Opposites produce a consensus... and it's a thumbs-up: ONE DAY BY DAVID NICHOLLS PUBLISHER: Hodder (Paperback) PRICE: Pounds 7.99 The author of Starter for 10's latest is about two students who get together on their last day at university. Nicholls charts their lives by revisiting them on the same day for 20 years.

Abstract

Dexter and Emma, one privileged, the other working class and aiming "to make a difference", get together on their graduation day then go their separate ways while keeping in touch,It's a wonderful study of opposites and different attitudes.

CLAIRE SCHAFER, of Denby Village: I guess it will appeal to people between 35-50 as it spans 1982 to 2007 and the two people are in their early 20s at the outset. It was very succinct, making the book easy to dip in to. At times it made almost heartbreaking reading, but was still humorous. Surely the film version is just around the corner. RATING: GEOFF PHIPPS, of Willington: A strange love story, similar in style to one of my favourite authors, Nick Hornby, was what I had heard. Despite this, I didn't immediately warm to it but, suddenly realised it had hooked me and I had to carry on to find out what happened to Emma and Dexter. Funny, well observed and quite touching at times. RATING: JOYCE MAYNARD, of Horsley: Dexter and Emma, one privileged, the other working class and aiming "to make a difference", get together on their graduation day then go their separate ways while keeping in touch,It's a wonderful study of opposites and different attitudes. Sad, funny, thoughtful and very sympathetic, I could not put it down. RATING: MATT RIPLEY, of Derby: I thought the concept could be over-ambitious but Nicholls has achieved far more than I thought possible. The story may consist of snapshots of two lives, but it flowed seamlessly. Nicholls's writing is heartwarming, consistently funny and full of genuine feeling. The book is original and phenomenal. RATING: AMY BROAD, of Derby: This book was simply brilliant! Whatever point you are at in life, I am sure this book will resonate with you. The characters are believable and draw you so deeply into the story it almost feels as though you know them personally. I cannot recommend this book enough; everyone should read it.

RATING: SALLY HAMES, of Chellaston: This engaging tale of friendship over 20 years is easy to read but don't be fooled into thinking it's syrupy. The two characters feel very real and there was a point when I was turning the pages quite quickly when - what!? I then had to read the page again, just to make sure of what had happened. RATING: