Twelfth Night. Throwing caution to the wind, and acting completely out of character, Allyson runs off to Paris with Willem, for just one day. There, the relationship grows into something more. Or so Allyson thinks before waking up the next morning to find Willem gone without a trace.

Heartbroken, Allyson stumbles back to America and into college life. But as she navigates her first year in college, she finds answers to questions she didn’t even know she should be asking. And one that stands out most of all- what happened to Willem?

Couldn’t put it down.
I really felt for Allyson, who doesn’t want to let her parents down but isn’t sure what she wants to do. I think it’s pretty safe to say a lot of teenagers feel that way. That age, right as you enter into college, you may have some vague idea, but it can change quickly. Allyson is a typical teenager, struggling with all of the identity and social problems we all face.

Willem is an actor, traveling around doing plays. He’s carefree, but there’s a deep sadness to him that Allyson sees. I liked their time in Paris together, believing very easily how these two people can be drawn to each other and how one compliments the other. Even though I knew she was going to awake to find him gone, I was still sad for her when it actually happened.

Forman’s talent of making hole and realistic characters play strongly in this book. As Allyson struggles with her future and the loss of losing someone she may have loved, she becomes a stronger character, a matured young woman who sees what must be done and then isn’t afraid to take the leap.
The leap being going back to Europe and possibly finding Willem.

A wonderful story filled with heart, romance and taking chances. Sometimes, the greatest chance is on yourself. 

Can’t wait to read Willem’s story in Just One Year, out at the end of 2013.

Rating 8 Cookie Worthy