Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: I loved it. I couldn’t put it down. I will admit one thing and it’s a big thing for others out there who also have heard the rave reviews about this book so, like me, they go out and purchase the book and jump into the story. It is not a traditional love story and it covers deep subject matter. This is your warning. I forgot to warn a friend who I lent my copy to and I heard all about it. LOL! I, myself, was totally surprised when I realized the direction the novel was going but it was also very eye opening and a soft look into the world of quadriplegics. I appreciated the chance to imagine the world they are “trapped in” and the various obstacles they and their loved ones deal with on a daily basis.

Me Before You is about Lou, a girl who is lost in the world and trying to figure out her place in it. She has a vibrant personality and positive attitude about just about anything and everything. She is witty, funny and feels like a real person. She stumbles into a job (and whole new world) working as a type of caregiver for Will, to help heal his broken soul as he deals with his now broken body. Since his accident, Will has become a poor reflection of the daring, adventurous, handsome, successful man he was. His world has dramatically shrunk to his house and how his body is responding/behaving that day.

The author has an amazing voice as she introduces us to the characters, and to the relationship Will and Lou forge. I felt myself wanting to help and encourage them to grow individually and to grow together. The author has a knack for writing characters that feel like real people out there in the world. She entrenches you in their world- the feelings, smells, touch, sound, taste, joys and fears. Will and Lou weave an amazing six month journey of something that is just good.

I would also like to add that I truly appreciated the title of the novel once I finished the reading journey. It’s very reflective of the story and characters. “While every human being has a capacity for love, its realization is one of the most difficult achievements.” –Erich Fromm