One Day by David Nicholls

A young man and woman graduate from college; and after a brief encounter, separate and proceed with establishing their personal and professional roles as adults. Both struggle with identity issues, make mistakes, find various forms of success, and, as they approach age 40, begin to achieve some stability. The friendship they maintain off and on over the years keeps them connected and somewhat anchored during difficult times. One Day is a superb British novel. Nicholls' writing is witty and intelligent, and the way he pulls the reader into the minds of his characters is wonderfully compelling.