Parents' Guide to

One Day

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Romantic, mature story of friends who teeter toward love.

Book David Nicholls Romance 2009
One Day Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 2 parent reviews

rhizobium
rhizobium Adult
July 24, 2013
age 14+

so so good.i think every girl should watch

i just loved it. period.
healthmomma
healthmomma Adult
February 16, 2012
age 18+

A book for adults.

I am very surprised and disappointed to see this book rated "on" for kids as young as 15. I read it a few years ago and would not recommend it for anyone under 18 years old. It is about a young man and a young woman on their graduation day from university. They "hook-up" that night, and form a strong bond. The plot follows them on that same date for 20+ years as they go through different phases of life as well as relationships with other people. The themes are mature, including sexual promiscuity, alcohol abuse, and poor decision making. There are some unsettling plot twists.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew meet on St. Swithin's Day, July 15, in England, the day of graduation from university. They spend the night talking and making out but, because Dex is off on a year-long travel adventure, decide to be friends. Each year on that same day, we check in with them and watch as they negotiate adulthood, external relationships, and their friendship, and figure out what they truly mean to each other and just how much. It's no pretty, easy journey, as emotions change and develop and boundaries are established and broken.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (2 ):

It may not be literature for the ages, but ONE DAY is unequivocally moving and compelling. It stacks up against many others as a stellar, honest portrait of a genuine friendship -- marred by pitfalls and setbacks but worth every moment nonetheless. Reading it, you feel as if you're privy to a real-life relationship; you root for them and get frustrated with them. (Don’t be surprised if you find yourself talking to them.) It's funny, too, and finely tuned to the zeitgeist. The once-a-year format sometimes feels like a conceit, but also gives the narrative much-needed structure. Some readers may be disappointed with the surprise ending, but no matter what emotions it elicits, it’ll leave you thinking about the book for days afterward.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Emma and Dex are drawn to each other. What do they learn from each other?

  • Why does Emma put up with as much as she does from Dex? Should she?

  • Is the book a realistic portrayal of a long-term friendship? Why or why not?

Book Details

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