Books Like...
One Day by David Nicholls is a poignant love story that follows the lives of two characters, Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley, through snapshots on the same day each year over a span of twenty years. The unique narrative structure allows the reader to witness the evolution of their relationship, capturing the highs and lows, the missed opportunities, and the enduring bond between the protagonists. The book explores themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and the passage of time, offering a bittersweet portrayal of life's complexities.
If you liked One Day, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Love, Rosie (Where Rainbows End)" by Cecelia Ahern is a heartwarming tale chronicling the lifelong friendship and evolving romantic relationship between Rosie and Alex. Written entirely in email and letter form, the narrative voice is split between the two protagonists, offering a bittersweet story about love and second chances. Set in Ireland, the characters are fleshed out through the letters and emails exchanged, showcasing missed opportunities, misunderstandings, and the enduring bond between Rosie and Alex.
The unique epistolary format of the book, including emails, letters, notes, and instant messages, allows for a quick and engaging read that delves into the complexities of relationships conducted online. Despite the characters' continuous miscommunication and missed opportunities, the story unfolds with humor, heartbreak, and a sense of hope, culminating in a tale of friendship, love, and the enduring question of 'what if.'
I just called by to have a word with you about my daughter Rosie’s birthday on the 8th of April. Sorry you weren’t in when I called, I’ll call around again later this afternoon and hopefully we can ta... - #2
Save:"Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes is a heartfelt and emotional story that follows the unexpected love story between Louisa Clark, a quirky and compassionate caregiver, and Will Traynor, a sarcastic quadriplegic man. The book explores complex emotions, class and social issues, and the theme of living life to the fullest. With a slow-paced beginning that picks up momentum, the novel keeps readers emotionally invested with its witty writing, realistic characters, and unpredictable plot twists.
“You can wear mine, and I’ll iron you a nice blouse, and just for once don’t wear your hair up in those”—she gestured to my hair, which was normally twisted into two dark knots on each side of my head... - #3
Save:"The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo is a heart-wrenching love story that follows the lives of Lucy and Gabe, who meet on September 11, 2001, in college. The book traces their relationship over 14 years, exploring their intense connection, the impact of significant events like 9/11, and the choices they make that shape their lives. The writing style is described as unique, emotional, and intimate, immersing readers in the highs and lows of Lucy's journey through love and loss.
Sometimes objects seem like they’ve witnessed history. I used to imagine that the wooden table we sat around during Kramer’s Shakespeare seminar our senior year was as old as Columbia—that it had been... - #4
Save:One Day in December by Josie Silver is a heartwarming tale of love at first sight and missed chances. The story follows Laurie, who falls hopelessly in love with a stranger she spots at a bus stop, only to later discover that he is her best friend's new boyfriend, Jack. Spanning a period of ten years, the novel explores the complexities of relationships, friendships, and the concept of falling in love versus staying in love. Despite the obstacles and challenges they face, readers are taken on a journey filled with emotional twists and turns, ultimately leading to a blissful ending that is both authentic and satisfying.
The book is narrated from multiple perspectives, providing insights into the characters' thoughts and emotions as they navigate through life's uncertainties and unexpected turns. With themes of friendship, love, and personal growth, One Day in December offers a relatable and thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of human relationships and the enduring power of love.
It’s a wonder everyone who uses public transport in winter doesn’t keel over and die of germ overload. In the last ten minutes I’ve been coughed on and sneezed at, and if the woman in front of me shak... - #5
Save:'Normal People' by Sally Rooney follows the complex relationship between two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate through high school and college years, dealing with issues of miscommunication, self-worth, and emotional struggles. The story delves into the intricacies of their evolving friendship and love, portraying realistic dialogues and character interactions that highlight the challenges faced by the protagonists as they grow and change over time. Rooney's writing style captures the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the characters, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
She turns and walks down the hall. He follows her, closing the door behind him. Down a few steps in the kitchen, his mother Lorraine is peeling off a pair of rubber gloves. Marianne hops onto the coun... - #6
Save:'Starter for Ten' by David Nicholls is a coming-of-age novel set in 1985 England, following the protagonist Brian Jackson as he navigates his first year at university. The story revolves around Brian's aspirations to compete on the University Challenge quiz show, his infatuation with a fellow teammate, and his humorous yet cringe-worthy experiences as a geeky and awkward student. The writing style captures the essence of 1980s student life, blending moments of hilarity with poignant reflections on growing up and finding one's place in the world.
All young people worry about things, it's a natural and inevitable part of growing up, and at the age of sixteen my greatest anxiety in life was that I'd never again achieve anything as good, or pure,... - #7
Save:'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger is a unique love story that intertwines the lives of Henry, a man who involuntarily travels through time, and Clare, his wife who meets him at different stages of his life. The narrative is structured around their meetings in both real time and time travel, creating a complex yet emotionally engaging storyline. The author skillfully explores themes of love, loss, and relationships through the lens of time travel, offering a mix of romance and science fiction elements. Readers are taken on a journey through different timelines, experiencing the joys and sorrows that come with the challenges of time travel.
The writing style of 'The Time Traveler's Wife' is praised for its emotional depth and intricate storytelling. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Henry and Clare, providing insight into their thoughts and feelings as they navigate the complexities of their unusual relationship. The author's ability to capture the essence of love and longing, along with vivid descriptions of Chicago and the characters' emotional journeys, immerses readers in a world where time is fluid and love transcends all boundaries.
Clare: The first time it happens Henry is away. It's the eighth week of the pregnancy. The baby is the size of a plum, has a face and hands and a beating heart. It is early evening, early summer, and ... - #8
Save:In "Day By Day Armageddon" by J.L. Bourne, the story unfolds through journal entries of a military man navigating a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The protagonist's survival skills are put to the test as he faces the challenges of a world in chaos, chronicling his encounters with other survivors and the constant threat of the undead. Written in a diary format, the book captures the protagonist's struggles, close calls with death, and the relentless pursuit of safety and survival amidst the horrors of a zombie outbreak.
My mother called today on my cell worried asking me if I knew anything about what’s going on overseas. I had to once again explain to my mother that just because I’m an officer in the Navy does not me... - #9
Save:'The Bridges of Madison County' by Robert James Waller tells the story of Robert Kincaid, a photographer searching for covered bridges in Madison County, and Francesca Johnson, a farm wife waiting for the fulfillment of a girlhood dream. Their encounter leads to a passionate affair that resonates throughout their lives, impacting Francesca's children after her death. The novel explores themes of forbidden love, intense emotions, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of Iowa's landscape. The writing style is described as moving, spare, and evocative, with a focus on character development and first-person narration that immerses readers in the emotional journey of the protagonists.
There are songs that come free from the blue-eyed grass, from the dust of a thousand country roads. This is one of them. In late afternoon, in the autumn of 1989, I'm at my desk, looking at a blinking... - #10
Save:'In Five Years' by Rebecca Serle revolves around the story of Dannie, a successful lawyer who has her life meticulously planned out until she experiences a vivid dream of a different life five years into the future. The plot delves into the complexities of friendship, love, and unexpected twists that challenge the characters' perceptions of their lives. The writing style is captivating, with a mix of emotional depth and thought-provoking elements that keep the readers engaged throughout the novel.
Twenty-five. That’s the number I count to every morning before I even open my eyes. It’s a meditative calming technique that helps your brain with memory, focus, and attention, but the real reason I d...
