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?
A new love story by beloved bestseller David Nicholls, You Are Here is a novel of first encounters, second chances and finding the way home.
Buy a copy of You Are Here here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Witty, acerbic and hilarious! So much sarcasm, and so many one liners I could not keep up with the (at times) dark humour! I wasn’t sure at first about the storyline being about walking, but it’s a great story. Marnie and Michael (M&M) are both singletons who are on a group bushwalk over several days. They are thrown together into several hilarious situations by circumstance and then later more by choice. It goes to show how very important humour is in a relationship as Marnie finds one of the other members of their party attractive initially but as he doesn’t have a sense of humour the attraction soon wears off. A geography teacher doesn’t have the same attraction on paper but in reality! An editor and a teacher – have a lot in common (more than a pharmacist) – both being didactic and having been let down in love by previous partners! The theme of mental health is explored which I found topical – both withdrawing from society for different reasons. Two people who have virtually given up on relationships find a new fire and connection. It just goes to show you do need to get lost to find your way. Debra, NSW, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘You Are Here’ by David Nicholls. Being an avid bushwalker, I could certainly relate to Marnie’s first long walk – new boots, blisters, too heavy pack, rain and those endless uphill stretches. Marnie and Michael are lonely souls desperate to find not just love but also the joy of connecting with another person on a truly deep level. A challenging cross country walk through the Lake District throws them together in often less than romantic situations. I enjoyed their witty exchanges and the repartee between Michael and his teenage geography students. There were many ‘laugh out loud’ moments. David Nicholls’ subtle but effective switches of point of view give readers an insight into the thoughts and personalities of Marnie and Michael – someone not entirely comfortable around women. A gentle read with a very satisfying conclusion. Dianne, QLD, 5 Stars
You are here is a story told from the perspectives of Marnie and Michael as they undertake a multi day walk called the coast to coast in the UK. David Nicholls has a wonderful way of describing people and places. I related to some of the experiences of the central characters and felt that some topics that can often be handled badly were explored without some of the cliches that often arise. This was an easy, well paced read. Charlotte, WA, 5 Stars
This is a book I knew I’d like after reading only a few pages. School teacher Michael has organised his regular hiking trip during the holidays and his colleague Chloe sees an opportunity for her family and her reclusive friend Marnie to join them along with other friends, unknown to each other. All is well for a couple of days but the weather changes and gradually all but Marnie and Michael pull out. They appear to struggle to be compatible, Marnie way out of her comfort zone and Michael, separated from his wife uneasy in her company. They gradually become companions and start to enjoy each other’s company. The writing is excellent and the description of the country side is very well written. There are a few mishaps and misunderstandings along the way. It was a lovely read and I really wanted to see how their relationship would develop. It had a satisfactory ending and I recommend this book. The writing is excellent and I will look for David’s previous books to read. Gloria, SA, 5 Stars
You Are Here by David Nicholls is a contemporary, second-chance romance. Completely relatable as the jaded, middle-aged, single characters navigate not only a reluctantly forced holiday walking England’s Coast to Coast Trail but also a relationship developing from distant acquaintances to something more, with a few mishaps along the way. With titled chapters that light-heartedly foretell the focus, alternating between Marnie and Michael, you can’t help but become invested in their developing relationship. Both over thinkers analyzing every comment and interaction with self doubt for flaws. Honest, wry banter ensues as both stubbornly forge on with the journey, bonding over blisters, bad weather, geographical facts and literary references. The book is structured like a travel diary, sectioned by days with the part of the trail being attempted noted and the nightly accommodation reviewed. Belinda, NSW, 5 Stars
I just loved You Are Here. The 2 main characters Marnie, a Copy Editor and Proof Reader, and Michael, a High School Geography Teacher, are both introverted bordering on reclusive. They meet through their mutual friend Cleo. The author takes the reader on a beautifully described story of an emerging friendship as well as a journey walking in the English countryside. David Nicholls has written this novel with so much detail, heart and vulnerability of the characters. I wanted more of Marnie and Michael’s story. I hope there is a sequel. I highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Helen, NSW, 5 Stars
Walking hundreds of miles isn’t everyone’s idea of romance but this is where Michael and Marnie find themselves. Micheal the seasoned trekker and Marnie the city girl from London. Strangers, meeting through friends, they trudge through the marshes and climb hills together while learning each others past. I loved the description of the surroundings. This book had me laughing as Marnie was such a funny character. The banter between the pair was hilarious. A love story with a sense of humour. I highly recommend as I couldn’t put it down. David Nicholls is an author to watch out for. Renee, QLD, 5 Stars
‘You are Here’ was a very enjoyable read. Usually, I’m not a reader of ‘love’ stories but this is beautifully written. I found myself turning the pages with a smile on my face. David’s characters are written with sensitivity and wit. Setting is rugged, harsh and beautiful. Everything you want in a good book. I didn’t want it to end. More pages would have been very welcome. Maybe a sequel? Thank you Better Reading for giving me the opportunity of reading this novel. David it was pure pleasure. Sharon, ACT, 5 Stars
“You Are Here,” by David Nicholls needs to be made into a movie and I would be first in the queue to see it. The story revolves around two unlikely protagonists, Marnie and Michael, who find themselves bumbling along together on a walking expedition across scenic England. It’s the humour, candour and relatability to the characters that kept me reading ’til the early hours of the morning. David Nicholls uses many analogies in the novel that make the reader laugh, cry and reminisce with Marnie and Michael so that you champion them on their journey. Both are lost and lonely in their own way but maybe together they can find solace and write a different story to the one they thought they were on. If I was in a pub in England and Michael and Marnie walked in, I would beckon them over, buy them an ale or two, sit back and listen to the rest of their tale. Susan, NSW, 5 Stars
You are Here , an absolutely beautiful, moving read filled with joy, humour, heartache and hope! Loved the main characters Marnie and Michael, such ordinary people made extraordinary by brilliant dialogue ! I thoroughly enjoyed walking the coast to coast with Marnie and Michael, the vivid description throughout the book had me totally captivated. Such a brilliant read! Just loved it! Ilona, VIC, 5 Stars
Michael has been suffering since he lost his ex wife. The house is full of too many memories and he’s been trying to fill his time trying to forget. Marnie is in the same boat and seperated from her ex husband. Both of them are trying to navigate a new life and they bump into each other and make plans to go for a hike. What a wonderful love story. Humourous and funny,full of ups and downs. A brilliant read… Highly recommended. Noeleen, WA, 5 Stars
You are Here by David Nicholls is a beautifully written love story that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The main characters within the book are easy to relate to, helping ground it in reality. I think the book itself is well written with a good mixture of humour throughout and is an easy read for those who wants something light. Katrina, TAS, 4 Stars
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s a long time since I’d read my first David Nicholls book, One Day, so it was nice to be reminded of what a great writer David Nicholls is. I was drawn into the worlds of both the main characters, and felt for both of them. This book delves into loneliness and what’s like to start again. It is a great look into what it’s like to be mid-life in the modern world (dare I say, a post-Covid modern world). If you’re already a fan of David Nicholls, you’ll enjoy this. Tamara, NSW, 4 Stars
Having loved David Nicholls’ previous books I was excited to read You Are Here. I was not disappointed! The story brings together Marnie and Michael who are both a little older than your usual romance characters, and who have both settled into solitary lives. Marnie is a divorced book editior who works from home and Michael is a teacher whose marriage has also recently ended. A mutual friend organises a walking trip which brings them both out of their comfort zones. It’s not a romance as such – more a relationship story, and I loved the lack of schmaltz and the snappy dialogue! Jacqui, VIC, 4 Stars
You Are Here Review I must admit I was hesitant to start reading You Are Here, but once again David Nicholls has lured me in and exceeded my expectations. Nicholls British-style banter, coupled with characters who are down to earth everyday people, who come with their flaws and history and who haven’t got their lives together makes this is a highly relatable read. I meandered through this book, dropping in and out of Michael and Marnie’s growing friendship as if they were friends I was checking in on. Slow and steady was the best way to read and appreciate this book, and the chapter layout and length really encouraged this. So much was happening under the surface, yet time almost appeared to stand still. This is not a read that you rush through, time needs to be taken to appreciate it. Nicholls has beautifully portrayed the nuances involved in being an introvert and getting to know a new person, especially when life’s challenges have led you to become this way. This feel good novel warmed my heart and soul, and when I was finished reading, left me feeling as if I was leaving two friends. I spent the rest of the night imagining what happened on Michael and Marnie’s next adventure. Mel, NSW, 4 Stars
I loved One Day, and was keen to read the latest novel by David Nicholls. You Are Here did not disappoint! A wonderful tale of finding yourself again as you reach middle-age, and learning to love yourself and others again. Beautifully written, with a sprinkle of charming humour, set against a majestic backdrop. Each chapter had me rooting for Marnie & Michael more and more. Highly recommend. Alexandra, TAS, 4 Stars
I found ‘You are Here’ quite an enjoyable story focusing on lots of themes that are relevant to our society today, especially as you hit middle age. I didn’t know much about walking and walks like the one undertaken in the story. it felt good to learn something as well as enjoy the story. Alice, NSW, 4 Stars
Being a fan of David Nicholls’ book ‘One Day’, I was keen to read another of his novels. ‘You are Here’ takes you on a walking adventure where conversations are had, relationships built and memories made. Being outdoors, allowing the characters to find out more about themselves and each other allows for a good read! Amanda, TAS, 3 Stars
A lovely 3rd person narrative about 2 individuals Michael and Marnie. The two meet through their mutual friend Cleo and embark on a walking expedition trekking from lakeside England to seaside. This story portrays their growing friendship and connection as they share their stories together as new friends. I enjoyed this nice read. Jess, QLD, 3 Stars
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