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Top positive review
4 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsObsessed with the the way this story pulls on my heartstrings
ByAmazon Customeron September 15, 2017
I watched the film first, and loved it so much that I watched it every day for a week. I watched interviews of the two lead actors and their take on the characters journeys... and that's when I learned it was a book adaptation. Normally I don't like to read books after I've seen the film, but this one, I had to- and I'm so glad I did. It filled in so much more of the emotion the film could barely touch on. It painted a far more realistic picture and timeline, of things that went on outside the relationship between Lou and Will, with her family, with Pat... and though this is a book review and not a film review, I have to say you won't be disappointed in either, if you had read it first or seen the film first.
I couldn't put the book down, despite having watched the film several times, despite knowing the outcome... getting a little more insight into everyone's world was addictive. I only wish we could've heard a little more from Will's prospective.
Being American, some of the references and language was a bit hard to follow, but overall, the sarcasm and humor translated very well.
I couldn't put the book down, despite having watched the film several times, despite knowing the outcome... getting a little more insight into everyone's world was addictive. I only wish we could've heard a little more from Will's prospective.
Being American, some of the references and language was a bit hard to follow, but overall, the sarcasm and humor translated very well.
Top critical review
277 people found this helpful
1.0 out of 5 starsA waste of two lives and an ending
ByM.Lon May 10, 2016
Let me start by saying that I know I'm in the minority here, but I did not care for this novel at all.
Im not going to get into the movie trailer that was recently released, but I must say that a lot of movie goers are going to be deeply disappointed.
I have to applaud Moyes' high-quality writing, the way she seems to effortlessly string words together to tug the reader in whichever direction she pleases is impressive and the beginning of the book seemed promising, akin to the fault in our stars' plot line where the characters' illnesses provide them with a depth and humanity that makes their relationship and interactions intriguing. But it all goes downhill from there.
Lou's character is so precious, her perseverance and love for Will was strikingly beautiful. However, her efforts are all pointless and the message we are left with is that a life with disability is not worth living. This book had the chance to inspire and challenge the reader, to bring them close to the realities of living with physical challenges while proving that life can go on and there is beauty and hope in what others would deem tragic. Will is surrounded by a family that cares for him, he has financial stability, he can still do countless activities despite his condition and most importantly, his life is enhanced by the presence of a character who is willing to give up absolutely everything for the slim chance to change his mind.
I was furious as I read the book's ending. (which was predictable but still undesirable) Lou is willing to give up everything because she learns to see beyond the wheel chair, she can see Will as the man he can no longer see himself as. Will's letter at the end was especially infuriating. He asks her to fulfill her potential and pursue a life she'd missed out on, to live the life she "deserves". He spends his last months telling her that nothing would make him happier than seeing her flourish outside their hometown, yet he is unable to understand that the only life she wants is one with him in it. He urges Lou to expand her horizons and challenge her limits and yet he can't seem to see beyond his wheelchair. It was cowardly of him to give everything up when he had a chance at life with someone who could see him for who we truly was, he is haunted by an image of his old self and fails to realize that Louise is in love with the man he is now, and asks for nothing more than his will to live.
It is NOT a heroic act, it is arrogant to decide when his life should end and the suffering he caused Lou far outweighs any "opportunities" he could have given her with the inheritance.
It seems that only those that are close to or have witnessed the struggle of someone living with physical disabilities see the atrocities being discussed in the novel. That despite all the reminders that his life can still be filled joy and love, he has the right to choose when to end it, regardless of who he hurts in the process. I've read many books that don't end in happy ever after, but there was not point to the depressing, suicidal ending. No reason could have justified his choice but his decision to die is summed up as his inability to cope with the fact that he can no longer live the adventurous life he used to have or behave as the successful, athletic, popular, rich kid he once was.
Will despises the fact that he can not make his own choices, and yet he urges Louisa to go back to school, move on with her life, and witness his death without regard for her only request - his presence. The final scene is selfish and cruel, Lou is left suffering quietly because of her love for him. It goes against everything ethical and moral Lou's family stands for and yet she stands by him as he fails to see the life he could have led with her. Life already has its downsides and challenges, I don't need a novel that celebrates suicide and contemplates that tragedy makes life pointless.
Im not going to get into the movie trailer that was recently released, but I must say that a lot of movie goers are going to be deeply disappointed.
I have to applaud Moyes' high-quality writing, the way she seems to effortlessly string words together to tug the reader in whichever direction she pleases is impressive and the beginning of the book seemed promising, akin to the fault in our stars' plot line where the characters' illnesses provide them with a depth and humanity that makes their relationship and interactions intriguing. But it all goes downhill from there.
Lou's character is so precious, her perseverance and love for Will was strikingly beautiful. However, her efforts are all pointless and the message we are left with is that a life with disability is not worth living. This book had the chance to inspire and challenge the reader, to bring them close to the realities of living with physical challenges while proving that life can go on and there is beauty and hope in what others would deem tragic. Will is surrounded by a family that cares for him, he has financial stability, he can still do countless activities despite his condition and most importantly, his life is enhanced by the presence of a character who is willing to give up absolutely everything for the slim chance to change his mind.
I was furious as I read the book's ending. (which was predictable but still undesirable) Lou is willing to give up everything because she learns to see beyond the wheel chair, she can see Will as the man he can no longer see himself as. Will's letter at the end was especially infuriating. He asks her to fulfill her potential and pursue a life she'd missed out on, to live the life she "deserves". He spends his last months telling her that nothing would make him happier than seeing her flourish outside their hometown, yet he is unable to understand that the only life she wants is one with him in it. He urges Lou to expand her horizons and challenge her limits and yet he can't seem to see beyond his wheelchair. It was cowardly of him to give everything up when he had a chance at life with someone who could see him for who we truly was, he is haunted by an image of his old self and fails to realize that Louise is in love with the man he is now, and asks for nothing more than his will to live.
It is NOT a heroic act, it is arrogant to decide when his life should end and the suffering he caused Lou far outweighs any "opportunities" he could have given her with the inheritance.
It seems that only those that are close to or have witnessed the struggle of someone living with physical disabilities see the atrocities being discussed in the novel. That despite all the reminders that his life can still be filled joy and love, he has the right to choose when to end it, regardless of who he hurts in the process. I've read many books that don't end in happy ever after, but there was not point to the depressing, suicidal ending. No reason could have justified his choice but his decision to die is summed up as his inability to cope with the fact that he can no longer live the adventurous life he used to have or behave as the successful, athletic, popular, rich kid he once was.
Will despises the fact that he can not make his own choices, and yet he urges Louisa to go back to school, move on with her life, and witness his death without regard for her only request - his presence. The final scene is selfish and cruel, Lou is left suffering quietly because of her love for him. It goes against everything ethical and moral Lou's family stands for and yet she stands by him as he fails to see the life he could have led with her. Life already has its downsides and challenges, I don't need a novel that celebrates suicide and contemplates that tragedy makes life pointless.
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ByM.Lon May 10, 2016
Let me start by saying that I know I'm in the minority here, but I did not care for this novel at all.
Im not going to get into the movie trailer that was recently released, but I must say that a lot of movie goers are going to be deeply disappointed.
I have to applaud Moyes' high-quality writing, the way she seems to effortlessly string words together to tug the reader in whichever direction she pleases is impressive and the beginning of the book seemed promising, akin to the fault in our stars' plot line where the characters' illnesses provide them with a depth and humanity that makes their relationship and interactions intriguing. But it all goes downhill from there.
Lou's character is so precious, her perseverance and love for Will was strikingly beautiful. However, her efforts are all pointless and the message we are left with is that a life with disability is not worth living. This book had the chance to inspire and challenge the reader, to bring them close to the realities of living with physical challenges while proving that life can go on and there is beauty and hope in what others would deem tragic. Will is surrounded by a family that cares for him, he has financial stability, he can still do countless activities despite his condition and most importantly, his life is enhanced by the presence of a character who is willing to give up absolutely everything for the slim chance to change his mind.
I was furious as I read the book's ending. (which was predictable but still undesirable) Lou is willing to give up everything because she learns to see beyond the wheel chair, she can see Will as the man he can no longer see himself as. Will's letter at the end was especially infuriating. He asks her to fulfill her potential and pursue a life she'd missed out on, to live the life she "deserves". He spends his last months telling her that nothing would make him happier than seeing her flourish outside their hometown, yet he is unable to understand that the only life she wants is one with him in it. He urges Lou to expand her horizons and challenge her limits and yet he can't seem to see beyond his wheelchair. It was cowardly of him to give everything up when he had a chance at life with someone who could see him for who we truly was, he is haunted by an image of his old self and fails to realize that Louise is in love with the man he is now, and asks for nothing more than his will to live.
It is NOT a heroic act, it is arrogant to decide when his life should end and the suffering he caused Lou far outweighs any "opportunities" he could have given her with the inheritance.
It seems that only those that are close to or have witnessed the struggle of someone living with physical disabilities see the atrocities being discussed in the novel. That despite all the reminders that his life can still be filled joy and love, he has the right to choose when to end it, regardless of who he hurts in the process. I've read many books that don't end in happy ever after, but there was not point to the depressing, suicidal ending. No reason could have justified his choice but his decision to die is summed up as his inability to cope with the fact that he can no longer live the adventurous life he used to have or behave as the successful, athletic, popular, rich kid he once was.
Will despises the fact that he can not make his own choices, and yet he urges Louisa to go back to school, move on with her life, and witness his death without regard for her only request - his presence. The final scene is selfish and cruel, Lou is left suffering quietly because of her love for him. It goes against everything ethical and moral Lou's family stands for and yet she stands by him as he fails to see the life he could have led with her. Life already has its downsides and challenges, I don't need a novel that celebrates suicide and contemplates that tragedy makes life pointless.
Im not going to get into the movie trailer that was recently released, but I must say that a lot of movie goers are going to be deeply disappointed.
I have to applaud Moyes' high-quality writing, the way she seems to effortlessly string words together to tug the reader in whichever direction she pleases is impressive and the beginning of the book seemed promising, akin to the fault in our stars' plot line where the characters' illnesses provide them with a depth and humanity that makes their relationship and interactions intriguing. But it all goes downhill from there.
Lou's character is so precious, her perseverance and love for Will was strikingly beautiful. However, her efforts are all pointless and the message we are left with is that a life with disability is not worth living. This book had the chance to inspire and challenge the reader, to bring them close to the realities of living with physical challenges while proving that life can go on and there is beauty and hope in what others would deem tragic. Will is surrounded by a family that cares for him, he has financial stability, he can still do countless activities despite his condition and most importantly, his life is enhanced by the presence of a character who is willing to give up absolutely everything for the slim chance to change his mind.
I was furious as I read the book's ending. (which was predictable but still undesirable) Lou is willing to give up everything because she learns to see beyond the wheel chair, she can see Will as the man he can no longer see himself as. Will's letter at the end was especially infuriating. He asks her to fulfill her potential and pursue a life she'd missed out on, to live the life she "deserves". He spends his last months telling her that nothing would make him happier than seeing her flourish outside their hometown, yet he is unable to understand that the only life she wants is one with him in it. He urges Lou to expand her horizons and challenge her limits and yet he can't seem to see beyond his wheelchair. It was cowardly of him to give everything up when he had a chance at life with someone who could see him for who we truly was, he is haunted by an image of his old self and fails to realize that Louise is in love with the man he is now, and asks for nothing more than his will to live.
It is NOT a heroic act, it is arrogant to decide when his life should end and the suffering he caused Lou far outweighs any "opportunities" he could have given her with the inheritance.
It seems that only those that are close to or have witnessed the struggle of someone living with physical disabilities see the atrocities being discussed in the novel. That despite all the reminders that his life can still be filled joy and love, he has the right to choose when to end it, regardless of who he hurts in the process. I've read many books that don't end in happy ever after, but there was not point to the depressing, suicidal ending. No reason could have justified his choice but his decision to die is summed up as his inability to cope with the fact that he can no longer live the adventurous life he used to have or behave as the successful, athletic, popular, rich kid he once was.
Will despises the fact that he can not make his own choices, and yet he urges Louisa to go back to school, move on with her life, and witness his death without regard for her only request - his presence. The final scene is selfish and cruel, Lou is left suffering quietly because of her love for him. It goes against everything ethical and moral Lou's family stands for and yet she stands by him as he fails to see the life he could have led with her. Life already has its downsides and challenges, I don't need a novel that celebrates suicide and contemplates that tragedy makes life pointless.
277 people found this helpful
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ByAmazon Customeron September 15, 2017
I watched the film first, and loved it so much that I watched it every day for a week. I watched interviews of the two lead actors and their take on the characters journeys... and that's when I learned it was a book adaptation. Normally I don't like to read books after I've seen the film, but this one, I had to- and I'm so glad I did. It filled in so much more of the emotion the film could barely touch on. It painted a far more realistic picture and timeline, of things that went on outside the relationship between Lou and Will, with her family, with Pat... and though this is a book review and not a film review, I have to say you won't be disappointed in either, if you had read it first or seen the film first.
I couldn't put the book down, despite having watched the film several times, despite knowing the outcome... getting a little more insight into everyone's world was addictive. I only wish we could've heard a little more from Will's prospective.
Being American, some of the references and language was a bit hard to follow, but overall, the sarcasm and humor translated very well.
I couldn't put the book down, despite having watched the film several times, despite knowing the outcome... getting a little more insight into everyone's world was addictive. I only wish we could've heard a little more from Will's prospective.
Being American, some of the references and language was a bit hard to follow, but overall, the sarcasm and humor translated very well.
ByRather Be Readingon June 26, 2016
#Daughternumber2 read Me Before You by JoJo Moyes back at the End of April, Beginning of May. She gave it 5 stars and was such an emotional mess after reading it that I think I was taken aback by it. I am ashamed to admit that it took me weeks to pick up the book. I think part of it was because I was afraid that I wouldn't like the movie (and I really wanted to like the movie!) or that it wouldn't live up to all the hype.
I did however pick up the book. I made plans with #DaughterNumber2 to see the movie on a Sunday afternoon. So Friday night I picked the book up. I was impressed, and loved being in a English (British) book. There is just something about the language that I love. I started feeling connected to the main character, but also started to feel the pain, and sorrow that must of been going through Will and his parents. While this was a super interesting and REAL story, I was caught off guard by all the feels I had. I went through every emotion possible while reading this story! I latterly finished the book 20 minutes before leaving to see the movie! Now I am vary familiar with book to movie adaptions. And as far as those go, this was a pretty good adaption. I understand the scenes that were cut, and can understand why. I however had a few issues with the near end of the story and how things were changed for the movie verses the book. I wish that part was closer to the story.
Overall I give the Book 4 1/2 Stars and the movie 4 stars.
I did however pick up the book. I made plans with #DaughterNumber2 to see the movie on a Sunday afternoon. So Friday night I picked the book up. I was impressed, and loved being in a English (British) book. There is just something about the language that I love. I started feeling connected to the main character, but also started to feel the pain, and sorrow that must of been going through Will and his parents. While this was a super interesting and REAL story, I was caught off guard by all the feels I had. I went through every emotion possible while reading this story! I latterly finished the book 20 minutes before leaving to see the movie! Now I am vary familiar with book to movie adaptions. And as far as those go, this was a pretty good adaption. I understand the scenes that were cut, and can understand why. I however had a few issues with the near end of the story and how things were changed for the movie verses the book. I wish that part was closer to the story.
Overall I give the Book 4 1/2 Stars and the movie 4 stars.
ByJames J. Cudney IV (Jay)on September 25, 2016
4+ stars to Jojo Moyes's Me Before You. I saw a glimpse of the movie preview and had perused a few online reviews of the book when I added it to my "To Read" list. I had to read it before I could watch it which means moving it up quickly. It seemed like a good choice yesterday morning and soon it became my Saturday read!
Story
Will was hit while crossing the street ending the extremely adventerous part of his life and leaving him a quadriplegic. His friends slowly disappeared and Will was stuck moving back home with his parents living a very minimalistic life where he basically sat in his chair staring thru the window all day long. He comes to an agreement with his family about his care for a 6 month period where he will try to be a little more positive but afterwards, they must accept his choices.
Louisa was content with a simple life supporting her parents and sister but suddenly lost her job and had to find something to be able to help survive. She had very little hopes and dreams mostly because she just addressed each day as it came never really focusing on her own future. She accepts a job as a caretaker for Will where she's supposed to just try to keep him a little cheerful but fights with the decision to take on this type of role for a 6 month duration.
They of course mix like oil and water at first but in time find a way to tolerate one another. Their relationship eventually gains depth and learn they need one another to keep going forward. But Will's ultimate plans are not what Louisa expected, and she struggles with how to accept his choices. The story takes you on a path of romance, anger, hope and despair ending in a very emotional place but opening the door for a sequel to see what happens after this experience.
Strengths
For most readers, this book will take you away from your own life's troubles giving you something much more intense in which to immerse yourself. The pacing, timing, setting, character development and imagery will capture your attention and make you realize you likely have it pretty good in your own life. While you'll understand enough of the pain and barriers people with physical disabilities experience, you will also learn what it's like emotionally to handle such a huge change to your lifestyle and relationships. By the end, your problems will seem far less dramatic and you may even walk away from the book feeling energized to be more positive. (And yes, you'll spend most of the book crying and sad!)
Weaknesses
With full caution, I may not be aware of what life is like in towns like the one in this book and thus this may not actually be a weakness... however, Louisa's family and hometown seems a bit unrealistic. I get that she has two parents, a grandparent, a sister and a nephew living with her and times are tough financially. I get that parents sometimes tease their kids about life choices. But there's a clear love between the family at the same time as a clear favoritism for Louisa's sister over Louisa. Many pages are devoted to how intelligent and beautiful her sister is and why the family needs to spend more money and love on her. Louisa may act a bit plain and simple, but she's the one supporting the family. And then when the mother reacts to Louisa's choices at the end of the book, I was confused as to why she would be so divergent. Yet the scene where Will comes to Louisa's birthday party were incredibly touching to a point where I really liked her family. It felt a little bit yo-yo-ish for me.
Final Thoughts
To love this book, you have to love emotion. You have to be OK with crying and getting angry. You have to be OK with accepting how other people have a right to make their own choices. You have to realize people are different. You have to understand that yes, there are people in the world like this and just because you haven't met them or interacted with them much doesn't mean they aren't there. What I loved most about this book was the beauty and pain from which I am often sheltered. And when a book makes you get out of your own skin, you have to acknowledge its strengths.
Story
Will was hit while crossing the street ending the extremely adventerous part of his life and leaving him a quadriplegic. His friends slowly disappeared and Will was stuck moving back home with his parents living a very minimalistic life where he basically sat in his chair staring thru the window all day long. He comes to an agreement with his family about his care for a 6 month period where he will try to be a little more positive but afterwards, they must accept his choices.
Louisa was content with a simple life supporting her parents and sister but suddenly lost her job and had to find something to be able to help survive. She had very little hopes and dreams mostly because she just addressed each day as it came never really focusing on her own future. She accepts a job as a caretaker for Will where she's supposed to just try to keep him a little cheerful but fights with the decision to take on this type of role for a 6 month duration.
They of course mix like oil and water at first but in time find a way to tolerate one another. Their relationship eventually gains depth and learn they need one another to keep going forward. But Will's ultimate plans are not what Louisa expected, and she struggles with how to accept his choices. The story takes you on a path of romance, anger, hope and despair ending in a very emotional place but opening the door for a sequel to see what happens after this experience.
Strengths
For most readers, this book will take you away from your own life's troubles giving you something much more intense in which to immerse yourself. The pacing, timing, setting, character development and imagery will capture your attention and make you realize you likely have it pretty good in your own life. While you'll understand enough of the pain and barriers people with physical disabilities experience, you will also learn what it's like emotionally to handle such a huge change to your lifestyle and relationships. By the end, your problems will seem far less dramatic and you may even walk away from the book feeling energized to be more positive. (And yes, you'll spend most of the book crying and sad!)
Weaknesses
With full caution, I may not be aware of what life is like in towns like the one in this book and thus this may not actually be a weakness... however, Louisa's family and hometown seems a bit unrealistic. I get that she has two parents, a grandparent, a sister and a nephew living with her and times are tough financially. I get that parents sometimes tease their kids about life choices. But there's a clear love between the family at the same time as a clear favoritism for Louisa's sister over Louisa. Many pages are devoted to how intelligent and beautiful her sister is and why the family needs to spend more money and love on her. Louisa may act a bit plain and simple, but she's the one supporting the family. And then when the mother reacts to Louisa's choices at the end of the book, I was confused as to why she would be so divergent. Yet the scene where Will comes to Louisa's birthday party were incredibly touching to a point where I really liked her family. It felt a little bit yo-yo-ish for me.
Final Thoughts
To love this book, you have to love emotion. You have to be OK with crying and getting angry. You have to be OK with accepting how other people have a right to make their own choices. You have to realize people are different. You have to understand that yes, there are people in the world like this and just because you haven't met them or interacted with them much doesn't mean they aren't there. What I loved most about this book was the beauty and pain from which I am often sheltered. And when a book makes you get out of your own skin, you have to acknowledge its strengths.
ByJBon February 15, 2016
I am angry I read this book to the end. Time and tears wasted.
**Spoilers**
Six months is enough time with Lou since he can't pin her to a wall or something. With how many close calls he suffered. Why the rush? His ego is his excuse for bowing out prematurely.
It didn't help that he is just not a nice guy. The way he talks to her was way too close to verbal abuse for me to like him. Who is he, and her family for that matter, to tell her she isn't doing anything with her life. These comments loop as she works to support and care for all of them!
**Spoilers**
Six months is enough time with Lou since he can't pin her to a wall or something. With how many close calls he suffered. Why the rush? His ego is his excuse for bowing out prematurely.
It didn't help that he is just not a nice guy. The way he talks to her was way too close to verbal abuse for me to like him. Who is he, and her family for that matter, to tell her she isn't doing anything with her life. These comments loop as she works to support and care for all of them!
ByReader2307on November 3, 2016
Me Before You is about a vivacious young man named Will Traynor who is living his best life. He has a trophy girlfriend, adventurous hobbies and an amazing career. Unexpectedly, Will is involved in a horrendous road accident that leaves him severely disabled. Two years after this accident his parents hire the aimless, clumsy yet bubbly Louisa Clark to help Will regain his joie de vivre.
I enjoyed this book as it is not your typical romantic novel. Moyes uses the book to debate the contentious 'death with dignity' issue from the various characters' viewpoints. She does this deftly without leaning too much to one side of the argument. The book is atypical in that the relationship between the two leads does not follow the usual trajectory. My biggest problem with the book was how weak the female lead was. Her complete lack of self-awareness and inability to think for herself is unbelievable and annoying. Will Traynor is supposed to be the once in a lifetime person that changes how Louisa views the world and how she lives her life but because she is so spiritless Will comes across off as a bit dictatorial which is unfortunate. Up against a better written female character he would have have been more likeable.
The overarching theme is choice - the choice to live your life in the way you see fit and your ability to live with those choices. Moyes poses the question,"Do your choices reflect who you are at your best?"
I enjoyed this book as it is not your typical romantic novel. Moyes uses the book to debate the contentious 'death with dignity' issue from the various characters' viewpoints. She does this deftly without leaning too much to one side of the argument. The book is atypical in that the relationship between the two leads does not follow the usual trajectory. My biggest problem with the book was how weak the female lead was. Her complete lack of self-awareness and inability to think for herself is unbelievable and annoying. Will Traynor is supposed to be the once in a lifetime person that changes how Louisa views the world and how she lives her life but because she is so spiritless Will comes across off as a bit dictatorial which is unfortunate. Up against a better written female character he would have have been more likeable.
The overarching theme is choice - the choice to live your life in the way you see fit and your ability to live with those choices. Moyes poses the question,"Do your choices reflect who you are at your best?"
ByC. Jameson October 25, 2017
I wasn't really sure what I was expecting when I started reading this but after several chapters in I was definitely hooked. The character development in this was one of the big reasons why I devoured it so quickly! I love JoJo Moyes writing style and how she gets you invested in the characters in her stories. I felt the same way when I also read The Horse Dancer which is another great book that also gave me an emotional roller coaster ride. This is a pleasantly good book that I would recommend!
5.0 out of 5 starsShe has an upbeat nature and can be very funny despite the fact that no one laughs in GB
Bymicki SCHLOSSon December 19, 2014
A quadriplegic young man living with his parents in a really small town in England, wants to die. His family is very wealthy. The town's main feature is a castle which is a major tourist attraction. His life, before his accident, was that of a jetsetter. He's a handsome young man, a wealthy young man, one who has his freedom to do anything that he wants to do and he loves his life passionately. These days his bed is his world. He must depend on others to feed, change, and clean him. The freedom of his previously idyllic life is gone and he is determined to go to Switzerland for legally assisted suicide. His parents, mostly his mother are dead set against his plans and they agree to a six month period during which he will have the opportunity to change his mind. He has a professional caregiver who attends to his every need but his mother feels that he needs more. He needs someone to change his attitude, to help him develop a need to live. She interviews and hires ...
...A young local woman from the lower socioeconomic class. She has an upbeat nature and can be very funny despite the fact that no one laughs in GB. She lives in a typical small town row house with a front yard and a rear yard. She resides with her parents, her sister and small son, as well as her grandfather. If you've counting, that's four generations under one roof. Her father is not working since his job is with a company that is not doing well and downsizing. The only income coming in is government assistance and the wages from our oman working at menial jobs usually for minimum wage pay. She is a reader but she has no hope of bettering herself. Her younger sister is pretty and considered smart. She had started a college education which had to be interrupted when she became pregnant. She took a job to help contribute to the family income but she has decided o return to college to get her degree, and the family is really desperate. When she sees the ad for a companion type job she calls for an appointment, is interviewed and lands the job that pays well above the minimum wage and everyone in her house is delighted.
So that's the set up. Their meeting is a disaster as you already know, she has six months to get him to change his mind.
Jojo Moyes is a masterful writer. The young lady is a real Eliza Doolittle, and Ms Moyes gradually makes her into a sophisticated, in-charge woman. Many writers age their characters by changing their surroundings, by events and associations, but Ms. Moyes very gradually changes our heroine's lexicon and we are amazed to experience her growth through her job wherein she slowly takes over his life.
I gave this novel five stars because Ms. Moyes' characters are real and delicious. Enjoy.
...A young local woman from the lower socioeconomic class. She has an upbeat nature and can be very funny despite the fact that no one laughs in GB. She lives in a typical small town row house with a front yard and a rear yard. She resides with her parents, her sister and small son, as well as her grandfather. If you've counting, that's four generations under one roof. Her father is not working since his job is with a company that is not doing well and downsizing. The only income coming in is government assistance and the wages from our oman working at menial jobs usually for minimum wage pay. She is a reader but she has no hope of bettering herself. Her younger sister is pretty and considered smart. She had started a college education which had to be interrupted when she became pregnant. She took a job to help contribute to the family income but she has decided o return to college to get her degree, and the family is really desperate. When she sees the ad for a companion type job she calls for an appointment, is interviewed and lands the job that pays well above the minimum wage and everyone in her house is delighted.
So that's the set up. Their meeting is a disaster as you already know, she has six months to get him to change his mind.
Jojo Moyes is a masterful writer. The young lady is a real Eliza Doolittle, and Ms Moyes gradually makes her into a sophisticated, in-charge woman. Many writers age their characters by changing their surroundings, by events and associations, but Ms. Moyes very gradually changes our heroine's lexicon and we are amazed to experience her growth through her job wherein she slowly takes over his life.
I gave this novel five stars because Ms. Moyes' characters are real and delicious. Enjoy.
ByAmazonian palon May 22, 2018
As someone who is young and chronically ill and my husband, who is young and seriously ill, so many parts of this book tugged at my heart strings. So many parts of it were relatable. We both had to adjust our lives significantly after becoming ill. We lost more than anyone can imagine. Healthy people don’t understand us. Etc etc etc. i honestly believe Will wanted to take revenge for his ex girlfriend marrying his best friend and that’s why he had no desired to live. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and how Will was slowly becoming happy again doing things despite being in a wheelchair. I was highly disappointed how the book ended however. I know Will was desperate to be able to make his own choices because he felt that was taken from him but he could’ve. He had money which a lot of ill people don’t have because they can’t work, he had a nice annex to live in, he could’ve hired playboy bunnies to dance for him if that’s what his heart desired. But what he didn’t have was the will to adjust and live life. I don’t blame him but there’s hundreds and thousands of very ill disabled people who once had beautiful lives and have had to adjust. Life isn’t always beautiful the way we dreamt it to be. Often finding the beauty if our lives is what makes us happy. He could’ve found another girl, if not Louisa who made him happy. It’s not always about snobby pretty girls and being an aggressive businessman that equals a good happy life.
ByBrittanyon June 20, 2016
I read this book in preparation for the movie and honestly I don't even know if I could stomach the movie at this point. I finished this book yesterday and have spent the last day pondering my feelings for it. I realized half way through that it wasn't going to have a fuzzy heart warming ending and once I reached that conclusion I had a hard time getting through it and dreaded reaching the end. Not that a happy ending is necessary for me to enjoy a book, but this ending rubbed me the wrong way. The main character, Lou, left a lot to be desired. I feel like the author only got halfway in developing her. She was boring and though a bit of a firecracker at times, it's no wonder her relationship with Will wasn't enough to keep him going. Speaking of Will, I kept hoping he'd tap into that adventure for life and ambition of his to make the best of his situation instead of wanting none of it. What a poor message for others in that situation. I kept trying to see it from a quadriplegic's point of view and it was horrifying that there was next to nothing positive for them to take away from this book. Will kept giving Lou all this great advice about making the most of life but he seemed nothing but a hypocrite at the end. He had such a great, intellectual mind that it's sad he couldn't see enough to tap into it and help others.
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