One Day

I picked this book up mostly on a whim, and on the premise which is this:  Dex & Em hook up on the evening of their graduation and form a friendship that lasts a lifetime, and over the next twenty years, we'll get to glimpse into that relationship on the anniversary of that date.  Pretty unique way to structure a love story, right?
There's a magic to this book.  It could have been quite the simple, sentimental love story - but it's so much more.  The characters, in the end, are older than I am, but I get it.  I know what they're going through.  We get to see them in the foolishness of their youth and then decades later wondering how the hell they could be so stupid.  Each chapter ends with the delight of knowing that we'll get to see the aftermath of that day and it's ripple effect on their future - and it keeps you wanting to come back more and more.  Nicholls writing is simple, yet elegant at times - and always thoughtful.  The way he unfolds the tale is quite lovely, and at times, quite harsh.  He goes to some unexpected places in his story, but all for the greater good I think. 
This is a story for anyone whose every had a relationship that spanned several years, or even one for those who wonder what happened to that person from that time in the life when everything was much simpler.  Or it's for couples who have been together a long time and try to remember who you used to be before you changed together.  It's a story for a lot of people, which is no small surprise why it's become and international best seller.  I see that there is a feature film version hitting the cinemas this summer with my beloved Anne Hathaway who is an interesting choice for the lead - do yourself and search for the poster for the film - it's pretty awesome.
So this book is certainly a few steps up from your typical romance novel, and I think that it's a story that resonates with more people than would give it credit.  If you love to read, check it out - I recommend it.
One Day (Vintage Contemporaries Original)