Member Reviews
This book was charming and engaged me early on.
I enjoyed the premise of the book and the protagonists were expertly written.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Hiker's Deligh
This is no walk in the park, to write something this good takes incredible skill. Along with the book’s characters the reader embarks on a journey. It’s a well trodden, long path following the guide of Albert Wainwright. But not only is the scenery beautifully described with patient eloquence, no gushing here. It’s the emotional development and exploration of the inner truths of the characters that sweeps readers along the ever changing route. Contrasts between the deeply personal, then there’s an abrupt laugh over something trivial and that reflects the ebb and flows of the characters as their walk unfolds. Whether it’s the carpets in a down market B&B or the unique aromas in a pub, we join our characters, we like our characters and we wish them every success.
You are Here is a great holiday read, particularly suited to hikers yet there’s emotional depth to the novel. It’s easy, eloquent and it talks about love. A particular appeal here is that it’s not youthful love but love in a later time of life. Perhaps with age comes a little wisdom and the author here treats us with wise insights.
I'm almost ashamed to admit that this is my first read by this author - but it certainly won't be my last.
Marnie is lonely; divorced and lonely. Life isn't always kind to lonely people. At thirty-eight, she feels life is passing her by. Michael is around the same age. Due to a mutual friend who is very persistent, they meet and end up going on an epic walk through the English weather; will they actually get together?
How have I not come across David Nicholls' novels before? This was heaven on a plate, better than any delicious plate of food (can you tell I'm on a diet) and I relished each and every word, reading long into the night to finish the book as I just couldn't go to sleep without knowing exactly how it ended. There are so many words to describe this one but, if I had to use just one, it most definitely would be 'perfect'. Never to be forgotten and so well deserving of all five glowing, sparkling stars!
My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
This book is about a group of Cleo's friends meeting up and going on a hike. Most don't know each other.
It explores people past relationships and hie it affects their future.
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
Right from the outset, I was captivated by this book, marvelling once again at Nicholls' remarkable ability to blend humour and heartache seamlessly. His characters felt remarkably authentic, and I found myself fully engrossed not only in their pasts but also in their clumsy attempts at connection. Nicholls' fondness for walking shines through in his exquisite descriptions of the natural world, particularly as he guides us along the famed Coast To Coast route. Every element of the narrative, from the characters' introspective journeys to their poignant emotional missteps, felt perfectly orchestrated. In short, I adored every moment of it.
What a lovely book. I was in the mood for a gentle read that would be uplifting and heartwarming - and this was it. With David Nichols usual likeable, relatable and believable characters, You Are Here can’t be faulted. You will be rooting for Marnie and Michael and will be biting your nails about whether they will find happiness (together or apart.)
The descriptions of the countryside on the coast to coast walk made me want to visit (but maybe not staying in some of Michael's choice of more basic hotel rooms!)
I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this lovely book.
David Nicholls is unique in his ability to beautifully describe the thrill, angst, humour and shear joy of discovering love. Anyone who has read ‘One Day’ and enjoyed it will absolutely love ‘You Are Here’.
I think this *checks notes* young David Nicholls chap might have a future in publishing! But seriously, it's so weird to read this so soon after watching the Netflix adaptation of One Day. I read OD when it first came out and loved it. Watching the series recently as a man in his 40s made me look at the characters (esepcially the parents) with new eyes. It's been a joy to see Nicholls explore ageing throughout his most recent books, including this one. How the little setbacks, tragedies, disappointments, sad ironies of life all add up and take their toll. Wonderful writing and characters, funny, moving, hopeful. Gorgeous.
David Nichols must be the most accurate observer of people I can think of. His characters always feel like I know them in person and this is no different. You are here is a quite tale, without loud demanding action, but a beautiful picture of middle age and the everyday lives of his characters. The contemplation around what it means to be alone or in a relationship is brilliantly explored and makes it really relatable. It is a grown up relationship story that made me smile, laugh and pulled at my heartstrings.
I loved this book. I really felt for the characters who are trying to make the best out of their lives but have got stuck. The banter between them is witty and made me chuckle. The backdrop of the Lakes is an added bonus for me, and makes me want to get out there walking. If I had any criticism it would be I wanted more, i want to know what happens next.
Thank you David Nicholls! Yet again he has managed to capture my heart and my feelings in one book! He has such a way with words and I’m so glad I took the time to read this and am so glad the world now gets to experience this lovely book! And that’s the way I can explain this, an experience worth doing! The joy and feelings you get from it!
Well I'm emotionally drained and feel as if I walked the coast to coast walk with Marnie and Michael myself. They are lonely, both wanting to be less alone but unsure how to let anyone in. The rain is a powerful character, an intrinsic part of the story, so vividly evoked that I felt cold wet and shivery and felt boots rub my blisters while I read. It's not a romance, it's not sickly sweet or sentimental, don't let that put you off. It's sad and honest and a tribute to the power of nature and of human nature to heal oneself.
I really enjoyed this book. It was slightly slow in parts, but on finishing I realise that was all part of the plot. The slow burn way in which we get to know new people. The characters felt so real, they really developed over the course of the book and I particularly loved the character of Marnie. She was funny, but real and I really felt for her at times. The writing was superb. The ending left me wanting to know more, definitely scope for a follow up book. Thank you for letting me read this advance copy.
Two lonely characters Marnie and Michael are thrown together when their mutual friend Cleo arranges a walking trip. They embark on a coast-to-coast walk but soon Cleo and her son bail out leaving Marnie and Michael to enjoy the beautiful scenery and long chats.
The story is told with alternating chapters between Marnie and Michael with each offering their own perspective on the days events.
My thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the ARC digital copy.
You Are Here by David Nicholls is absolute perfection. The type of book that works on all levels, reading, listening, and by eckers it would make a cracking film! I've not previously read or watched anything by David Nicholls, but I will certainly have them on my author list from here on in
Dual POV, two different people who need to reconcile massive change in their life, meet as part of a walking group. A very simple premise, but one that builds into one of the best love stories I have ever read (and I am not usually a fan of romance or rom-com, but this was just, just so entertaining and enjoyable!)
HIghly recommended and now I am off to get the audiobook too
Thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton | Sceptre, the incredible David Nicholls for this exceptional ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
David Nicholls at his very best. Beautiful scenery, complicated but endearing and loveable characters, Marnie and Michael stole my heart. Another absolute triumph from an author I will ALWAYS read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I loved this. A beautiful romance following Marnie and Michael, both dealing with the fallout of divorce. They navigate the ups and downs of the breakdown of their previous relationships, in David Nicholls’ typical witty nature. It made me laugh, tear up and overall it’s a beautiful, refreshing love story.
You Are Here is quintessential David Nicholls - witty and seemingly lighthearted, yet deeply emotional and layered. It is a story about boy meets girl, only in this case, both are divorced, in their early 30s/late 40s and slightly bitter about love and romance. Most of the story takes place over a few days, as the characters end up being stuck with each other in the English countryside, wet and muddy and slightly miserable. But it is exactly the tough journey full of unexpected surprises that brings them closer and helps them discover more about themselves.
I really enjoyed how atmospheric the novel is - David Nicholls is excellent at writing setting. Dialogue was another strong point - so much of the story is told through the conversations between the main characters, which feel really dynamic and authentic. The characters themselves are immediately likeable because of how relatably imperfect they are in their struggles through life and love. It's a romantic comedy that breaks the stereotype and presents fresh, unique characters that really feel alive.
Overall a really enjoyable read that I would recommend if you enjoy romance and are looking for something lighthearted and funny.
I had never read any David Nicholls books but when I was approved for this one I snapped it up. It was funny, sad and very entertaining. Alot of the places they went to I know quite well so, it was easy to picture them. All the rain and cold is very true for the Lake District. I will definitely
be reading more from this author. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Having not read a David Nicholls book before, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The English countryside setting was wonderful and made me want to get out walking.
I loved Marnie and Michael and the time I got to spend with them. It made me laugh out loud and cry. Michael is mourning the break-up of his marriage while Marnie is lonely and trying to get out more. They're persuaded by a mutual friend to join a walk across the north of England coast to coast. It's a dual POV which I loved. This was uplifting and heartwarming, just what I needed!