There are as many things that I liked as there were things that I disliked with this book, hence the 3 stars.

Louisa 'Lou' Clark loses her job when the cafe where she worked closes. The family has debts, a father on the brink of being downsized, a mother as child and grandparent caregiver, a sister who's invested only in herself and her child and all dependent on Lou making a sizable contribution. Lou is also in a 7 year stagnant relationship with Patrick. Since Lou has little in the way of skills she applies for a caregiver/companion position working with a quadriplegic male. She is hired for her upbeat outlook. Will is surly, closed up and rude. They have a rocky relationship at the beginning which changes over time as they begin to understand each other. Lou lives a small life and Will used to live a BIG life and wants no part of a little life. I had a strong sense of where the story was going and I must say I was not excited about going there.

I liked Lou's personality, her style sense and her loyalty to her friends and relations; I liked the little incidents that gave a picture of real life; the neighbor's fight, the birthday dinner, dealing with Will's wheelchair. Scene by scene it was an interesting story. However, I disliked a lot of the underlying concepts. The author seems to need to paint a bleak picture of Lou's life in order to get her into the position to take the caregivers job, even alluding to the fact that people who held these jobs were only those who couldn't get any other work. Yet her mother is a caregiver and Nathan, Will's physical and medical caregiver, has a full life and great personality. The setup circumstances just seemed like overkill.

I feel the author did a great job of outlining Will's restrictions, susceptibility to illness, and depression. His future is never going to be what he had planned. Lou's attempts to lighten his depression, both successes and failures were the heart of the story for me. Each incident forced Lou and Will to move out of their comfort zone. I particularly liked Lou's interaction with the quadriplegic group on the internet.

The issues covered in this book force you to think about difficult positions. Being a caregiver myself for 10 years to a mother who suffered a stroke and developed memory and hear loss besides her physical limitations, it was a difficult read. And I had issues with some of the situations presented. Some rang so true and yet others seemed like a plot device. I am glad I read it but it took me a long time to get through. ( )

How do you review a book that is based on a dicey moral issue? It's tough to separate your thoughts from the book's stance on the topic. But a well-written book is one that makes you think and rethink your views on a complicated matter without shoving its author's opinions on you. And that's how this became a good, thought-provoking book for me.

Louisa Clark, a 26 year old, has always lived a simple life in a small town. But after losing her long-term waitressing job and with no qualifications to do much else, she finds herself taking up the role of a caretaker to Will Traynor, a once-dynamic rich guy who became a paraplegic after an accident. Will has almost given up on life and makes it clear to Louisa that she isn't wanted. But she is determined to show him that life is worth living under any circumstances.

Most of the chapters come to us from the first person pov of Louisa. But a few chapters are written from the perspective of the other key players in this drama. And I liked how Moyes approached this. These key secondary players get only one chapter each, but within that limited duration, you receive an insight into their personality and their views on what's unfolding around them. It was a wonderful way of helping us know their innermost thoughts and frustrations without taking the focus off Louisa or Will.

Jojo Moyes' writing skill is pretty good, and her command over the language is awesome. (I have a great respect for authors who make me refer the dictionary!) The way she details out the tiny town where Louisa and Will abide, the way she incorporates the tiny moments of happiness seamlessly with the times of struggle, the way she brings the characters alive through her words without going overboard on the descriptions... Her plots and characters make an impact on your mind, whether you enjoyed them or not.

I love fictional books that make me wonder, "What would I do if I were in that situation?" And this book provided me with ample opportunities to do this. Most of the characters in this book (barring a couple of stereotypical ones) are well-etched, but the three who will stay with you long after the last page are Louisa, Will and Will's mom Camilla. Each of them was determined in his/her own way to fulfill his/her wishes and didn't back out no matter how huge the hurdle ahead. You feel sorry for all three, and you rationalise each of their decisions. And yet you'll be stumped about whom to support in the moral dilemma that is foremost in their minds.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed this story. It made me smile, it made me cry, it made me question various ideas, it made me aware of many facts. This reader is more than satisfied with the first book of the trilogy because it far exceeded my expectations. I was expecting a sappy romance. But it turned out to be so much more.

On to book two!



*****SPOILERS AHEAD*****
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Euthanasia is a highly debatable topic with valid reasons on either side of the argument. I'm not going to take a stand for or against euthanasia though it's a crucial point of contention in this book. It's such a complicated concept on various levels: ethical, legal, religious, medical... But as I said, the book made me re-evaluate my opinion based on fresh information. What I also appreciate is how Moyes presented both sides of the debate through the various characters and yet didn't end up taking a stance. The decision is, throughout the book, Will's. And we are provided with more than enough fodder for our minds to figure out if his decision is justified.

If you are strongly against euthanasia, go for this book with an open mind.




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A heartbreaking story that will have you on the verge of tears.

Louisa Clark is a unique young woman living in a small town, with a steady boyfriend and close family. When she loses her café job she will do anything to acquire work. She takes a caregiver job working for wheel-chair bound Will Traynor, who was in an accident 2 years previously. Will always lived life on the edge, doing anything from extreme sports to world travel. Will has made a decision about his life, but Lou intends to change his mind.

I didn't know what to think about this one going in, however, I fell in love with the book almost immediately. The characters really grab your attention, and make you think about the situation that is unfolding. Will Traynor seems to be one of those high and mighty wealthy men, even after his accident he seems to talk down to Lou. One time during the story I even wanted to reach through the novel and slap him. As the story progresses you start to realize why Will is the way he is, and why he has chosen what to do with his life. I know a lot of people wouldn't agree with what Will's decision is, but I think if I were in that situation I would've made the same choice. I really liked Lou and her crazy way of life, I really connected with her on a more personal level because of her way of life. Lou is always dressing differently, getting treated differently at home compared to her younger sibling and just a generally unique person.

I must say I didn't expect the ending to be like it was, but that it meant in a good way. I loved how Will wanted Lou to live up to her true potential and live her life to the fullest. He never thought about himself only of Lou and what would make her happy. The author Jojo Moyes has a talent that is out of this world, writing a novel like this takes a certain person and she definitely has what it takes. I would recommend this author to anyone and would definitely recommend this book to everyone. One of the best books I've read in a long while. ( )

A carefully constructed tale of a paraplegic man who meets a girl who has been employed to try to prevent him committing suicide for the 6 months he has committed to his parents to staying alive until he can legally go to a euthanasia facility in Switzerland. A reserved and sheltered 26 year old challenges his dark moods and manages to get him doing things beyond his living quarters beside his parents home. Obviously thoroughly researched as to the impacts of paraplegia on the body and the mind. Beautifully developed story of the blossoming of the girl while drawing away dark moods from the man, even if the ultimate outcome was his death. ( )

Great narration by Susan Lyons and a team of others. Moyes does a great job of inspiring empathy for an unpopular perspective. So as not to completely spoil it for you, you'll have to read the book if your curious about what I'm referring to...or another review....or, watch the movie. ;-) ( )

I would not call this a romance novel.
While there is a teeny tiny bit of romance, the story revolves more around the idea of loving and living life to the fullest.
"Wait, Rochelle! Did you just say a book about a couple where one of them decided to pursue assisted suicide is about loving and living life?!?"
Yes.
In short, the recently handicapped man teaches his caregiver to live life to the fullest because you never know when you won't be able to do what you love anymore. Through his prodding and pushing and her subsequent sassing back they fall in love. It's a sweet story and really quite the cautionary tale. But if you're hoping for a happy ending, it doesn't happen. That's where the book looses me a bit. I have strong morals and suicide of any kind is wrong. However, I hope and pray that I NEVER have to know the kind of mental and emotional pain that is displayed in Will Trayner's character. It's unimaginable for me and because of that I could not cast judgment upon someone in that position.
The story is well written and a beautifully painful view of what life could be like in any of the character's lives.
But don't pick this book up for its "romantic" story line.

Full Review: wanderinglectiophile.wordpress.com/2017/10/13/review-me-before-you-by-jojo-moyes/ ( )

On audible

I of the best books I have ever read. Appreciate life! ( )

I really, really loved this novel. I know that's a bit of a broad statement, but it's all I could say when I finished reading this. The plot was original, the characters felt real and lovable and were flawed, and Moyes writing style was so easy yet engaging to read.
One of my favorite parts of "Me Before You" was the fact that multiple relationships were explored: between Lou and Will; Lou and her family; and Lou and Patrick. It wasn't just a constant stream of storytelling between Lou/Will, but the themes of the book (the "me before you" part, if you will) were looked at in different lights. There are multiple kinds of love, sacrifice, and hurt, and I really like Moyes did a wonderful job of writing about different types.
Also, such solid character development! REALLY good! And it felt natural, too- I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
(And yes- I cried. A few times. But I also smiled a lot. The birthday party scene just made me so smiley and happy that I felt like hugging the book.)
That's all I'm going to say- I don't want to spoil anything, but I would recommend this book pretty much to anyone. It's heartfelt, funny, and original, and I already want to read it again. ( )

Paraplegic

Book three for Pilgrimage Book Club.KIRKUS REVIEWA young woman finds herself while caring for an embittered quadriplegic in this second novel from British author Moyes (The Last Letter from Your Lover, 2011).Louisa has no apparent ambitions. At 26, she lives with her working-class family (portrayed with rollicking energy) in a small English town, carries on a ho-hum relationship with her dull boyfriend and works at a local cafe. Then, the cafe closes, and she must find a job fast to ease her family?s financial stress. Enter Will Traynor, a former world traveler, ladies? man and business tycoon who?s been a quadriplegic since a traffic accident two years ago. Will?s magistrate mother hires Louisa at a relatively hefty salary to be Will?s caregiver and keep him company for the next six months�easygoing Nathan gives him his medical care and physiotherapy¥but really Will?s mother wants Louisa to watch him so he doesn?t try to hurt himself. Will, once handsome and powerful, is not only embittered, but in constant pain. He has some use of one hand but is dependent on others for his basic needs, and recovery is not possible. Louisa, who can?t help speaking her mind and dresses thrift-store eccentric, thinks he hates her, but no surprise, Louisa?s sprightly, no-nonsense charms win him over. He even cheers her up on occasion. When Louisa overhears Will?s mother talking to his sister, she realizes that the Traynors have reluctantly agreed to let Will commit suicide at a facility in six months. Louisa decides to convince him to stay alive with a series of adventures. Meanwhile, Will, who senses something in her past has made Louisa fearful of adventure, is trying to broaden her experience through classical music and books. Their feelings for each other deepen. But Louisa is not Jane Eyre, and Will is not Mr. Rochester in a wheelchair, so don?t expect an easy romantic ending.Despite some obviousness in the storyline, this is uplift fiction at its best, with fully drawn characters making difficult choices.

It is completely obvious from the start where this book is going but that didn't change for me how completely I was swept away in the emotions of it.

I sympathize with Will and have had conversations with my husband about this very thing (he's on Will's side too) but I couldn't help but want for him to change his mind.

I'm giving it five stars at the moment but that could be because I'm still reeling a bit from the last chapter. I might change my mind after the dust settles a bit. ( )

It's been a long time since a novel made me weep. Some of it a bit predictable, maybe a stereotype here and there. But I enjoyed it, was moved by it. A book full of heart. ( )

Just finished reading this book, and I must admit that I feel just a little cheated. It didn't live up to it's potential, and I really could have spent the time on a much better book. Having said that, it did portray the problems of a quad pretty realistically. For me, the strongest part of the book dealt with the issues of parenting adult children and of infantilizing the disabled. And I'm not so sure these topics were part of her intended agenda. ( )

Very quick read. Really enjoyed it. ( )

My heart was not prepared for these kind of feelings... *sigh*

most my friends know I like Will have a lot of health problems that being said i fell in love with this book, i cried (yes the ugly kind) I have no shame!

'The thing about being catapulted into a whole new life - or at least shoved up so hard against someone else's life that you might as well have your face pressed against their window - is that it forces you to rethink your idea of who you are. Or how you might seem to other people.'

Louisa's life is lackluster and she's completely content with 'playing it safe' at life. Not that she's ever allowed herself to contemplate how different things could possibly be. She goes to her job at the tea shop, she goes home to her windowless room at her parents house, and she occasionally spends time with her boyfriend Patrick who is far more concerned with his exercise regiment than he is with her. But when she loses her job at the tea shop she accepts a temporary 6 month position as a caregiver to a quadriplegic, Will Traynor.

Louisa and Will are complete opposites and the first few weeks of them knowing each other the quite truly hated each other. Will was oftentimes irrationally difficult and Louisa was ready to quit, but she stuck it out and slowly they developed an extremely touching friendship.

All I can say is that you make me...you make me into someone I couldn't even imagine. You make me happy, even when you're awful.I would rather be with you- even the you that you seem to think is diminished- than with anyone else in the world.'

Their blossoming romance was one of the most convincing I've read in a long time and was truly uplifting. They changed each other in massive ways in such a short period of time. Louisa gave Will happiness that he hadn't experienced for a very long time and Will gave Louisa the determination to do something with her life and not let it go to waste.

Calling this book chick-lit isn't doing this book any sort of justice; the subject matter is simply far too thought-provoking for that kind of label. The real meat of the story focuses on Will's decision to end his life by assisted suicide, which is the reason behind Louisa's 'temporary' position as he promised his parents he would give them another 6 months but no more. Convinced that he just needs something to live for, his parents hire Louisa who is bright, fun and talkative in hopes that she can convince him that he still has something to live for.

"You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible."

It was certainly a tough subject matter to read but was so well written and managed to actually make me laugh out loud at several parts. I loved Louisa and Will's wittiness and constant banter, it was the perfect addition to this poignant story. It was hard not to picture what it would be like if you were put into a situation such as Louisa and Will's. What you would do, if you would actually do anything different. All I know is that they both had an incredibly difficult decision to make and either way was bound to lead to heartache.

This was an incredible story that was so painful (in that crazy heart hurting kind of way) to read but I simply could not put it down. Me Before You is a heartbreaking story about finding what makes life worth living and making the decision whether it's truly enough. Definitely a new favorite and one that my heart won't be forgetting.
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This book was well written, with the exception of some strange and abruptly inserted different pov chapters. However I found the characters selfish and immature and the ending was infuriating. I am sure that it was not the author's intent but I took away that the author believes that money and resources are what matter most in life as the eye opening "life experiences" that were touted aren't exactly available to everyone. ( )

Really enjoyed this unique relationship and the personal growth of the characters. Glad I read the book before watching the movie that was just ok. ( )

Horrific ableism and disability inspiration plus a load of internalized misogyny bullshit ( )

I was really into it in the beginning but then it felt rushed and forced about 60% in. The premise was interesting, but the characters a bit cliched (Will is capable, and articulate yet bitter and abrasive; Lou is like able but lacks skills, experience, and class; the peripheral people are just as bad). I found the chapters where the author slipped into the first person voice of other characters an especially distracting and weak device, like at that point the story couldn't be told from the Lou's point of view but the author really wanted to get it in there. By the end I was all meh. At least it had a realistic and sobering ending. Pretty easy read technically, but maybe not emotionally for some. ( )

This book was very well-written, so I could not in fair conscience deny a perfect rating. However, the ending left me in physical pain for several days. I was so easily able to get attached to Louisa Clark because she reminded me so much of me in my younger days. Plain, never getting my own recognition for my wonderful talents, being overshadowed by another sibling who was just more flamboyant but given credit for being so intelligent and amazing. I think a lot of the book was predictable except the last thing that her boyfriend did. You think you know someone well, but you don't. This book covers the right-to-die so well from a personal aspect. I THOUGHT I knew what my strong beliefs were, but after getting attached to Will Traynor, former larger than life wealthy man in a wheelchair, I saw the other side of the fence. I thought I knew compassion for the handicapped, but after reading all of the obstacles they faced every time they wanted to do something different fun in public, it made me realize how if I am there to help someone in any way, I should jump ahead and do it without even asking. Great humanitarian theme involved! Just don't read this before any occasion where happiness is mandatory. Seriously! ( )

Depressed that it's over - a wonderful story of a real love connection with barely a kiss passing between them. Really makes you think! ( )

I should probably start by saying that I read a lot of romance novels, and I expect very specific things from a book billed a "romance". Well, a "romance" in the true sense of the word, this isn't. Which is fine. I'm sure that's exactly what most people who pick up this novel are looking for. But I was taken aback by just how bleak the whole thing was. Moyes writes beautifully. There is no question that she's tremendously talented. Unfortunately, the subject matter of the book just didn't work for me. I tend to stay away from books that are this emotionally intense and heavy for the same reason I refuse to watch the news. I get enough reality in my day-to-day life, and I read to escape. The ending, too, was so horrifyingly depressing that it left me wishing I'd never picked up this book. ( )

You should read this book! You should NEVER read this book!
I loved this book and I hated this book. I couldn't put it down and I wanted to throw it across the room. It was a little formulaic but in the best and worst ways. I'm mad at each of the characters and I love each of them because of that. I want this book made into a movie so I can hate to love that too. I am heading straight for the library and picking up everyone of Jojo Moyes' books to marathon on them and pray I love and hate each of them as much as this and it wasn't a fluke. ( )