One Day in December
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Another book club pick for the win! I really enjoyed this one and the roller coaster it was. This story truly kicked off strong and then slowed a bit but came back hot and heavy in the end!
Synopsis
A cold bus-ride home becomes so much more when Laurie feels a “love at first sight” connection through the foggy winter window. The most beautiful man she’s ever seen locks eyes with her, and then disappears as the bus continues its route. Certain that she’s just found her soulmate, Laurie spends a year searching for her mystery man without any luck.
Just as she’s given up hope, Laurie’s roommate and best friend, Sarah, is eager to introduce her new boyfriend at their Christmas party. As fate has it, Laurie and her mystery man FINALLY get the reunion she’s been dreaming of - well, almost. Jack is on Sarah’s arm while she looks expectantly to Laurie for approval… of her new boyfriend. Of course he is.
This emotional story follows Jack, Sarah, and Laurie through the trying years of early adulthood where they face the many challenges, opportunities, and heartbreak that life throws their way.
“You tread lightly through life, but you leave deep footprints that are hard for other people to fill.”
Favorites
One of the first things I noticed and was SO impressed with was the author’s ability to jump around and cover so much time without losing any momentum. This story began in 2008 and dove into TEN years of Jack, Sarah, and Laurie’s lives so seamlessly. Each chapter gave such a complete description of where we were and what we’d missed in the months that have passed, and continued on so smoothly.
I also really enjoyed the emotional and trying subjects that were touched on, like marriage, divorce, and infertility. It was really great to see the girls grow into adults - earlier in the book they are concerned about parties, and years later they are navigating careers and marriage. As someone in their 20’s, I felt seen reading about others who aren’t really sure where their lives are headed.
“We are a triangle, but our sides have kept changing length. Nothing has ever quite been equal. Perhaps it’s time to learn how to stand on our own, rather than lean on each other.”
ICKS
There wasn’t too much I didn’t enjoy about this read. I started it in the month of December and ended up putting it down for a month or two, just due to the slowness of the middle section. I did really consider DNFing, just because of the holidays being over, but ended up so pleased I finished it!
A lot of people have complained about the predictability of the novel, though I felt so much more was described then just a love story. Sure, the main characters were in a love triangle that last over 200 pages, but they each traveled new places, struggled for jobs, and assisted each other with both physical and mental health issues. Regardless of the romance, this book shared stories of the good, the bad, and life, in general.
“From now on, if anyone asks me if I’ve ever fallen in love at first sight, I shall say yes, for one glorious minute on December 21, 2008.”
Final Thoughts
This book really took me on an adventure - I was so invested in each of the characters and really adored the many different settings: England, Scotland, Thailand. I would certainly recommend this book as a wonderful winter read. It’s truly more than just romance and made me feel so much better about being in my mid-twenties and not knowing where life is taking me.
