You Are Here by David Nicholls
Released 23rd April 2024

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of this book thanks to @netgalley

The recent release of the Netflix series of One Day made so many people read One Say, me included despite wanting to read it for a little while, and will have got a lot of people interested in @davidnichollswriter work!

You Are Here is simply phenomenal I was hooked from the off and if you have read/watched One Day you will know the emotional rollercoaster you’re about to embark on….. but wow I was hooked from the off, we follow Marnie and Michael two people simply battered by life when a mutual friend brings them together they find themselves on an epic cross country walk that is filled with ups and downs! I loved this book so much the characters so relatable and so moving that I binged the whole book in a day! 😱

Did I enjoy it?
Yes! Absolutely definitely one of my faves of the year 🫶🏻

Would I recommend it?
YES!! It’s not out until the 23rd but get a copy preordered or go out and grab a copy when it’s released, it’s certainly going to be a very popular release!

Did it leave a mark on me?
Yes I was totally hooked and the emotional rollercoaster had me wanting to stop reading but also carry on 🤯 at the minute I’m loving books that really make me feel something and this was up there for making you feel things (I can’t say much more without spoilers!) but any book that makes you feel and includes the 90s Classic No Limits by 2 Unlimited is a must read in my opinion!

Honestly I can’t wait to get my hands on my physical copy of this at @waterstonesliverpool event next week! 🫶🏻😭🥰

Oh my! I LOVED this book SO much. I was instantly transported into the lives of the characters and to the Lake District and I really did not want to leave. I loved this so much that I didn't want to read it as I didn't want it to end and I just felt like keeping the book close to my heart. Fabulous. Thank you.

I’m actually not sure what I can say exactly I LOVED THIS SO MUCH! David Nicholls just gets people and his writing just gets better and better. This ‘small’ story is totally universal.

Really enjoyed this story and especially liked the characters. Loved the maps of the route and felt the walking experience was portrayed realistically. Marnie and Michael were both likeable, throughout the story, and the journey of their relationship was realistic and inspired hope.

I just loved this book….it was just everything you would want and so much more!

The main characters were so true to life I could smell them as well as see them and loved their interactions ( I especially liked the way they played the music game) something I do too.

Throughout this book I wanted the happy ending for them, the most perfect couple, who were made fot each other!

Please read you won’t be disappointed

Just lovely- from the scenery on the walk (or what little of it we can see through the rain and mist!) to the tentative unfolding of romance where the geography teacher actually comes out on top- dodgy attire and all!

When I picked up David Nicholls' iconic One Day in 2009 (yes bought the hardback, I am so ahead of the game), I was exactly the same age as Emma is at the start of the novel. Now I'm just a year younger than Marnie, the late-thirties female protagonist of Nicholls' latest, You Are Here. Marnie meets Michael, a geography teacher, as they embark on a long group holiday, aiming to walk across the country from the Lakes to the Pennines to the Dales to the Moors. Marnie is not a fan of the outdoors; Michael is full of interesting facts about the landscape. A typical Nicholls romance ensues, heavy on the banter, defensiveness and the slow reveal of vulnerability. My favourite Nicholls novel is not One Day but Us - I adored its dark comedy, its petty tragedy - so I suspect I'll be in the minority here when I say that I was sorry to see Nicholls returning to familiar territory. I was also deeply, deeply frustrated by Marnie, her unfunny quips (seriously, she reminded me of Ian from One Day at times, except that I like Ian more), her self-centredness, her narrow-mindedness, the way she's limited herself for no good reason. Because I really warmed to Michael, this made my reading experience weirdly jarring; I very much enjoyed Michael's sections, and even started to like Marnie more when we see her through his eyes, but then remembered every time we return to her point-of-view that she's incredibly annoying. Both protagonists also feel dated. Part of the bite of One Day, as showcased in the superb recent Netflix series, is Nicholls' attention to the precise detail of being 22 in 1988, or 37 in 2003. But these characters are not his generation, but mine, and I kept on thinking the book was set at least ten years ago; they just don't feel like millennials to me, although it's hard to put my finger on why. Any one detail - the books Marnie checks out of the library as a child, for example - can be explained away, so I imagine it's the subtle accumulation of these kind of things that's throwing me off. Anyway. One Day fans will love this, but for me, this ranks below both Us and Sweet Sorrow. 3.5 stars.

I adored this book, I knew after One Day being one of my all time favourite reads that this would also take my heart and I would love it.
I was invested in both the main characters from the start, Marnie and Michael are two characters which you instantly like, they are both dealing with different things in their lives and find themselves brought together by a mutual friend.

I loved the setting, the scenery and the walks they went on as well as the weather gave this book such a natural place to be, at times there was the feeling that you were walking alongside them.

Marnie was such a comical character with a great personality and I found myself laughing out loud lots of times during this book. Stuck in her live, working hard she starts to experience friendship with Michael and slowly but surely she pushes herself and finds enjoyment in their time together. Michael is dealing with the breakdown of his marriage and is much more comfortable isolating himself from others but as his ability to share his knowledge of the natural world to others unfolds he finds himself sharing the space with someone he starts to feel comfortable around Marnie and realises that there can be more to their friendship.

I thought this was a beautifully written love story which was funny, emotional and uplifting. I rooted for both characters from the beginning and has their relationship developed I really enjoyed this one and would recommend to anyone who loves an engaging story. Excellent !!!!

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @hodderandstoughton for a copy of this one and I will be buying a copy for my shelves to re-read at some point.

Although "one day" is the most famous of David Nicholl's books, I enjoyed "starter for ten" more, and was pleased to find, for me, this was more similar to the latter. Warm hearted and witty it was fairly obvious which direction the book was headed, but I really enjoyed hiking round the Lake District with Marnie and Michael to get there.
Thank you to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of this book.

David Nicholls’ novel "You Are Here" delicately weaves together the intricate lives of Marnie and Michael, two individuals grappling with heartache and loneliness amidst the beautiful backdrop of a coast-to-coast walk. The narrative effortlessly shifts between Marnie’s endearing social awkwardness and Michael’s encyclopedic knowledge of geography, creating a compelling dual perspective that captivates readers from start to finish.

The novel introduces Marnie as a relatable, introverted figure - her days consumed by editing and the solitude of her flat, yearning for connection yet struggling with the courage to engage with the world. Nicholls masterfully portrays her internal struggles and growing vulnerability, which are both humorous and poignant. Marnie’s backstory reveals the scars of her divorce, her unfulfilled desire for motherhood, and her longing for genuine companionship.

Michael, on the other hand, emerges as an earnest but somewhat oblivious character, seeking solace in the wild after the dissolution of his marriage to Natasha. His obsession with geography becomes a lens through which he navigates the emotional terrain of his life, attempting to make sense of his unfulfilled dreams of fatherhood and the remnants of his past relationship.

The dynamics between Marnie, Michael, and their companions on the trek are subtly nuanced, showcasing Nicholls’ talent for crafting authentic relationships. Cleo’s concern for her friends’ well-being adds depth to the narrative, emphasising themes of friendship and support amid life’s upheavals.

The plot unfolds with a blend of humour and melancholy as Marnie’s and Michael’s paths intersect and diverge. The tentative bond that forms between them is both tender and fragile, highlighting their mutual need for understanding and acceptance. As their connection deepens against the backdrop of the scenic journey, readers are drawn into their emotional landscapes, rooting for their personal growth and eventual happiness.

Nicholls’ prose is engaging, peppered with witty observations and profound insights into human nature. The narrative is driven by the characters’ internal struggles, resonating with anyone who has experienced love, loss, and the quest for belonging.

However, the novel’s ending may leave some readers yearning for a more conclusive resolution. The ambiguity of Marnie’s and Michael’s futures after their brief encounter feels somewhat unfinished, leaving questions lingering about their ultimate destinies. The narrative could benefit from an epilogue, offering closure and a glimpse into their lives beyond the final pages.

In conclusion, "You Are Here" is a delightful exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection. While the narrative leaves room for interpretation, the strength of the characters and Nicholls’ perceptive storytelling make this novel a compelling read. Marnie and Michael’s journey lingers in the heart, a testament to the enduring hope that love and understanding can transcend life’s obstacles. David Nicholls’ "You Are Here" is a poignant reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the greatest discoveries.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for providing an honest review.

It's funny that you never realise who your favourite authors are until you work out you've read everything by them. So this officially means that David Nicholls is one of my favourite authors.

From the long-life friendship of Em and Dex in ‘One Day’ to the teenage angst of Charlie and Fran in ‘Sweet Sorrow’, David seems to nail it each time.

And ‘You Are Here’ is no different. The tale of forty-something Michael and nearly-there Marnie, it's a tale full of ups and downs – much like the walk they are attempting to make along the moors and fells.

Essentially this is the story of the path the couple take when thrown together by a mutual friend. Hooking up on the hills is the new Bumble.

It's another heart-warming entry into the author's bibliography, charting Michael and Marnie's joys and disappointments in life. They're both carrying a lot of baggage – and as the days progress we get an insight into their mental health (Michael in particular is going through a lot) as well as their back stories.

As well as pulling at your heartstrings ‘You Are Here’ will also make you laugh – despite all the rain. I laughed a lot.

One of the stand out moments for me was M&M getting to know each other by their phone playlists. I'm not sure I could be that open!

I reached the end of this journey and immediately wanted more and I'm pretty certain David doesn't do sequels. But if he wanted to start, then here is the place.

A fab time spent reading this and highly recommended to all of Nicholls' fans.

David Nicholls has such a magical way with words and You Are Here is yet another brilliant book from the author of One Day (aka my favourite book of all time.)

On the outset a book about two divorcees going on a coast to coast walk across England didn’t really sound like it was for me, but as it was David Nicholls and i’ve adored everything he’s ever written I knew it was worth a read and wow, was I right!

You are Here follows Marnie and Michael who for different reasons are both incredibly lonely and fed up with their lives and end up on a walk together - masterminded by their mutual friend, Cleo.

A lot of this book is dialogue between the two of them and I loved the way they got to know each other and slowly became more comfortable, revealing more about their lives. It was laugh out loud funny in parts and so poignant in others.

You Are Here is a gorgeously written book about loneliness and human connection and finding love where you least expect it.

Another winner from David Nicholls. Loved it.

As a romance reader, I don’t often branch into other genres but after falling in love with One Day (one of my favourite books) all over again when the series came out earlier this year, I’ve been dying to read You Are Here and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

I really liked Marnie and Michael and getting to know them as their hike progressed. I deeply enjoyed their meaningful conversations about life and love.

Once again, I was captivated by David Nicholls’s ability to write real characters that feel like someone you’d come across on the street and who you’ll inevitably relate to at some point in their lives. For me it was mostly Marnie’s homebody & bookworm tendencies, which could have been a description of my life lol. Her struggles with loneliness were also incredibly relatable and made me feel seen; anyone that’s ever felt lonely will see themselves in Marnie at some point. I also really enjoyed Michael’s love for geography and geology and all the talk about rocks because I actually love learning more about the science behind it all.

This review wouldn’t be complete without the mention of the beautiful few descriptions of the scenery, which made me want to start hiking (though maybe I’d have to start smaller, not go all in like Marnie did).

It’s been a while since I read a book written by David Nicholls and this one reminded me why I love them so much.

4/5 Stars

Thank you to Sceptre and Hodder & Stoughton for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Yet again, I was taken in by the hype on this book. Yet again, I was disappointed. The story is essentially about two people who end up by themselves on a long walking trip, where they walk and talk - endlessly. There is so much deep introspection and navel- gazing by both characters, that I was losing interest rapidly. I skim-read to the end, but nothing much happened. I’m not sure it ever would, with these two.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

You Are Here by David Nicholls
I give this book 4 stars.

Marnie is stuck.
Michael is coming undone.
When a persistent mutual friend conspires to bring them together, Marnie and Michael suddenly find themselves alone on the most epic of walks and on the precipice of a new friendship.
But can they survive the journey

Well written,amusing and relatable. Marnie is a great character and I gradually warmed to Michael as their coast to coast walk progressed. Told in chapters alternating between the two characters the author has an astute knack of portrayal and observation of life,people,places and the UK weather. A journey through middle age and starting over.
With thanks to Netgalley,David Nicholls and Hodder & Stoughton | Sceptre for my chance to read and review this book.

You Are Here follows two divorcees approaching middle age - Marnie, a copy editor in her late 30s, and Michael, a geography teacher (that most maligned of creatures) in his early 40s - as they walk the coast-to-coast path from Cumbria to the North Sea across the Lakes and North Yorkshire. In the sense of burgeoning romance, this has much in common with Sweet Sorrow and One Day, while the travel scenes reminded me of Us. And although I didn't love it as much as any of those previous books of Nicholls' - mainly, I think, because I didn't warm to either Marnie or Michael - it was entertaining, well written and warm-hearted.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Heartwarming. I love that they both wanted to be alone so much until they ended up with each other

Michael and Marnie are lonely.
Both have failed marriages behind them. Both are fully absorbed by their jobs. Michael is a geography teacher while Marnie is a freelance copy editor who is struggling to make ends meet in York. Neither are especially interested in meeting anyone else or settling down again, but as they run into each other during a long walk in the Pennines, they are forced to reconsider their future.
From the author of One Day, Starter for Ten and Us, this is full of all the trademark witty dialogue and sharp intelligent reading which David Nicholls has become justifiably well-known for. Read it now, before the inevitable TV adaptation!

This was my first book by David Nicholls and his writing style is pretty interesting. I loved that the love story wasn't the complete focus of the book and had more realistic moments. The characters are brilliant and made me feel many emotions. I am looking forward to reading more works by him. Thank you Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this piece of art.

Quite a different book for me, but I did enjoy it. I really enjoyed the concept of the story - two strangers, both lonely and fairly introverted - who are brought together by an old friend and a colleague, during a coast to coast walk across the Lakes, Pennines and onward towards the North Sea coast. They talk as they walk, covering all sorts of topics which they would never usually talk to others about - principally because they don't have other people to talk to. A friendship forms, maybe even the start of a relationship, with plenty of humour, although there are also some misunderstandings, one of which is the cause of Marnie returning home to London, rather than extend her walk further.

Time passes and they both realise that actually, they miss each other, although they're probably not going to tell each other that! However, Michael engineers a way for them to meet up to see if there is a future for them. I won't spoil the story by revealing the outcome, but would recommend you read this for yourself to find out what happens when two lonely people find someone they would like to spend time with.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.