If you’ve finished reading One Day and you’ve already binge watched the Netflix series, you might be wondering what to read next. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of what to read after One Day by David Nicholls.
If you’re not yet familiar with the storyline, One Day follows the lives of two friends, Emma and Dexter, who meet on the day of their graduation. David Nicholls takes us on a journey through their lives by revisiting them on the same date every year for 20 years. It’s a heartwarming and poignant story as we see how their relationship evolves, the highs and lows they experience, and how they navigate the challenges of adulthood.
Through laughter, tears, and everything in between, One Day beautifully captures the essence of friendship and love over the years.
In this list I’ll recommend books similar to One Day by David Nicholls as well as suggesting other novels by the man himself.
Books Similar to One Day by David Nicholls
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Both Normal People by Sally Rooney and One Day by David Nicholls are gripping stories that dive into the complexities of relationships over time. Even though the settings and characters vary, they share a common thread in delving into the evolving dynamics between two central characters.
Publisher Blurb:
Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation—awkward but electrifying—something life-changing begins.
Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can’t.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Both Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and One Day share a similar theme as they follow the lives of two central characters over an a long period of time. While their plots differ, both novels follow characters over an extended period, offering glimpses into their lives at different intervals. Both books delve into themes of love, friendship, career aspirations, and the passage of time.
Publisher Blurb:
When Sam catches sight of Sadie at a crowded train station one morning he is catapulted straight back to childhood, and the hours they spent immersed in playing games. Their spark is instantly reignited and sets off a creative collaboration that will make them superstars. It is the 90s, and anything is possible.
What comes next is a decades-long tale of friendship and rivalry, fame and art, betrayal and tragedy, perfect worlds and imperfect ones. And, above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love.
Another Life by Jodie Chapman
Another Life by Jodie Chapman shares similarities with One Day in its exploration of relationships over time. While the specifics of the plots differ, both novels follow characters through significant moments in their lives. In Another Life, we witness the complex dynamics between Nick and Anna, from their initial meeting to the challenges they face throughout their relationship. They also have the additional complexity of religion to contend with. Both novels illustrate the highs and lows of their friendship and romance over two decades.
Publisher Blurb:
Nick and Anna work the same summer job at their local cinema. Anna is mysterious, beautiful and from a very different world to Nick. She’s grown up preparing for the end of days, in a tightly controlled existence where Christmas, getting drunk and sex before marriage are all off-limits.
So when Nick comes into her life, Anna falls passionately in love. Their shared world burns with poetry and music, cigarettes and conversation – hints of the people they hope to become.
But Anna, on the cusp of adulthood, is afraid to give up everything she’s ever believed in and everyone she’s ever loved. She walks away and Nick doesn’t stop her.
Years later, a tragedy draws Anna back into Nick’s life. But rekindling their relationship leaves Anna and Nick facing a terrible choice between a love that’s endured decades and the promises they’ve made to others along the way.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens has some similiarites to One Day. Both novels capture the essence of love, friendship, and personal growth, while also exploring themes of fate, timing, and the significance of small moments.
Publisher Blurb:
Quinn and Minnie are born on New Year’s Eve, in the same hospital, one minute apart. Their lives may begin together, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. Thirty years later they find themselves together again in the same place, at the same time. What if fate is trying to bring them together?
Maybe it’s time to take a chance on love….
Starter for Ten by David Nicholls
If you enjoy David Nicholls’ storytelling, why not start at the beginning! Start for Ten was David Nicholl’s debut novel. I have a complete list of David Nicholls books in order if you’d like to check out his other novels.
Publisher Blurb:
Brian has arrived at university with a stronger desire than the acquisition of knowledge: he’s going to be a star of TV’s hottest quiz, University Challenge. But his progress on ‘The Challenge’ is somewhat stymied by his growing desire for the beguiling Alice Harbison, struggling to make her mark as an actress. And as obstacles impede their affair, Brian becomes more and more convinced that only overwhelming success on the quiz show will win her.
Summary
Hopefully you’ll be inspired to pick up one of these fantastic reads to help you get out of your post-One Day slump!
If you’re looking for more reading inspiration why not check out my other book lists and book guides. I have book guides listed by author and book guides listed by genre. I also have author reading lists and series order lists to help inspire you.