We’re Triple C: a dynamic trio of juniors (Kavya, Kailyn, and Anoushka), bonded by both a shared passion for literature and the coincidental charm of all having last names starting with the letter C. Our book review promises a diverse and engaging exploration of exciting books, and we invite fellow book lovers to join us on our literary journey!
When I was about halfway through One Day in December by Josie Silver, I was on the verge of taking a break from reading. With every page, I was getting increasingly frustrated at the plot and thought the protagonist was crazy as she mooned over a man she had simply shared a few seconds of eye contact with. However, there was something that kept drawing me in, despite my mixed feelings about the characters themselves, and the book did not disappoint. By the end of the book, I was rooting for the protagonist, Laurie James, to win the happily ever after she deserved. Overall, the book itself was an emotional rollercoaster but showed the tumultuous reality of relationships and communication.
One Day in December follows the story of Laurie James and Jack O’Mara as their paths cross one winter day when Laurie peers through a frosted bus window to see Jack sitting outside, looking back at her. For a split second, the world seems to stop as the two feel sparks fly, but the moment is lost when the bus begins to move, tearing the two apart once more. For a year, Laurie continues to search for her “bus boy,” going solely off of the memory of his face as she scours the city day in and day out. However, it isn’t until a New Year’s Eve party, where her best friend excitedly introduces her new boyfriend, that Laurie meets Jack again. Over the next few years, Laurie and Jack navigate life, facing regrets, heartbreaks, and amends.
Initially, I was not a fan of Laurie and Jack for the dishonesty that crept into their relationships when trying to establish boundaries. Laurie’s loyalty was to her best friend, as it should be, but during moments when the lines between Laurie and Jack seemed to be written in pencil rather than a permanent marker, I found it hard to be engaged in the plot as they took part in some questionable and somewhat immoral actions. It wasn’t the picture-perfect romance novel that I was originally expecting, but I like a good surprise. It’s a messy love story filled with the theme of “right guy, wrong time” and the gift of patience. Yet through it all, there was something within these pages that felt like magic through the raw descriptions of heartbreak and soulmates.
One thing I loved was how the author chose to narrate the story through the eyes of both Laurie and Jack, constantly switching perspectives. It helps to keep the reader’s attention on both characters, even when they are miles apart. This style of storytelling also allows the reader to understand what both characters are thinking at a given moment and how an action may have a different intention behind it. Miscommunication is an underlying note within the novel, as the characters aren’t entirely honest with one another or with themselves, which leads to missed opportunities and many “what ifs.” Life constantly throws curveballs, moving like the tide that churns up fresh sand. Nothing is ever set in stone, and One Day in December exemplifies the gift of second chances.
Overall, I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in a warm, romantic escape, where the fight for love is tried, tested, and fought for. The story is truly carried through time as the reader can watch the characters grow over the course of ten years, witnessing the evolution of relationships.
Stay tuned for next week’s book review!
<3 Kay
