Just One Year

October 10, 2013 Heidi Uncategorized 0

Just One Year

Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date: Oct. 10, 2013
Pages: 323
Series: Just One Day, book two
Source: purchased

About the Book: The heartrending conclusion—from Willem’s POV—to the romantic duet of novels that began with Allyson’s story in Just One Day

After spending an amazing day and night together in Paris, Just One Year is Willem’s story, picking up where Just One Day ended. His story of their year of quiet longing and near misses is a perfect counterpoint to Allyson’s own as Willem undergoes a transformative journey, questioning his path, finding love, and ultimately, redefining himself. (goodreads)
My Thoughts: Having read and loved If I Stay, Where She Went, and Just One Day I had an idea of how to prepare for this one. It looked something like this:

Not Pictured: The box of Kleenex

All of the items pictured came in handy. Except the bookmark. But that’s only because I didn’t stop reading until I turned the last page!

Sometimes I’m hesitant to pick up a book that is a companion to another book I love. What if the author doesn’t know what is supposed to happen (meaning what I want to happen 🙂 ??) I don’t worry about that with Gayle Forman. If what happens doesn’t coincide with what I dreamed up it doesn’t matter because it is a million times better and more perfect. She is genius, plain and simple. Just One Year is no exception. This book was just so exactly what I wanted it to be. It evoked the feelings that I hoped for and explained all the things I needed to know. As I said, genius.

We are introduced to Allyson and Willem in Just One Day. Through Allyson’s eyes, Forman takes her readers through one day that is pivotal for both characters. This is followed with the next year in Allyson’s life. In Just One Year the focus moves to Willem. This time Forman starts with the year after “the day” and then closes with one last day, the same day Just One Day ended on.

I loved the way these two companion stories are like bookends. Just One Day = Day – Year/Year – Day = Just One Year. But the best part is how much more complete the story is by having an entire book devoted to each characters point of view. Even though we don’t see the whole “first” day through Willem’s eyes we get insight into it. There are parts where Allyson wonders about Willem’s actions or interprets things he does a certain way. With Just One Year we get to see what was really going on. We get to know Willem and see the path he takes to better know himself. There are so many things he learns about his family, his life, his future. I think I enjoyed those journeys even more than the journeys from country to country.

Willem and Allyson may have met and felt a spark over one day but the year that follows shapes them in so many ways. Forman explores their stories and the chain reaction one day can start with honesty and heart. Her writing is compulsively readable and relatable. My stars, she’s fantastic. Read her books. As the bookmark says, All. The. Feels.