Member Reviews
David Nicholls depicts the introvert. I makes it OK to be quiet, not social and comfortable with solitary activities rather than loud, busy groups.
Michael plans to walk the Wainwright walk across Pennines by himself. His friend Cleo organises other people to join him as a way of helping him rejoin the world after his marriage breakdown. Reluctantly he agrees and tolerates these people. But as the walk progresses, they drop out until only Marnie remains. She is in limbo as well and a fellow introvert.
As the walk progresses, they open up to each other about their past and fi d that may e they could open up to the world again.
You Are Here" by David Nicholls is a heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery. Marnie and Michael, both facing their own struggles, embark on a journey that brings them together in unexpected ways.
Nicholls' writing is both poignant and humorous, capturing the essence of human connection with ease. The characters feel authentic and relatable, making their journey all the more engaging. As they traverse the landscapes of the famous Coast To Coast walk, their friendship deepens, and they confront their inner demons. Overall, "You Are Here" is a delightful read that balances humor and emotion effortlessly. It's a story of first encounters, second chances, and the journey towards finding oneself and true friendship.
If you loved One Day, do yourself a favour and read this book.
You Are Here ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One Day is one of my all time favourite books (and I also love Starter for Ten) so I was very excited to read this. From start to finish, this book left me with such a warm cosy feeling, despite the characters walking through all sorts of weather.
Marnie and Michael felt like old friends and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them as they got to know each other and their connection deepened. David Nicholls has such a wonderful way of writing characters that makes you not only want to be around them, but feel like you are.
Beautiful descriptions of the British landscape coupled with a hint of humour and relatable characters made for a very comforting read. Would highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Simply loved this! Such a gently and beautifully told tale of the journey of two ‘ordinary’ people, full of insight, compassion and wry humour, my highlight of the year by a country mile (pun intended!) and my favourite Divid Nicholls book so far.
David Nicholls' writing delights again in his latest, "You Are Here", treating us to a heartfelt exploration of love, wit, and the serendipitous charm of life's unexpected twists and turns as we follow our protagonists on their coast-to-coast trek. Nicholls weaves a tale that is both tender and uproariously funny, inviting us to join Michael, a lovably beleaguered geography teacher, and Marnie, a sharp-witted yet achingly lonely copy editor, on their path to a budding romance as personal struggles unfold, revealing the intertwined complexities of love and solitude.
With prose as picturesque as the landscapes it portrays, Nicholls effortlessly transports readers into the heart of the English countryside, where every step reveals new layers of emotion and revelation. But what makes "You Are Here" stand out is its irresistible charm and wit, serving as a poignant reminder that amidst life's trials and tribulations, laughter and love are never far from reach.
I loved returning to Nicholls' masterful grasp of British self-deprecation infused with subtle sarcasm, introducing endearing characters we learn to love. If you're looking for comfort, then this story is one to wrap up in.
I was so thrilled to see that my request was approved for this eArc, so many thanks to #NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton!! #YouAreHere
This is my first Nicholls. I've grown wary of books involving romance. I find that I keep looking for the new, the depth, the real in a genre that is not dominated by that but by snark, feel good bites etcetera.
I had hopes because this was put forward as with 'excellent' banter and a good base. I agree the base, the premise, was indeed good. I'll bow out on a judgement of excellent for the banter though. I cringed for Marnie, poor woman on whom such cringeworthy dialogue was forced. It's a pity that we got her fears and her whines but her gathering up her balls and running with them was off page.
I did like their story though and the underlying pathos and realities, just not fully on board with the conveyance.
<i>An ARC gently provided by author/publisher via Netgalley.</i>
Another good book by the author of One Day. The main two characters have both had relationships that failed and gone into their shells. Persuaded by a mutual friend to join a walk across the north of England. It is clear from writing that they should get together but of course it is not initially apparent to them. The story is well developed and receives my recommendation.
Thank you SO much to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. Huge fan of David Nicholls over here and this did not disappoint!
What a lovely, gentle, unassuming book. Beautiful characters, Marnie and Michael, both equally lost, who meet when thrown together walking on a coast to coast English walk (beautifully described)
Melancholic but funny and just the most delightful book. Recommend!!
You Are Here, David Nicholls
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘a story of first encounters, second chances and finding the way home’
I was beyond excited to read David Nicholl’s brand new novel ‘You Are Here’ which is released on 23rd April. It’s been a few years since I read (and loved) Sweet Sorrow, but more recently watched the Netflix One Day series and followed it up with a re-read of the book. Suffice to say I AM A DN FAN.
The story follows Michael and Marnie, two 40-ish strangers, on an epic walk. I love walking books (Wild, The Salt Path, to name a few) and am a Northern girl so thrilled that the book takes place in the beautiful Peaks and Dales. You feel you are there with them, enjoying (enduring) the glorious British Weather.
As usual with Nicholls there is real depth to his characters, tender sections, and plenty of laugh out loud moments. The supporting cast don’t disappoint either.
I loved this book and will definitely re-visit it in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. @hodderbooks
Can see being televised.
Marnie Walsh and Michael Bradshaw have a close mutual friend Cleo, who has ideas to bring a small group of people together for a walking break. Normally they’d both say no, and surprise themselves to agreeing to participate.
Michael is intent on doing the Coast to Coast walk, Cumbria to the North East, Marnie a small break to catch up with Cleo.
Will it go well?
Being from the north east of England I know some of the beautiful areas this route would potentially take, so was drawn to the book.
The Lake District is a stunning area, if like myself you like the countryside.
From the start I just loved this book. It played out like a film set in my head and I can imagine this book being televised. The characters felt so real, I felt like I was on a walking journey with them too. Funny, witty, self-deprecating and interesting. Loneliness, love, dealing with life changes and trying to adjust. Maturing as an adult.
A book I will remember.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by @davidnichollswriter and it did not disappoint.
#YouAreHere is a beautifully written, moving, romantic, funny and hopeful love story. I absolutely loved it, and I enjoyed walking with Marnie and Michael on their journey. I couldn’t put it down. Just brilliant.
I liked the authors writing style which is clever, charming and warm and his characters are likeable and their background stories are naturally woven in to the storyline making it come to life on the pages. The scenery of the walks is beautifully described, it just draws you in. The two main characters are so relatable. I just loved Marnie and Michael and seeing their connection blossom. Their conversations are believable and witty keeping you turning the pages for more.
Overall, a cozy, engaging feel good book about first encounters, second chances and finding your way home. It’s well worth a read. Definitely recommend this one.
With thanks to #NetGallery @HodderBooks @HodderPublicity for an arc of #YouAreHere in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 23 April 2024.
I remember the buzz about One Day when it 1st released; the orange cover of the book seemed to be everywhere with everyone caught up in the story. However, I have to admit that up until You Are Here I had only read that one book from this author.
It felt like the characters in You Are Here have grown with the readers of One Day. Older and somewhat ‘lost’ these two characters find themselves walking together. But this wouldn’t be a David Nicholls’ book of the journey was straightforward from A to B.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and felt every one of the ups & downs between Marnie and Michael. Great to be able to picture their journey, with maps allowing the reader to pinpoint the setting where each encounter occurs and as such deepens the reader’s relationship with the main characters.
Absolute perfection! There is very little new that can be said about David Nicholls. One Day gripped the country, Us was a delight, Starter For Ten got ot all going. And now this magnificent novel, just as charming and beguiling as One Day. As usual, the writing is a delight, the characters are engrossing and the will-they-won't-they keeps us enthralled. Genius!
Firstly, thank you so much to Netgalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read The Arc of 'You Are Here' in exchange for honest feedback.
Perhaps it's just not the right time for me to read this book, but, sadly, I just couldn't get into the book and didn't finish it. I need a storyline that captures me from the first couple of chapters & unfortunately You Are Here didn't reel me in.
I'll come back to it at a later date as I absolutely loved One Day (the book, film & Netflix series) - I'm maybe in a reading slump and need to try something else before coming back to it!
Thank you so much again and I'm sorry i couldn't click with it (just now!).
Marnie is living a lonely life in London. She has become even more insular since the lockdowns and finds good (in her mind) to turn down invitations. Michael works with her friend Cleo in Yorkshire and has been separated from his wife for eighteen months.. He walks to counter the loneliness he feels.
Following a New Year's resolution, Marnie finds herself walking across the country with Cleo and Michael, amongst others.
As the journey continues, people drop out until it is only Marnie and Michael walking and they start to talk earnestly. That is until there is a spanner in the works.
A book of missed chances and redemption. Very easy to read and enjoyable.
I have read all of this authors books and love how he writes about real people and relatable issues. This book made me laugh out loud one minute and cry the next I loved embarking on the journey with Marnie and Michael and following in their footsteps as they found themselves again. A heartwarming story of finding happiness and enjoyment when you least expect it. The descriptive writing of the scenery etc makes the reader feel like they are on the journey with the characters.
I fell in love with Michael and Marnie, they are such great characters and the narrative was full of humour and tender poignancy. I truly enjoyed their journey towards happy ever after and loved their scenic walks.
Finding a new book by an author you love is both exciting and daunting. Will it live up to the high standards of those that have gone before. Well in this case the answer is most certainly yes.
Marnie and Michael are both single, Marnie is divorced and Michael separated, both living lonely lives. They are linked by their friendship with Chloe, friend to Marnie and colleague to Michael. A walking trip is how they meet and then establish a friendship based on their own experiences and sees them sharing some home truths about themselves and their lives.
This is so well written and the characters are just the sort of friends that you would want to take a walking holiday with. No nonsense, proper discussions about real issues and the development of a true friendship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the geographical trip that the walk took them on.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a beautiful book.
Michael & Marnie are the stars of the show, alongside the views & miles & miles of walking. Their trials & tribulations are alternately funny & heart rending. Beautifully written. I absolutely loved it, & I have no doubt that then next time I’m putting my walking boots on, I’ll hear Marnie in my head.
With thanks to NetGalley for my early copy.
What a beautiful book - David Nicholls really knows how to set the reader up on a roller coaster emotion, a will they won't they, please do of a story.
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read in advance.