BR: One Day - David Nicholls

'''Live each day as if its your last', that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that?'

This story was so endearing. It follows the lives of 2 people, Dexter and Emma, two atypical friends fresh out of university/college. 
So for over 20 years, we see what happens on the same day each year for these two characters and the dynamics of their relationship etc. 
My heart is broken!! Ripped from my chest!! Have I ever cried so many tears?!! This novel deserves all the praise it gets. I love it so much, it's so precious. 
Admittedly, the first quarter of the book I found a bit difficult to see significance in because nothing worthy of mention actually happens. And Dexter was a d*ck. But the book was written so well and there were so many witty lines that I persisted and I reckon this book will sit in my heart forever (correction: until I die).

It begins with a one-night-stand that doesn't quite fall through between Emma and Dexter on the night of their graduation. Uncharacteristically, Dexter is drawn to Emma and the two end up keeping in contact and staying friends as he wanders the world while she falls into an unsuccessful heap working full-time in a run down 'cafe'. Emma is, of course, secretly smitten by his boyish looks and charms but he's too busy being horny. And year and year, things happen, their lives change etc and they drift apart but somehow stay as best friends. 

This book was full of quotables. The jokes and snide remarks were literally laugh out loud. They tickle my fancy just right. 

''So are you interested in the job or not?'
'You mean to say-' She placed her hand on a twenty-litre tub of Thousand Island Dressing '-all this could one day be mine?''

And Dex and Em are so adorable when he's not a d*ck. I just adore every moment they have together. I also just want to type up the entire book here. But I've not enough money to face a lawsuit.
*
'Proudly, he raised himself onto one elbow. 'Actually, I prefer to think of myself as a journalist.'
Emma smiled and turned a page. 'I'm sure you do.'
'Because that's what it is, journalism. I have to research, shape the interview, ask the right questions-'
She held her chin between finger and thumb. 'Yes, yes, I believe I saw your in-depth piece on MC Hammer. Very sharp, very provoking-'
'Shut up Em-'
'No, seriously, the way you got under MC's skin, his musical inspirations, the trousers. It was, well, untouchable.'
He swatted at her with his book. 'Shut up and read, will you?'
He lay back down and closed his eyes. Emma glanced over to check that he was smiling, and smiled too. ' pg. 79
*

And I love the characters. Even the highly annoying ones. I especially love Emma. She's an aspiring author who basically spends her youth confused and unsuccessful. Dexter on the other hand, is the complete opposite, drowning in success and good looks during his younger years. These two make an odd pair, but they have such a great friendship. It's adorable. I love them :(. And they're written so well. Like, I feel like I could sit down and have a cup of coffee with them. (It might be awkward that I seem to know so much about their lives, but all good, I'll just kiss their feet while they sip their martinis [alcos])

The characters drive the story as well and they go through life lessons and pivotal changes that make us think.

And the ending kind of made the book. That climatic moment and everything thereafter. If it was any other way, I wouldn't feel this strongly about it. But it was just structured and written so well that you feel everything long after you've read it. And the entire novel just acquainted you so well with the characters that you suffer and laugh and love with them. And I like how the end takes us back to the beginning and takes the story to full flight and that light bulb goes off in your head and you realise it was special from the very start. If that makes sense. 

Lol sorry everything sounds all over the place and I haven't actually said anything worthwhile. I find it much easier to talk about a crappy book than a book I love and respect. There's only so much you can say without giving it away! And you can't really convey much that will jump out at someone who hasn't read the book except READ IT! And if you have, agree with me that it's so charming and wonderful and brilliant and emotional and funny and dramatic etc. ;)