Gayle Forman is one of my favorite contemporary authors, and I've read almost everything she's written (with the marked exception of I Was Here, which I intend to get to this year). Each novel has taught me something different, or offered me a fresh perspective. Sisters in Sanity reminds us of the true strength in friendships, especially during times of struggle. If I Stay offers fresh perspective on the choices we make, and how they are affected by our relationships. Where She Went showcases the power of second chances, and the way shared history will always bind two people together. Just One Year marks the longing for something more, and the growing pains and mistakes along the way to finding it.
It's still impossible to explain how much love I have for this book. I was connected right away to main character Allyson, so strong that it felt like Forman was telling my story (even though it obviously wasn't). It resonated with me on an emotional level in the way no book ever has before, and I'll always have a fuzzy sense of nostalgia when I think about it or reread my favorite bits. But in order to keep things easy to read, here are three life lessons I took away from reading Just One Day.
- One experience (or decision) can change you, and the course of your entire life.
- One person can change you, and the course of your entire life.
- Embracing the real you doesn't always come easy, but it's always worth it.
I hope you've read Just One Day or, if you haven't, that you feel encouraged to do so now. It's one of the best books I've ever read, not only because it's written so well, but also because it reflects an internal struggle many of us have experienced. Definitely give it a read (or a reread)!
Have you read any Gayle Forman books? Which one is your favorite? What are your favorite quotes from them? What lessons have you learned from them?
P.S. The lovely people over at Penguin are holding a Gayle Forman giveaway! 5 winners will win a set of Gayle Forman paperbacks (If I Stay + Where She Went box set, Just One Day + Just One Year + Just One Night box set, I Was Here). This is US only, and open until 2/15! If you want to enter, just use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
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