Review: Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Just One Year by Gayle Forman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just One Day. Just One Year. Just One Read.

Before you find out how their story ends, remember how it began....

When he opens his eyes, Willem doesn’t know where in the world he is—Prague or Dubrovnik or back in Amsterdam. All he knows is that he is once again alone, and that he needs to find a girl named Lulu. They shared one magical day in Paris, and something about that day—that girl—makes Willem wonder if they aren’t fated to be together. He travels all over the world, from Mexico to India, hoping to reconnect with her. But as months go by and Lulu remains elusive, Willem starts to question if the hand of fate is as strong as he’d thought. . . .

The romantic, emotional companion to Just One Day, this is a story of the choices we make and the accidents that happen—and the happiness we can find when the two intersect.

Characters: If you didn't finish Just One Day thinking that Willem was a jerk, then something is wrong with you.  In Just One Year, he has family issues and hopes to find happiness.  He tries hard to find find Lulu, and just like her, he ends up discovering himself.  He has some great quotes that are sometimes melancholy, but very thought-provoking.  Gayle Forman is great!!! But at times, Willem irked me.  He more than interacted with other girls as a distraction, but if he really loves Lulu why would he do that? If love is that strong, wouldn't it be the ever present motivation to find her?  I suppose that is too idealistic, but these ideas of commitment and true love are the reasons why I read romances! And finally, I loved Kate.  She is a great friend to Willem, giving him advice and supporting his acting.

Plot: What the heck was that ending?!!?!?!? I thought this series was going to be a trilogy!!! How can I be satisfied with that ending? Gayle Forman said that she wants readers to think about the ending they want for the characters.  Hey can just think about it or write it in fanfic.  Yes, I did read someone's alternative ending to the story.  It was cute, but it was my first time reading any fanfic, and I just have to say that some people should never write.  Absolutely terrible stuff exists for the public, but the ending of the series I read wasn't too bad.  It was just that the dialogue didn't seem like something Allison or Willem would say or how they would say it.

Would I recommend it to a friend? Well, if you read Just One Day, which was really beautiful if you haven't read it, you kinda have to read this one!! I talked to so one else, and she loved the ending, so don't let my anger over it dissuade you.  It's still thought-provoking and sweet, very Gaylesque .

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