You know that book that just grabs you right away? That even when you aren’t reading it, said book tickles at your thoughts and demands that you go back to it as soon as possible? That is exactly how it felt to read the young adult book Just One Day by Gayle Forman. It’s one of those books that perfect for the weather we are having now because it is engrossing.

Just out of high school, Allyson parents have given her a summer trip in Europe equipped with a clutchy tour guide/guardian. The entire trip, the rest of her cohorts have been having a ball, but Allyson just never seems to get into the fun. That is until the last day of the trip and a accidental run in with Willem, the laid-back gorgeous Dutch actor who invites her to a “guerrilla Shakespeare” production of Twelfth Night. When the night ends, Allyson feels as though that is the end of their story, but fate isn’t finished. The two find each other in the breakfast car the next morning on the train and decide to take fate’s nudging to heart: They jump the next train to Paris and spend just one day in the city of love. Of course, you already know what happens: they fall in love.

But that is where this story stops being predictable and begins its journey through Allyson internal journey to who she is and who she could be. After their day in Paris, Allyson wakes up alone. Willem has left without a hint of a goodbye. I can’t really tell you more because, well, then I would have told you the whole book, but I will say, this book kept me guessing and hoping for these two characters to find their way back to each other. It is such a fun ride. And better yet, the companion novel, Just One Year, will be out this year and tell Willem’s story.

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