David Nicholls Books in Order
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After seeing David Nicholls speak at Hay Festival in 2024, I knew that I had to write this guide. David is a fantastic British novelist and screenwriter, and his bestselling book One Day was recently adapted into a hit Netflix series.
Not sure where to start reading? Here are all of his books in order.
Starter for Ten, 2003
Synopsis:
“It's 1985 and Brian Jackson has arrived at university with a burning ambition - to make it onto TV's foremost general knowledge quiz. But no sooner has he embarked on 'The Challenge' than he finds himself falling hopelessly in love with his teammate, the beautiful and charismatic would-be actress Alice Harbinson.
When Alice fails to fall for his slightly over-eager charms, Brian comes up with a foolproof plan to capture her heart once and for all: he's going to win the game, at any cost. Because - after all - everyone knows that what a woman really wants from a man is a comprehensive grasp of general knowledge…”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
The Understudy, 2005
Synopsis:
“For Josh Harper, being in show-business means everything he ever wanted: money, fame, a beautiful wife and a lead role on the London stage.
For Stephen C. McQueen, it means being stuck with an unfortunate name, a hopeless agent and a job as understudy to Josh Harper, the 12th Sexiest Man in the World.
When Stephen falls in love with Josh's clever, funny wife, Nora, things get even more difficult. But might there yet be a way for Stephen to get his big break?”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
One Day, 2009
Synopsis:
“Twenty Years, two people, one day.
15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways.
So where will they be on this one day next year?
And the year after that?
And every year that follows?”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
Us, 2014
Synopsis:
“Douglas and Connie - scientist and artist, husband and wife - live a quiet and quietly unremarkable life in the suburbs of London. Until, suddenly, after more than twenty years of marriage, Connie decides she wants a divorce.
Heartbroken but determined, Douglas comes up with the perfect plan: he is going to win back the love of his wife and the respect of Albie, their teenage son, by organising the holiday of a lifetime.
The hotels are booked, the tickets bought, the itinerary planned and printed. What could possibly go wrong?”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
Sweet Sorrow, 2019
Synopsis:
“It's summer 1997, school is over and Charlie Lewis's life is in shambles.
His family is breaking up, his father is falling apart and the long, empty holidays stretch ahead towards an uncertain future.
And then, quite by chance, Charlie meets Fran Fisher and it's as if a new world has opened before him.
But can it last?”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
You Are Here, 2024
Synopsis:
“Sometimes you need to get lost to find your way.
Marnie is stuck. Stuck working alone in her London flat, stuck battling the long afternoons and a life that often feels like it's passing her by.
Michael is coming undone. Reeling from his wife's departure, increasingly reclusive, taking himself on long, solitary walks across the moors and fells.
When a persistent mutual friend and some very English weather conspire 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?”
You can buy a copy on Amazon here.
How many of these have you read? Leave a comment and let me know!