Me Before You
By: Jojo Moyes
Louisa “Lou” Clark doesn’t have a lot of activity in her life – and she likes it that way. She lives with her slightly dysfunctional family, works at a local coffee shop, and is somewhat in love with her long-term boyfriend. Her boat doesn’t rock and she’s happy about that. But when the coffee shop where she works closes, and she’s forced to find a new job, her world shifts on her end in a way that will leave her permanently changed.
Responding to an advertisement for a companion, Lou is introduced to Will Traynor, a former risk-seeking playboy who is now confined to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. Will is prickly and Lou is shy, creating a slow start to their relationship. As time goes on and their touching friendship grows and blossoms into a relationship, Lou finds out that Will is deeply unhappy with his life and is planning to use assisted suicide within six months. In a desperate attempt to change his mind, Lou plans a series of adventures and experiences, hoping that Will will find reasons to live.
The characters in this book are realistic and relevant – from the main characters to the orderly that provides medical care for Will. The book is slowly paced and will open up as it is read, drawing readers into this world, feeling Will’s pain and Lou’s passion for helping Will live. The story is written from several points of view, allowing readers to understand the scenario from several characters’ points of view. Ultimately, Me Before You is a touching, heartbreaking and hopeful story about love, life, and dignity. Readers will experience a range of emotions and will be left discussing a poignant and elegantly-written story that explores the most difficult of life’s decisions.
Review By: Jessica Diehl