Book Review | Me Before You
Title: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Pages: 369
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Published by: Pamela Dorman/Viking (January 5th, 2012)
Summary
Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.
What Lou doesn’t know is she’s about to lose her job or that knowing what’s coming is what keeps her sane.
Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he’s going to put a stop to that.
What Will doesn’t know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they’re going to change the other for all time.
What I Thought
This book was so much more than I thought it would be. I went into reading Me Before You rather cautiously. In fact, I must admit I was hesitant to read it, because I had basically figured out how it was going to end before I even started the book. So many people loved it though, that I just had to see what the hype was about. While I still had my issues with this book, I definitely get the hype now.
First, I want to start by saying that I absolutely loved Louisa Clark. I know, from some of the reviews I’ve read, that some people found her to be annoying, but that was not the case for me. I found her to be a very genuine and an extremely relatable character. Yes, there were times where she was a bit petty involving her sister, but honestly, no matter how old you get, sometimes you’re petty with your sister – it just happens…I actually found her and her sister’s relationship to be a very honest portrayal; yes they fought, but they were also always there for and supporting each other when it really counts. Really, I loved Lou’s whole family! Just as I found her and her sister’s relationship to be honest, her whole family is very real too.
Another thing I loved was how Louisa and Will’s relationship was played out. There was absolutely no insta-love, and their was relationship was actually very slow-growing, which was so refreshing. There is romance in this novel, but I, personally, wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a romance novel.
The writing in this novel is so great as well. Jojo Moyes writes in a way that just makes you want to keep reading and never stop. I flew through this book so quickly, and it is the one that got me out of my terrible reading slump! *happy dance*
This next section of the review does contain spoilers, so scroll at your own risk.
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The one thing that I did struggle with was the ending. I admit that I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult and painful a life like Will Traynor’s would be after his accident. That being said, I believe in the sanctity of all – and I do mean all – human life. I know in the book they talked about how this was something Will could finally take control of, and I realize this is highly controversial, but I don’t think it really was Will’s choice to decide whether he live or die. Will, himself, even admitted to Lou that being with her was the best six months of his life. Who knows what other joys he could have found if he had just chosen life? You are more than your disability and struggles in this life, and the novel does touch on that. There were plenty of other disabled individuals that Lou talked to on the internet that talked about accepting who they were and what they’re life was like.
I cannot say that I would completely blame Will for his decision though, I’m sure it would have been an extremely difficult choice, not only for himself, but also his family. However, like I said, it really wasn’t his decision to make: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away…” (Job 1:21, ESV).
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Overall though, I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I thought I would. I look forward to reading the sequel! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great, contemporary read.
the calico books 
I loved this book! The sequel was pretty good to.
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🙂 I’ve heard mixed reviews about the sequel, so I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it, too!
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It wasn’t nearly as good as this one but I did like seeing what Lou was up to.
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Good to know! Of course, after a book like Me Before You, I don’t think it would be possible to have the sequel on the same level. 🙂
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Exactly I honestly wasn’t expecting too much so maybe that’s why I liked it.
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I bet it was! Sometimes I find I end up enjoying certain books with lower ratings versus super hyped books, because I end up setting my expectations too high.
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Agreed!
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I love this book! I completely agree with you on the aspect of Will’s decision. Having read this a while back though I think that was part of Jojo Moyes intentions with the book, for people to think and question what Will choose and to try to put ourselves in his shoes. It interesting, especially for those of us who would have never chosen a route like that. I also agree with you about Lou, I never found her annoying. I loved her and found her so realistic and relatable.
Great review! 😊
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You’re right; at first thought the idea of Will’s choice seems completely crazy that anyone would support it. After reading this book, while I still don’t agree with it, I do have a better understanding of his, and even his family’s, struggles that led to his choice.
Yes! I don’t get why some people don’t like her.
Thank you! ☺️
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Same! Even though I didn’t agree with it the book helped me understand it better.
You’re welcome! ♥😊
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I liked this book, but I did not love it. I’m among the few people who found Louisa annoying at times, and I think the hype killed the story for me. I’m glad you enjoyed it, though 🙂
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Totally understand! I actually had pretty low expectations for this book, which is why I think I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. 🙂
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Great review! I myself was not a fan but it was interesting to see what you thought. Ended up agreeing with some of your points.
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Thank you! This book is definitely not for everyone. I’m glad you enjoyed my review for it at least, though. 🙂
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Great review i havent read this yet
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Thank you! 🙂
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I loved the book, it completely pulled me into the story and had me laughing and crying. I struggled with ending as well, and completely agree with you. Great review!
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Thank you! ☺️
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