I was searching for a new book to read. I wanted something romantic and a bit of a chick lit but not a Sophie Kinsella. I heard a lot of raves about the Me Before You book by Jojo Moyes and decided to give it a try. Jojo Moyes is also a British novelist like Sophie Kinsella. She has won the Romantic Novelist’s Award twice and the Me Before You has been nominated Book of the Year & sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
SYNOPSIS: (Warning: spoiler alert!)
Lou Clark is a spunky lady who recently lost her job in the local tea shop. After several job trials, she managed to get a job as a companion for an arrogant, rich and young quadriplegic, Will Traynor. Will had a hard time coping with his invalid state considering before his unfortunate accident, he was a successful, handsome and charming business man with a beautiful girlfriend. Initially, Lou faced some challenges in her new-found occupation but later on, her sunny personality infected Will’s cold facade and later both developed a special bond in a very unlikely predicament. However, Will has been continuously struggling with accepting the permanency of his state that he had plans to end his life at a set period. His parents are aware of this and hoped that Lou can changed his mind eventually. As Will & Lou’s friendship deepened and eventually turned into something more serious(Is it love?). However, considering Will’s situation, is the feelings they have for each other sustainable? Can Lou change Will’s mind in the end?
REVIEW:
Me Before You is a very entertaining book. Lou Clark is a very colourful character that brings sunshine to the story. I can imagine Amy Schumer playing this role though she is not British. (No, I am not a fan of Amy Schumer but she seem to fit the character). Will Traynor is a typical leading man character, arrogant but charming. Their love story is cute and endearing. There are moments that will make you smile and curl your toes in excitement for their blossoming love. But underlying story can be very depressing. I cried at the end of the book and I was a mess. I am not sure if that sad ending was what I wanted, I have read several sad endings that gave me closure like The Notebook, Bridges of Madison County, and Message in the Bottle but this book just made me feel so… depressed at the end. The story is told in Lou Clark’s voice but occasionally, the narration is being taken over by some characters in the story which I think is helpful to see things their perspective. Jojo Moyes is a very creative storytelling. I am not sure if she is very imaginative enough but she has flair for romance and knows how to tug the hearts of her readers. Me Before You is a book for romantics but be warned, you might break you heart and cry buckets of tears after reading this book. But don’t worry, I believe this book has a sequel.
POINTS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Do you think the love between Lou and Will real or it is only out of pity from Lou and loneliness from Will?
2. What are your thoughts in Will’s decision to take his own life?
3. What changes personality changes you noticed in Lou and Will after they spend time with each other?
4. Can you ever love a quadriplegic or anyone that you know cannot hold you or make love to you?
If you read this book, let me know your thoughts.
P.S. You might like this book too.
