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Friday, March 1, 2013

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

about book:

They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has never been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?

my thoughts:

Jojo Moyes' novel, Me Before You, broke my heart. In fact, I'm still recovering - of course, I only just finished the book at 2am this morning - but I swear, this book really hits you in the heart.  This is a book that has you hooked from the first page and just won't let you go.  Soon enough you will find yourself getting rather emotionally invested in the lives of your two new favorite characters, Lou and Will.  Seriously, you will! Or at least I did.  I mean it, I just had to find out what was going to happen - I had so many questions swirling around in my head:  Would Lou blossom into a more confident and self-assured woman?  What happened to her in the maze? Would Will decide to forgo the plans he had made in Switzerland?  What types of adventures would Lou take Will on?  And, how long would it take for them both to realize how in love they were with one another?

Me Before You is an amazing novel that will have you thinking about life, love, death, and everything in between.  You will smile, cry, laugh, and sob as you read this unputdownable book.  And, you will be left with a sadness that will inspire you step back and take a look at your own life.  I swear, not only did this novel introduce me to Jojo Moyes' fantastic writing and storytelling, but it also pushed me to recognize the ways in which I've become rather complacent within my own life. Instead of adjusting my 40 before 40 list, I need to start crossing items off of it. Life is what you make of it, and I realized that I need to start making more of it.  I suppose I should send Moyes' a thank you letter for this book, because not only did it touch me, it also inspired me. 

Now, I know I didn't really delve into the subject matter or plot lines of the novel, but that was because I didn't want to ruin anything for those of you who haven't read this must-read book.  So, all I am going to say is that you must read this novel - I promise you will not be disappointed!  In fact, I'm pretty sure that you will be adding Moyes' other works to your shelves as a result. 

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Viking Press (an imprint of Penguin Group) for providing me with a copy of this book.

11 comments:

Beth said...

I've had a really hard time writing about this one. I was really surprised that I liked it as much as I did. I feel like she handled the topic well and brought up some really controversial issues so that it wasn't just a "different" love story. I've heard that many readers were surprised to like as much as they did.
Moyes does a great job of building two different characters with their own voices.
Glad you enjoyed it!

Leah said...

This sounds really interesting. I'm not a big fan of romance in books, but it seems like there is so much more than that in this novel. Looks like a good book that will make you think!

Rebecca @ Love at First Book said...

Even though I've seen only positive reviews, I've stayed away from this book. But your review made me buckle down and just add it to my to-read list!

The Relentless Reader said...

I'm on a very long hold list for this one (library) I can't wait to read it!

Mrs. Fry said...

Nadia, why do you do this to me? Now I have to go and add a book I don't have time to read because you made me curious again! Thanks for the review.

Lisa said...

Broke your heart? Oh now and I was trying to avoid adding another book to my wish list. But no way can I resist a book that broke your heart!

Ti said...

I had not idea what this book was about! I heard romance somewhere and immediately blocked it out of my mind. I am so glad I read your review.

bermudaonion said...

Man, everyone says this is a fabulous book! It sounds very emotional.

jenclair said...

I really liked this one, but had serious reservations initially. Somehow, in spite of the topic, the book was never maudlin. I still have a great feeling for the characters and the way Moyes handled the emotional aspects without manipulating your feelings.

Dot said...

I am embarrassed to say that I have never read a JoJo Moyes book but this one is going on my wish list!

Paydirt said...

I received this book at BEA and it is still sitting on my shelf. Your review is encouraging me to move it up on my to-read list.