book review of me before you

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Me before you.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 5 Reviews
• Kids Say 13 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Moving story of a quadriplegic and his quirky caregiver.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Me Before You is about an unlikely relationship between Louisa, a working-class British woman, and Will, a quadriplegic living at his wealthy parents' estate. Will is facing a serious decision about his condition, and Lou, his hired caregiver, tries her best to get him to make the…

Why Age 14+?

Swearing is infrequent. Some British swear words: "arse," "bloody," "bugger," an

All the adult characters drink socially at various points: in pubs, in their hom

Man gets hit by a motorcycle, which leaves him a quadriplegic, though the accide

Characters kiss a few times. A scene takes place after two characters clearly ha

All brands and media mentioned are for scene setting: Blackberry phone, Lego, Ma

Any Positive Content?

Push yourself to realize your full potential, even if you're afraid to take risk

Extensive information on the life of quadriplegics, including treatments, medica

Louisa has a lot on her shoulders, but she's optimistic and tries to see the bes

Swearing is infrequent. Some British swear words: "arse," "bloody," "bugger," and "wanky." Other profanities include "f--k" and its variations, "s--t" and its variations, "bitch," "Jesus," "God," "damn," "piss," "d--k," "d--khead," "t--s," and "crappy."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

All the adult characters drink socially at various points: in pubs, in their homes, and at a wine tasting. Characters encounter extremely drunk men at the horse races. Lou has a flashback to getting drunk and smoking pot as a teenager. Lou's dad gets drunk at a birthday dinner. Lou gets drunk inadvertently at a wedding because she didn't know the drinks were alcoholic. Characters drink to excess at a resort.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

Man gets hit by a motorcycle, which leaves him a quadriplegic, though the accident isn't shown. Domestic dispute with a woman screaming at her husband and throwing his belongings out a window. During a shouting match between siblings, the dad throws a newspaper at his daughter's head. Character recalls a gang rape, but it is described in general terms and not graphically.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Characters kiss a few times. A scene takes place after two characters clearly have had sex. Sex is discussed a few times but not in detail, including how frequently a couple has sex, whether a quadriplegic can have sex, reference to a lap dance, and brief non-graphic description of one sexual encounter.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

All brands and media mentioned are for scene setting: Blackberry phone, Lego, Marks and Spencer store, Next catalog, Old Spice, Disneyland, and Disney World. Also mentioned are the movies The Little Mermaid , Local Hero , My Fair Lady , The Diving Bell and the Butterfly , and The English Patient ; TV shows The Simpsons and Mastermind; and the play Pygmalion .

Positive Messages

Push yourself to realize your full potential, even if you're afraid to take risks. You can love and support someone, even if you don't agree with his or her choices. Don't let one bad incident define you. Always be open to try new things. Keep an open mind when dealing with difficult people: You never know what emotional battles they're fighting. Never settle for complacency. Note: Will represents a view that life isn't worth living if you're disabled, which many find problematic and/or offensive. But Lou fights hard to promote the opposite message.

Educational Value

Extensive information on the life of quadriplegics, including treatments, medications, pain, deterioration of their condition, difficulties in getting out and about, the way relationships can change, and emotional states. Some discussion of the book The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature by Matt Ridley and theories around sexual selection and the survival of the human species. The issue of death with dignity is an important part of the story, with the pros and cons represented.

Positive Role Models

Louisa has a lot on her shoulders, but she's optimistic and tries to see the best in people. Will is a tough character to like at times, yet he opens himself up to Lou as he hasn't with anyone else. But some readers may find it offensive that he believes that life isn't worth living if you're disabled. Nathan is a good caregiver to Will and a kind coworker to Lou, and he always has an easygoing, understanding attitude. Both sets of parents have their problems, but their hearts are in the right place and they all want what's best for kids and their love for their kids is clear. Treena often annoys Lou, but she comes through when the chips are down.

Parents need to know that Me Before You is about an unlikely relationship between Louisa, a working-class British woman, and Will, a quadriplegic living at his wealthy parents' estate. Will is facing a serious decision about his condition, and Lou, his hired caregiver, tries her best to get him to make the choice everyone else wants. The two main characters learn a lot from each other, especially about opening yourself up to different ways of thinking, but many -- especially in the disabled community -- have found the portrayal of Will and his point of view problematic, since he's presented as feeling that life isn't worth living if you're disabled. Although it's not marketed as a young adult book, it has teen appeal, and it's been adapted into a film that many teens will see. All the characters drink socially, including to excess on a few occasions. There's no smoking; marijuana use is mentioned in a flashback; and there's little sexual content beyond flirting and kissing. One character recalls being raped, but it's not described in detail. Characters swear, using British terms such as "arse" and "bloody, as well as "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "piss," and "d--k."

Where to Read

Parent and kid reviews.

• Parents say (5)
• Kids say (13)

Based on 5 parent reviews

Another movie that gives the message that it is better to be dead than disabled

What's the story.

Louisa Clark has no aspirations to seek a life outside her small British town. She lives with her parents, works at the Buttered Bun, and sees her boyfriend of six years a few times a week. When the cafe closes, she finds herself out of a job. Because of the recession and her limited job experience, she's forced to take jobs that don't appeal to her. One of these is as a companion to a quadriplegic man who lives on his parents' estate near the town's castle. It's only across town, but socially it's a world away. Will, the man she's hired to look after, lived an exciting, successful life in London before an accident left him in a wheelchair. The two get off to a rough start, as Will resents anyone who tries to make decisions for him or doesn't understand the depth of his anguish over his condition. Chatty, quirky, funny Lou eventually breaks through the wall Will has built around himself, and a lovely relationship develops. The biggest issue is a decision Will is making about his life and future.

Is It Any Good?

It's impossible not to fall in love with the characters and story in this deeply emotional and insightful novel . Me Before You tells the story of a man and a woman in a small British town: One is confined there, and one has confined herself there. Readers might think they're getting into a romance, but instead they find themselves enmeshed in a beautiful, emotional, and suspenseful novel. No character in this book is a cliche, not even minor characters, such as an ex-girlfriend of Will's who easily could have been a stereotype. The story's told mostly from Lou's viewpoint, with a few chapters from the viewpoints of other characters, with the notable exception of Will. Lou has a great voice as a character. She has a lot on her shoulders, but she's charming and funny, especially when she babbles nervously. Will is more of a cipher as he confronts major problems: confined to a wheelchair, living with pain, missing his old life, and not knowing when or how badly his condition will deteriorate. Author Jojo Moyes provides an eye-opening look at what quadriplegics have to deal with on a daily basis, physically, emotionally, and socially. Also addressed is the issue of death with dignity. That said, the book has stirred controversy for offering what some consider a stereotypical portrayal of a disabled person who feels that life's not worth living because he's disabled.

Me Before You will move many readers to tears, but not in an overly manipulative way. In addition to the humor and emotion in the book, the suspense is gripping. Moyes doesn't telegraph the ending at all, which will have most readers on the edge of their seat.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Will is portrayed. Do you find his view of being disabled problematic? Can you see why disabled people might? What do you think about how disabled people are portrayed in the media generally? Do disabled characters tend to come off as stereotypes rather than complex individuals?

Stories about characters with serious illnesses are popular. What makes them so appealing? Which others have you read or seen in the movies?

Right-to-die and death-with-dignity laws have been covered in the news. How do you feel about this issue? Do you think people should be able to make those decisions for themselves? What are some instances where you think it's a good idea and some where it might be a bad one?

Book Details

• Author : Jojo Moyes
• Genre : Contemporary Fiction
• Topics : Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : Penguin Group
• Publication date : July 30, 2013
• Number of pages : 369
• Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
• Last updated : December 22, 2015

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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What to read next.

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All the Bright Places

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ME BEFORE YOU

by Jojo Moyes ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 31, 2012

Despite some obviousness in the storyline, this is uplift fiction at its best, with fully drawn characters making difficult...

A young woman finds herself while caring for an embittered quadriplegic in this second novel from British author Moyes ( The Last Letter from Your Lover , 2011).

Louisa has no apparent ambitions. At 26, she lives with her working-class family (portrayed with rollicking energy) in a small English town, carries on a ho-hum relationship with her dull boyfriend and works at a local cafe. Then, the cafe closes, and she must find a job fast to ease her family’s financial stress. Enter Will Traynor, a former world traveler, ladies’ man and business tycoon who’s been a quadriplegic since a traffic accident two years ago. Will’s magistrate mother hires Louisa at a relatively hefty salary to be Will’s caregiver and keep him company for the next six months—easygoing Nathan gives him his medical care and physiotherapy—but really Will’s mother wants Louisa to watch him so he doesn’t try to hurt himself. Will, once handsome and powerful, is not only embittered, but in constant pain. He has some use of one hand but is dependent on others for his basic needs, and recovery is not possible. Louisa, who can’t help speaking her mind and dresses thrift-store eccentric, thinks he hates her, but no surprise, Louisa’s sprightly, no-nonsense charms win him over. He even cheers her up on occasion. When Louisa overhears Will’s mother talking to his sister, she realizes that the Traynors have reluctantly agreed to let Will commit suicide at a facility in six months. Louisa decides to convince him to stay alive with a series of adventures. Meanwhile, Will, who senses something in her past has made Louisa fearful of adventure, is trying to broaden her experience through classical music and books. Their feelings for each other deepen. But Louisa is not Jane Eyre, and Will is not Mr. Rochester in a wheelchair, so don’t expect an easy romantic ending.

Pub Date: Dec. 31, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-670-02660-9

Page Count: 384

Publisher: Pamela Dorman/Viking

Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2012

ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE | GENERAL ROMANCE

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IT ENDS WITH US

by Colleen Hoover ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 2, 2016

Packed with riveting drama and painful truths, this book powerfully illustrates the devastation of abuse—and the strength of...

Hoover’s ( November 9 , 2015, etc.) latest tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence with romantic tenderness and emotional heft.

At first glance, the couple is edgy but cute: Lily Bloom runs a flower shop for people who hate flowers; Ryle Kincaid is a surgeon who says he never wants to get married or have kids. They meet on a rooftop in Boston on the night Ryle loses a patient and Lily attends her abusive father’s funeral. The provocative opening takes a dark turn when Lily receives a warning about Ryle’s intentions from his sister, who becomes Lily’s employee and close friend. Lily swears she’ll never end up in another abusive home, but when Ryle starts to show all the same warning signs that her mother ignored, Lily learns just how hard it is to say goodbye. When Ryle is not in the throes of a jealous rage, his redeeming qualities return, and Lily can justify his behavior: “I think we needed what happened on the stairwell to happen so that I would know his past and we’d be able to work on it together,” she tells herself. Lily marries Ryle hoping the good will outweigh the bad, and the mother-daughter dynamics evolve beautifully as Lily reflects on her childhood with fresh eyes. Diary entries fancifully addressed to TV host Ellen DeGeneres serve as flashbacks to Lily’s teenage years, when she met her first love, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy she found squatting in a neighbor’s house. When Atlas turns up in Boston, now a successful chef, he begs Lily to leave Ryle. Despite the better option right in front of her, an unexpected complication forces Lily to cut ties with Atlas, confront Ryle, and try to end the cycle of abuse before it’s too late. The relationships are portrayed with compassion and honesty, and the author’s note at the end that explains Hoover’s personal connection to the subject matter is a must-read.

Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5011-1036-8

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: May 30, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016

GENERAL ROMANCE | ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

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by Colleen Hoover

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SEEN & HEARD

Kirkus Reviews' Best Books Of 2019

THE LAST LETTER

by Rebecca Yarros ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 26, 2019

A thoughtful and pensive tale with intelligent characters and a satisfying romance.

A promise to his best friend leads an Army serviceman to a family in need and a chance at true love in this novel.

Beckett Gentry is surprised when his Army buddy Ryan MacKenzie gives him a letter from Ryan’s sister, Ella. Abandoned by his mother, Beckett grew up in a series of foster homes. He is wary of attachments until he reads Ella’s letter. A single mother, Ella lives with her twins, Maisie and Colt, at Solitude, the resort she operates in Telluride, Colorado. They begin a correspondence, although Beckett can only identify himself by his call sign, Chaos. After Ryan’s death during a mission, Beckett travels to Telluride as his friend had requested. He bonds with the twins while falling deeply in love with Ella. Reluctant to reveal details of Ryan’s death and risk causing her pain, Beckett declines to disclose to Ella that he is Chaos. Maisie needs treatment for neuroblastoma, and Beckett formally adopts the twins as a sign of his commitment to support Ella and her children. He and Ella pursue a romance, but when an insurance investigator questions the adoption, Beckett is faced with revealing the truth about the letters and Ryan’s death, risking losing the family he loves. Yarros’ ( Wilder , 2016, etc.) novel is a deeply felt and emotionally nuanced contemporary romance bolstered by well-drawn characters and strong, confident storytelling. Beckett and Ella are sympathetic protagonists whose past experiences leave them cautious when it comes to love. Beckett never knew the security of a stable home life. Ella impulsively married her high school boyfriend, but the marriage ended when he discovered she was pregnant. The author is especially adept at developing the characters through subtle but significant details, like Beckett’s aversion to swearing. Beckett and Ella’s romance unfolds slowly in chapters that alternate between their first-person viewpoints. The letters they exchanged are pivotal to their connection, and almost every chapter opens with one. Yarros’ writing is crisp and sharp, with passages that are poetic without being florid. For example, in a letter to Beckett, Ella writes of motherhood: “But I’m not the center of their universe. I’m more like their gravity.” While the love story is the book’s focus, the subplot involving Maisie’s illness is equally well-developed, and the link between Beckett and the twins is heartfelt and sincere.

Pub Date: Feb. 26, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-64063-533-3

Page Count: 432

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Review Posted Online: Jan. 2, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2019

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GENERAL ROMANCE | ROMANCE | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

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A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes | Book Review

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for 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, and 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.

Jojo Moyes’ novel Me Before You has been labeled a romance novel or chick-lit.

However,  Me Before You tackles some very serious issues: What if your life is irreparably changed in an instant? What if you suddenly have no control over any aspect of your life?

Table of Contents

In me before you, louisa clark and will traynor slowly fall in love.

Louisa Clark gets a job as a caregiver for a quadriplegic, Will Traynor.

Will was a man who lived big – he was a financial wheeler-dealer, he climbed mountains, jumped out of planes, and loved traveling the world. All that changed when he was hit by a speeding motorcycle and his life was changed forever.

At first, Will and Louisa don’t like each other. Will is understandably bitter – the former daredevil now only has very limited use of one arm. He needs care 24/7 and is completely dependent upon others.

Will was a corporate type and Louisa is more of a free spirit, at least in the way outrageous ways she wears clothes, but is far more careful in her personal life where she prefers things to be simple and safe, due to a traumatizing personal incident that happened years earlier.

But as they get to know each other, Will and Louisa learn to understand each other more than they thought they would. Will is intrigued by her kooky dress sense and her warm spirit. Louisa gets to know the charming, playful side of Will that he rarely displays to anyone anymore. They grow to care for each other and depend on each other. But is it enough?

Final Analysis

Even though the subject matter is so sad, I thought that the book was well written and was completely immersed in it right from the start. I was curious to see how the book ended. I liked Louisa very much – she’s spunky and fun, but she does need to expand her horizons.

At first, I didn’t like Will very much. He is very, very bitter, which is completely understandable in his case.

Will has made a certain decision that will not be changed by anyone else.

He also never really tells her how he really feels until the very end.

Will’s mother is rather cold, but that may just be her way of handling trauma. We all have different ways of handling stress and tragedy in our lives, and that just might be her way of handling tough issues.

Also, as some feminists have pointed out, why does Louisa need a male figure to expand her horizons for her? Can’t she do it herself?

However, because of the dark incident in Louisa’s past, she needs to learn to get past that fear and learn to live again – to live big . Will helps her to do just that.

I believe that this book is worth reading. It does raise serious issues that need to be discussed, which is why I believe this book is a favorite of book clubs.

Me Before You was the first book in a trilogy.

If you like this review, please read my review of People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry.

Thank you for reading The Literary Lioness!

About Jojo Moyes

Jojo Moyes is a British novelist.

Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram

The Literary Lioness

I love books, writing, film, and television.

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Dorthy Chanez

I think this book would make a great movie or Television adaptation. The character types and story are just so persuasive. The Summer I Turned Pretty Book Series: A Season of New Love

It was made into a movie in 2016. It was not changed much from the book, which is unusual.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Me_Before_You_(film)

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Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

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Book Review — Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

July 25, 2014 by Aestas · 34 Comments

“I had a hundred and seventeen days in which to convince Will Traynor that he had a reason to live.”

• Buy ME BEFORE YOU (Kindle)
• Buy ME BEFORE YOU (Paperback)
• Buy ME BEFORE YOU (Hardcover)

What an incredible story!!

When I finished this book, tears were pouring down my face. It was powerful, heart-breaking, and bittersweet but also oddly heartwarming. Absolutely unforgettable. I honestly think it’s impossible to come away from this book without an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all the blessings in your life.

I’ll be honest, it’s taken me over a year to work up the courage to read this book. I found out the ending back in 2012 when I first heard about the book and my initial reaction was Noooope, I can’t do this! … but I was still drawn to the story and deeply curious about it. So I kept it at the back of my mind and would think about it from time to time. I’d even open the book, then chicken out and put it back. But I finally came to terms mentally with the story and got to a point where I felt I was ready to read it. And I just want to say that I am  SO glad that I finally decided to go for it because this story will stay in my heart forever.

It’s about a woman, Louisa, who is desperate for a job and accepts a position as private caregiver to a young disabled man, a quadriplegic, from a wealthy family. This man, Will Traynor, had once been on the fast track in life — a high powered business man who pursued a thrilling life of action and adventure. But that all came to a sudden, tragic halt the day he was the victim of an accident that left most of his body paralyzed. Now faced with the medical reality that he was never going to recover, his entire outlook on life changed and he made a shocking, but yet oddly understandable, personal decision which he felt was right for him much to the despair of his family. And that was where Lou came into the picture.

It was truly tragic seeing this guy who had so much mental energy be so strongly and permanently confined. He was trapped inside his own body and, as a reader, I could really feel his hopeless frustration and rage. For the first time since his accident though, Lou brought moments of joy into his life.

Mind you, they didn’t have the smoothest of starts. Will was cranky, moody, and had no desire to establish any kind of friendship with her. But as the days went by, things slowly began to change between them…

This story was quietly captivating. You could almost call it slow-paced and yet I didn’t want to put it down and was constantly thinking about all aspects of the story even when I wasn’t reading it.

I’m at odds with how much I should tell you about it though. On one hand, I fully respect and understand the benefits of going into a story like this blind, but on the flip side, if it was me , I would have wanted to know what to expect so I’m going to split things up here….

If you don’t want to know anything  more about the story before you read, you can just stop here or  click to purchase the book . BUT…. if you want to get an idea of the way everything ends, then read on.

Essentially, prior to the start of the book, Will made an unwavering, clear-minded decision that he did not wish to continue his life in his condition. It was not a rash or unstable decision made out of depression or anger, but rather one based on medical facts and personal choice. Louisa found out about his choice relatively early on and when she did, she was horrified and decided to do everything in her power to convince him to change his mind. I think that it was a very natural reaction to want to cling to hope for a better future and the belief that there  must be a way. I don’t want to directly give the ending away but at the same time I want to warn you that this is not a fairy tale and its a painfully real and honest story.

There is no sudden tragedy or twist at the end. More like a personal choice made by taking a realistic look at life. It’s painfully heartbreaking to admit but I do feel that, given the circumstances of Will’s situation and what he wanted out of his life, it was the right ending for the person to whom it mattered most.

I’m not going to lie, prior to reading this book, I struggled with the morality of it simply based on my natural reaction. But, looking back, that was unfair because I didn’t really know the complexity or details of this exact situation. I think we innately want to fix things, and it’s easier to hold on to imaginary hope when you’re not the person who is trapped. It’s an incredibly selfless act to love someone enough to put their happiness first even at the cost of your own. It makes my heart  ache to say this and I still can’t even think about it without tears coming to my eyes but… it really ended the only way it could have.

There are so many valuable life lessons embedded in this story — to find a purpose in life, to follow your passions, to never waste a single moment — and I feel like this story gives an important reminder to value each minute, and cherish each of the things that we can so easily take for granted.

Everything is precious. Every ability, every minute, all of it.

Count your blessings. Be grateful for each one of them. Read this book.

Rating: 4.5 — 5 stars. Standalone. This is fiction, not romance, even though there is a love story.

This was originally written as a standalone, but the author recently announced a sequel to be released this Fall. Click the cover below for more info on it!

Christy says

July 26, 2014 at 3:46 pm

Lovely review! I’ve had this on my TBR forever too. I’m gonna have to read it soon now!

Aestas says

July 26, 2014 at 4:12 pm

Thanks, Christy! It’s definitely worth bumping up the list 🙂

Sabrina says

July 26, 2014 at 3:53 pm

This book made me cry so hard!!

Jaimie says

July 26, 2014 at 4:27 pm

Loved this book, it made me cry too. Spot on review!

July 28, 2014 at 12:59 am

Thank you!!

Neil N. Wondeland says

July 26, 2014 at 7:44 pm

Once upon a time. I laugh. I smiled. I fell in love. Then I cried. Ugly and Hard. The end. Great review Aestas. Great as always!!!!!!! Hart Hart! <3

Thanks so much 🙂

Sarina Bowen says

July 29, 2014 at 10:31 am

What I adore about this book is the (perfectly acceptable) way it manipulates the reader. You suspect you know how it ends. Your intellect steers you towards a probable outcome. But the whole time, your heart is pulling for the opposite. It’s genius.

July 29, 2014 at 12:37 pm

That’s such an accurate observation. It’s absolutely the way it unfolds. I completely agree!

Sarita says

April 13, 2015 at 3:09 pm

Just finished the book and can not stop tears falling down. I have watched an international movie similar to this novel’s story but did not feel like i am feeling now after reading the book. Till to the end, i was just wishing Will to be alive. I am a nuse and i have worked with Quad people of different age. It was only a few day when i did not cry in the hospital. Life is really hell to be stucked in two wheel chair. I guess they are making the movie on this Novel; i guess i do not have gut to watch the movie. Great job Heart wrenching

Mahina says

April 19, 2015 at 2:00 am

I really enjoyed this novel so much that i read 5 months ago and i still cant see to let it go i keep coming back to the book .

Theresa says

July 10, 2015 at 5:02 am

I just finished read this book, have cried my eye balls out by the end. I hate that the ending had to be like that, but it was only realistic and right that it end that way. I really really love this book, truly unforgettable. Really heartwarming/wrenching and painful, yet beautiful, but I love it. Thank you for your recommendation!

And is After You the second book?

July 10, 2015 at 10:08 am

You’re welcome! And, yes, it appears to be the sequel! If you go to the amazon page for it by clicking the cover above (or just go here http://amzn.to/1Hi35yv ), you’ll see a letter from the author about it!

Michelle Dodd says

January 14, 2016 at 9:02 am

I absolutely loved this story and I didn’t know they were doing a movie for it until recently but I cannot wait. I hope they do the book some justice it was such a beautiful story great review on it!

January 14, 2016 at 12:43 pm

My all time favorite book! Always! <3

January 30, 2016 at 9:03 pm

How much is this in the Philippines?

February 9, 2016 at 11:01 am

Thanks for the review I’m dead excited to read this. I found it by watching the trailer <3 stay happy

Jennifer Taylor says

April 22, 2016 at 8:45 am

I don’t know what took me so long to read this book. But I saw the movie trailer and read about the book on Goodreads and Amazon. I wanted to read the book. My friend let me borrow the book and I just could not put it down. It was a beautiful heartbreaking story. It is one of my all time favorite books. I have watched the movie trailer so many times. I can’t wait to see the movie.

Hannah says

April 26, 2016 at 11:05 am

I really liked reading your review it’s nice to share one’s thoughts and feelings on a book that tugged on my heart so much and so deeply! Have you heard of After You? It’s the next book to Me Before You and I’m excited to read that too as well as watch the movie! Hoping to hear your thoughts on After You too. 🙂 Looking forward to reading more of your lovely reviews!

Katherine says

April 29, 2016 at 4:14 am

This book filled me with so much damn emotion and I cried ugly and hard throughout the last chapter

Esmeralda says

May 21, 2016 at 6:24 pm

Where does the story take place ?

misspiggy says

May 25, 2016 at 6:51 pm

The function his suicide plays in the book is to make her life easier, although he has the resources to have a comfortable life. That’s pretty repugnant when you’re reading it as a disabled person.

May 25, 2016 at 8:19 pm

That’s completely untrue. He made the decision to end his life prior to meeting her. The function wasn’t about making her life better. He made the decision for him.

Also, I don’t think there’s any person (disabled or not) who has the right to judge what someone else considers to be a “comfortable” life. Being rich doesn’t mean you’re comfortable or happy. The only person who could ever decide that was him. And he made his decision before he ever met her.

Jee Hyung Lee says

June 5, 2016 at 3:58 am

Actually, you yourself said “It’s an incredibly selfless act to love someone enough to put their happiness first even at the cost of your own.” You’re the one who portrayed Will’s suicide as being at least partly for Lou’s benefit. That’s a pretty damaging message to say that it’s selfless and loving for a disabled person to is kill themself for the benefit of loved ones. It’s also not respectful to the vast majority of quadriplegic people who love and take joy from their lives to characterize their condition as “confined” or “trapped.” A disabled person committing suicide is not heartwarming or inspiring or the “right ending,” it’s a tragedy that springs from a lack of imagination on what a life with disability can be like. It’s a lack of imagination that is all too widespread, perpetuated in no small part by works like this one.

June 5, 2016 at 8:31 am

No, you’re wrong about what I said. When I said “It’s an incredibly selfless act to love someone enough to put their happiness first even at the cost of your own.” — I was referring to it being selfless of LOU to put WILL’s happiness in front of HER own. Not the other way.

I think you have the entire message and point of the book backward. It’s HIM before HER. Putting his happiness and personal wishes to end his life above HER happiness and desire to keep him in her life.

The reason I said it was the ‘right ending’ is because it was the ending HE wanted. It’s HIS choice. Not because of her, not for her, not anything to do with her… simply because it was what HE wanted, given his situation, for HIM. I was devastated by his death, but the ‘right ending’ was the one HE wanted.

And the reason I used words like ‘confined’ and ‘trapped’ are again because that’s how HE felt. That is not my personal opinion. It’s how HE felt. Every person is different. This isn’t making a statement about all quadriplegic people, it’s making an observation about HIM as an individual being. It has nothing to do with any other person’s situation.

And the book gives a beautiful message about respecting someone’s personal wishes. This isn’t even a little bit about disabled people. That’s not the point at all. It’s just about a PERSON’s wishes, choices, and happiness… and being able to respect that.

Also, I’m concerned that you didn’t fully read the book because when you say “it’s a tragedy that springs from a lack of imagination on what a life with disability can be like” you’re missing the fact that the book showed clearly that he DID try every possible option regarding his life with a disability and the whole point was that it wasn’t a life HE was happy with. Ultimately, the only person who could decide that was HIM. Nobody else has the right to judge anyone else’s quality of life or measure their happiness. You’re absolutely right that it was tragic. But in the end, it was his decision… and it was up to everyone else to put his choice above their own happiness.

Bambi Marasigan says

June 6, 2016 at 1:32 am

It also took me more than 4 months to finally read this book and tears are really flowing. The tears are coupled with hope for Lou. As for the movie, when we watched X-men two Sundays ago there was this poster of the couple and my officemate and me included this in our bucket list, me not knowing that I have a copy of the book or the movie is based on the book. I just knew of the movie when after i read it 2 Sundays ago, I googled the place where Will spent his “peaceful” day. That is when I learned that a movie was created for this book. A real place existed and it is recognized by the government of that country. We really cannot put judgment on the ending but must also know why the place was founded as well. The main lesson is: We have only one life and we must live it to our fullest. We must learn how to go beyond our limit. Life is beautiful. Thanks Jojo Moyes.

p.s. I have also finished reading “Me After You” I hope a 3rd book for Lou’s life in the US and for the new life for Lily and her new family shall be written by Jojo.

June 14, 2016 at 8:54 am

SUCH a moving read! I did a book/film chat on this tooo

velma Wangutusi says

June 30, 2016 at 8:15 pm

Just finished reading the book and I haven’t cried this much since I read fault in our stars,oh Lou, I don’t fancy her life one bit.It’s hard to love someone then lose them,even after trying to save them…I tend to avoid such books especially after reading John Green’s,Jennifer Niven, Tillie Cole’s book…but after watching the trailor on YouTube I knew I had to read it.Was it worth it?Yes

Steven says

July 12, 2016 at 5:31 am

“It’s an incredibly selfless act to love someone enough to put their happiness first even at the cost of your own.” Did someone mention Patrick? She was realy selfless to Patrick…So, while everybody cries about the loss of Will, and poor little Louisa…there isnt anyone here saying “Louisa was in a 7 years relationship with a good guy Patrick, she met the rich and charming Will (yeah he was disabled, but rich and a real pain in the ****), they got close, and Patrick got the boot in the butt…”

July 12, 2016 at 6:51 am

No, I wasn’t referring to Patrick at all. Not even a little. Patrick was clearly not the man for her. He may not have been a bad guy, but that didn’t make him right for her either regardless of Will. Patrick wasn’t mentioned in my review on purpose.

August 15, 2016 at 2:43 pm

I just ugly cried… truly. My heart broke for this couple. The way she wanted him so desperately to see a life could be happy if they had each other. The way he never felt he would be good enough and hold her back from living a full life killed me. I hurt for the man he wished he could still be and I hurt for the love Lou had for him no matter his disability. I hurt for the love he had for her, but was too afraid to show it because he didn’t think he would ever be good enough. I haven’t cried this hard since Fault in Our Stars and in my opinion this was simply sadder, because it was all a choice. Ugh – I now need something trashy and decadent to read that will help my broken little heart move past this…. lordie

Linda Moffitt says

November 29, 2017 at 10:49 pm

I can’t wait to read this book. I just watched the movie not too long ago so I want to read the book and compare though I usually think the books are always better, the movie was pretty good.

Gouthami says

September 13, 2020 at 3:52 pm

Beautiful review Aestas! What a book!! Could you make recommendations about other books that are heart warming and poignant as this one?

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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: A Comprehensive Book Review

“Me Before You” is a poignant tale penned by Jojo Moyes that delves deep into the intricacies of love, life, and the choices we make. The novel, which has garnered attention from readers worldwide, is not just a love story but an exploration of life’s meaning and the lengths to which one might go to define their own existence.

Check out this article for an overview of all of Jojo Moyes’ books.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Louisa Clark, an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life in a small town, and Will Traynor, a once-vibrant man now paralyzed from the chest down due to a tragic accident. Their worlds collide when Louisa, in her badly needed job working as a caregiver, meets Will and what ensues is a transformative journey for both.

Character Development

Louisa, an ordinary girl often described as quirky with her unique fashion choices, evolves from a girl with limited aspirations to someone who learns to dream big, largely influenced by her interactions with Will. On the other hand, Will, initially resentful and bitter about his condition, gradually opens up, revealing layers of depth, vulnerability, and wisdom.

Themes and Insights

The novel touches upon several profound themes:

• Life and Its Meaning: Through Will’s perspective, readers are made to ponder the essence of life. What does it mean to truly live? Is mere existence enough, or should one seek a life of purpose and passion?
• Love and Sacrifice: The growing bond between Louisa and Will is not just romantic but deeply emotional. Their relationship underscores the sacrifices one is willing to make for love.
• Choices: Central to the narrative is the controversial topic of assisted suicide. The book doesn’t take a stance but rather presents the complexities surrounding personal choices and their implications.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes Review

From the very first page of “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes, I felt an immediate connection. The world of Louisa Clark, with its vibrant colors, quirky outfits, and the bustling life of a small town, drew me in. I could almost hear the chatter of the café where Lou worked, feel the cobblestones beneath my feet, and sense the anticipation of something transformative on the horizon.

As I journeyed deeper into the narrative, I was introduced to Will Traynor, a once active young man now facing a huge life change. His character, once full of life and adventure, now confined to a wheelchair, was a stark contrast to Louisa’s spirited demeanor. Their initial interactions were, to say the least, challenging. The palpable tension, the sharp retorts, and the evident discomfort made their early days together all the more real to me. It was like watching two worlds collide, each with its own set of challenges and dreams.

But as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the transformation in their relationship was nothing short of magical. The walls that Will had built around himself began to crumble, brick by brick, with Louisa’s unwavering persistence and infectious optimism. Their conversations, filled with banter, deep reflections, and shared dreams, became the highlight of my reading journey. I found myself eagerly awaiting their next adventure, be it a simple day out in the town or a grand trip to a far-off place.

Moyes’ portrayal of the challenges faced by quadriplegics was eye-opening. Through Will’s experiences, I felt the weight of the physical limitations, the longing for lost freedoms, and the internal battle between acceptance and hope. Yet, amidst all the pain and despair, there were moments of pure joy, laughter, and genuine connection, reminding me of the resilience of the human spirit.

The transformation of Louisa, the main character who once led an ordinary life, throughout the story was awe-inspiring. From an ordinary girl content with her entire life being in one place to someone who dared to step out of her comfort zone, her journey was a testament to the transformative power of love and friendship. I cheered for her successes, felt her heartbreaks, and celebrated her rediscovery of herself.

The ethical dilemmas the story presented, especially around the topic of assisted suicide, were deeply thought-provoking. It made me pause and reflect, questioning my own beliefs and understanding of life’s true value.

By the time I reached the heart-wrenching conclusion, I was emotionally invested in Louisa and Will’s journey. The tears, the laughter, the moments of introspection – it all felt so personal as if I had lived through their experiences myself.

In the vast landscape of contemporary literature, “Me Before You” stands as a beacon, illuminating the depths of human emotion, the complexities of love, and the profound questions about life and choice. Jojo Moyes has crafted a narrative that is not only engaging but also deeply introspective. 

The journey of Louisa Clark and Will Traynor serves as a mirror, reflecting our own fears, hopes, and the choices we grapple with. It’s a testament to the book’s power that it evokes such a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, from introspection to revelation. 

As readers, we are not merely observers but active participants, feeling every high and low alongside the characters. In essence, “Me Before You” is more than a novel; it’s a reflection on life itself, urging us to cherish every moment, to seek meaning in our existence, and to truly understand the transformative power of love. It’s a book that leaves an indelible mark, long after the final page has been turned.

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Submitting a book for review, write the editor, you are here:, me before you.

Lou Clark enjoys her life in her small English hometown. Her family, ever teetering on financial disaster, is close. Patrick, her boyfriend and sure to eventually become Lou's husband, is a nice man, even though Lou simply tolerates his continual quest to become a perfect specimen of an athlete. Lou has a sparring yet loving relationship with her brilliant sister, Treena. Unexpectedly pregnant, Treena has returned home from college and now lives in the Clarks' crowded little house with her son. Lou cherishes her job as a waitress in the Buttered Bun Café, where she has formed friendships with her regular customers.

"ME BEFORE YOU has every quality a page-turner should have, in spades.... This is an unusual and emotional love story melded with a satisfying coming-of-age tale that is utterly irresistible."

However, everything changes on the day her boss calls her in to deliver terrible news: He is closing the café for good. Lou is in shock as she returns home. She knows her parents depend on her salary to get by. Her mother looks after Lou's grandfather, who lives with them, so she can't work. Her father's job is in constant jeopardy, with probable lay-offs looming. Typical of their relationship, Lou must literally run laps with Patrick while she confides her worries to him. She is not comforted by Patrick's notion that she could become a beautician because she's "pretty enough."

At the Job Center, the news is grim. Lou spends a few nights as a fill-in at a chicken processing plant and also works for a sketchy company that appears to be bent on selling questionable energy suppliers to seniors. Her job counselor wonders if she would be interested in a career as a pole dancer or "adult chat line supervisor." Lou is aghast at these possibilities, which makes the next open position considerably more appealing than it might have been otherwise: "Care and companionship for a disabled man." It turns out that the employer is a quadriplegic who simply needs someone with him during the day to help him…and the pay is quite good. Of course, Lou has reservations. She is not keen on wiping bottoms, but when offered the job --- as a temporary six-month position --- she can't turn it down.

Lou is off to a bumpy start the day she meets Will Traynor, who is now in a wheelchair, sidelined from his mountain-climbing, bungee-jumping, high-stakes-career life. Will is unhappy and certainly doesn't mind making Lou miserable by either ignoring her or snapping at her. Lou longs to quit the job, but her family is desperate for the paycheck. Eventually Lou discovers shocking news about Will, revelations that make her change her focus. She becomes determined to take him on adventures that will show him what he can still attain in spite of his disability. Meanwhile, as the two draw closer, Will tries to convince Lou that she can change her own future, enlarging it from the pleasant but ordinary fate to which she is resigned.

ME BEFORE YOU has every quality a page-turner should have, in spades. Author Jojo Moyes pulls readers immediately into Lou's world, handily eliminating that "I know if I keep reading, eventually I'll be hooked" phase sometimes encountered in books. Lou is a particularly endearing character with a sassy sense of humor, heavy on the self-deprecation, and readers cannot help but feel for her. This is an unusual and emotional love story melded with a satisfying coming-of-age tale that is utterly irresistible.

Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon on January 10, 2013

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

• Publication Date: April 26, 2016
• Genres: Fiction , Romance
• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• ISBN-10: 0143130153
• ISBN-13: 9780143130154

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Me Before You

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• Dec 31, 2012, 384 pages
• Jul 2013, 400 pages

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Book Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me before you by jojo moyes is a heart-wrenching story, but at the same time i find it so inspirational. i really inspires me to make the most of life while i still can. here’s my book review of me before you by jojo moyes., overview of me before you.

Me Before You follows the story of Louisa Clarke, known as Lou. My book review of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes will give a few small spoilers, but I’ll try not to give away all parts of the plot!

Lou starts a new job as a carer for Will Traynor. Will used to live an active, adventurous life through his 20s. However, after a motorcycle accident, he is now paralysed from the neck down. His mum hires Lou to keep Will company.

At first, Will is moody and sullen. He resents his new life, being trapped in his wheelchair. And he finds Lou’s chatty optimism annoying. Lou also hates the job at first, hating to have to be around someone who clearly doesn’t want her there.

However, over time, Lou and Will start to warm to one another. They start to do a few trips outside together and learn more about each other and their lives.

Will’s secret

But the Lou finds out Will’s secret. She finds out that Will is planning to end his life because he doesn’t want to live a life where he is paralysed and in pain. Will had promised his parents six more months, and is planning to go to Switzerland at the end of this time. Louisa is distraught at the thought. But then she starts trying to change Will’s mind. She hopes that if she can show him how wonderful life could be, then Will might change his mind.

They go to a concert together, spend time with Lou’s family for her birthday, and go to the wedding of Will’s ex-girlfriend together. And they go on holiday together to Mauritius.

The more time they spend together, the more Lou’s outlook on life changes. Before she met Will, she’d been happy with her simple life. She’d been happy living with her parents in the village she was born in, working any job she could find, with no real ambitions or plans for the future. But after talking to Will, and with his encouragement, she starts to think about whether she wants more from life.

I won’t give away Will’s final decision at the end of this book. Everyone will have their own opinions on whether me made the ‘right’ decision about whether to end his life or not. And maybe there isn’t a ‘right’ answer. But the book ends with Lou having a new outlook on life, and new dreams to follow.

If you like the sound of this book, buy yourself a copy for this weekend here .

What I liked about Me Before You

I really loved this book, so my book review of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is really positive.

My favourite part of this book was Lou’s character development. I loved how she grew throughout the book. At the beginning of the book, she was living a normal, un-extraordinary life. But Will showed her that she could do so much more. He talked about his adventures and his travels. And Lou started to think about whether she wanted more. She started to think about travelling, or moving to another city to go to university to follow her passions. I loved how her horizons widened and her outlook on her possible future grew. I think so many of us are ‘stuck’ in relatively ordinary, mediocre lives. And sometimes, we all need a reminder to push ourselves a bit more, and do something more extraordinary with our lives.

I also found this book really inspirational and motivating to do more with my life because of Will’s story. He’d been living a great life, but then he suddenly was involved in an accident, and his whole world changed in an instant. It’s really a reminder about how fragile our lives are. And how everything can change and be taken away from us in one split second. It’s a reminder to always make the most of the present, because none of us know what’s around the corner. And it’s a reminder to always live your life to the full, because it could be taken away at any moment.

What I wasn’t so sure about

I don’t think there are any parts of this book I wasn’t so sure about. I genuinely loved it all. It was heart-wrenching, but at the same time inspirational and life-affirming.

Every reader is going to have a different opinion on Will’s views about thinking about ending his life after being paralysed. And every reader will have a different view of Will’s final decision. But I think that’s ok. I think it’s important to think about these things

Would I recommend Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I’d definitely recommend Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. It’s a beautiful story. And it’s so inspirational. If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to live your life to the full, while you still can, this is the one. Go live your dreams.

Hope you enjoyed my book review of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes! Remember you can buy yourself a copy here . If this book has inspired you to travel, start planning your trip. Read my blog posts on the top experiences in California , Florida and North West USA to get inspired. Or get inspired to travel in Europe, visiting Wales , Lisbon , Austrian Alps , Vienna , Barcelona and Iceland .

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The Literary Edit

Review: Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

After hearing Jojo Moyes read an extract from Me Before You at the World Book Night event I recently attended at the Southbank, I was keen to read the ninth novel from former journalist Moyes, who has twice won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

That it was chosen as one of twenty books to be given away as part of World Book Night 2013 is accolade enough of its merits, with further proof on the World Book Night website which describes the novel as thus: “An incredibly unexpected story of what happens when life goes wrong… Bittersweet, beautiful, truly heartbreaking but ultimately full of joy and life.”

And so I began. Me Before You tells the story of twenty-seven year old Lou Clark who, following being made redundant from her job in a cafe, accepts a post as carer for local quadriplegic man, Will Traynor, whose world was turned upside down following a motorbike accident two years previously. Already struggling with the temperament of her new boss, Lou overhears Will’s family discussing his recent suicide attempt and consequently hands in her notice. A visit from Will’s mum, however, causes her to reconsider and she agrees to continue working for the Traynor family under one condition:that she can spend the next six months convincing Will that he has a reason to live.

What follows is a tale that fuses both joy and despair in what is, ultimately, a love story of the best kind. As the relationship between Lou and Will develops into one beyond their professional boundaries, it soon becomes apparent that they have a lot to learn from each other. Will teaches Lou to follow her dreams, while Lou does her utmost to make Will see that he has a reason for living, beyond the restraints of his chair.

A beautiful, heartbreaking novel that touches upon the taboo of euthanasia and makes the reader question their own moral standing on one’s right to die, it’s easy to see why Me Before You was championed as a book to encourage the nation to read.

About Me Before You

Louisa Clark is an ordinary young woman 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?

About Jojo Moyes

Jojo Moyes is a British novelist.

Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for  The Independent  for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.

Moyes’ novel  Foreign Fruit  won the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.

She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.

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3 comments on “Review: Me Before You – Jojo Moyes”

Sounds like something I would cry about. It’s interesting but I hate reading sad stories… great review! 🙂

It was very sad but also quite uplifting!

Hearing the extract at the event at the Southbank has made me want to read this too. I’d initially blown it off as just a romance but it really does sound so much more interesting than that. I’m looking forward to giving it a go, particularly as it was a WBN book.

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Me Before You book review

Posted June 6, 2016 by Jordann @thebookbloglife in 5 star , book reviews / 4 Comments

Louisa Clark is an ordinary young woman 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?

Me Before You was a whirlwind of emotion and one that I really enjoyed. Louisa Clark is hired by the Traynor family in order to be a hired help for their quadriplegic son Will.

Who should read Me Before You:

• You like a personal development story
• When there’s an unconventional love story
• Quirky characters with real-life conversations.

Who shouldn’t read Me Before You:

• If you are triggered by thoughts of suicide.
• You just don’t like really sad books.
• A book that offers a different outlook.

This book is one of a kind. There is a honesty throughout this book that is refreshing, the characters have conversations that you yourself would imagine having. Lou Clark offers up unabashed optimism that at times becomes a little overwhelming, but it is undoubtedly her character as part of her as anything else. The thing about this book is even when the optimism becomes cringe worthy, you don’t mind because it’s completely Lou and that’s just the way she is.

Will Traynor is a character that is presented as being completely unlikeable at the beginning but you grow attached to his character and begin to see his side of things and it becomes the biggest inner conflict of the entire book. I really struggled with what was the right thing to happen, and I think that’s why I love this book so much. Even in the end I was still unresolved as to whether I was happy with the ending.

The journey that these two go on is something that is both upsetting but hilarious. The way that the two of them bounce off each other is what makes this book as good as it is. The banter and interactions genuinely made me chuckle, they were just real.

I loved this book and the eventual direction this book went in, the opposing points of view, the way controversial issues were presented, it was all done so cleverly and with a subtle power. This book broke so many of my emotions free, and I would definitely consider rereading it really soon.

If you haven’t picked this book up then please do. I would definitely recommend it to all of my friends.

Have you ever read a book that pulls on all the heart strings and left you an emotional wreck? Let me know in the comments below!

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4 responses to “ me before you book review ”.

This book is very underrated but it only happens in the movies by holly bourne. I was actually sobbing by the end. i definitely recommend that you read it!

Oh I will definitely be checking that one out! Thanks for the recommendation!

No problem! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. If you ever do a review of it, I would definitely be checking it out!

Thank you that means so much <3

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Maryse's Book Blog

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Book Review – Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

January 2, 2013 By Maryse 56 Comments

My friend Jackie (in England) was adamant that I read this ASAP. It wasn’t available in the US at the time (not even in digital format) so she MAILED me a print copy, and left me an urgent note. The way she was going on about it in chat, I knew this was going to be big . It was obviously one of “those” reads. Inspirational and deep, you know? I was excited, but you know me and physically holding an actual book. 😉 And this is a BIG book. Not just in size but in emotion, too.

Maryse: Omg Jackie. I’m reading your book and I’m loving it and yet so desperately anxiously sad. *spoiler*  I have a whole new perspective. *spoiler*. I adore him. Jackie: I told you. You can’t help but fall in love with him in the prologue – he has everything. Read on, its a great book that will live with you forever. Keep me informed. xxx Maryse: Ah I finished it. So good… Jackie: will you review it? Maryse: I feel like I should but I don’t know how to say it without saying too much. You know? I cried (oh boy did I ever) … I know. I mean…. *spoiler* SO FREAKING HEARTBREAKING!!! I was going to text you at a certain point, and my husband said… “It’s like 4 am over there.” I said, “Too bad! She should know better. Time for her to wake up and comfort me.” But… I held back. 😉 Jackie: lol. It did hurt . *spoiler* I just collapsed on the bed and wailed . – just wailed. xxx That book will live with me forever. So good… And – for the record, I would have forgiven a 4am text under the circumstances. xxx

Jackie, it would seem that you’ve caused a frenzy. When this finally released yesterday in the U.S. and I added it to the latest release page, I felt the need to include a note about how much I loved it… and the fact that I hadn’t even reviewed it yet. Still, a few of you jumped in and have since let me know that it affected you just as deeply.

Ashley: Me Before You got me hugging my child at 3 in the morning when i finished it. Then i went and woke my husband and he had to hold me and rub my back until it was time for work… I will always remember … Always. Its been a few days and the book is still with me. It haunts me. Tracey: Just finished Me Before You, I hadn’t read the reviews before hand and just ploughed straight in…..its the first book in forever that I didnt want to finish when I realised what it was about but I had to finish it. (If that makes sense) I both loved it and hated it , and yes i cried ( i dont cry whilst reading a book never ever)… Would I have read this book if I had read the reviews ..No however Im very glad I did. Claudia: Me before You It’s a must read book ..70% and really scared!! …  It’s pricey but is very good!!

So why didn’t I review it right away if it is one of “those” books? Well, it took me a few days to… settle in, after I read it. I had no idea what to say. To you, to me… even to Jackie. How do I review a book like this? You’ll know what I mean if you go for it.

It was obvious that I LOVED it. I knew that. Deep down. I loved every single thing about it. I got it. I get it. BUT, I had an equally demanding emotion to contend with. For awhile, I was furious with Jackie for sending me this heartwrenching story. I looked up at my husband at some point in the book (I won’t tell you where) and said, “What was she thinking?!! Does she even know me at all?”

It would be safest for me to not say anything more about the actual story. To truly experience it as it was meant to be taken in, as it was meant to be fully processed and internalized, I believe it is best to go in blindly (if you’re game for it, that is).

I did. I had no idea what I was in for, even though Jackie and I had discussed it previously (she only spoke of it in terms of feelings, and I now know why). Jackie threw me into the deep end, and I had to learn how to swim, fast. And yes, at some point… (again, it’s a secret), I was scrambling. Moments of basking in joy, wanting to cuddle, smiling to myself… and moments of me shaking my head and crunching my eyebrows, restraining my tears. And I couldn’t hold ’em. I don’t think anyone can hold back tears reading this one. At one point I thought I was too mad to cry. I get that way sometimes. A delayed reaction to moments of sadness, because my fury is in the forefront and squashing my true feelings. The feelings that I don’t want to feel. But I still couldn’t hold it.

It was a little “slow” every once in awhile, making me wonder where it was going, but this story calls for that. Needs that attention to detail. That slowly budding friendship…

“… I just needed to hear a friendly voice.” “is he that bad?” “Treen, he  hates  me. He looks at me like I’m something the cat dragged in. And he doesn’t even drink tea. I’m hiding from him.”

… allowing the readers to experience and process that tentative trust. I know you’ve heard this from me before about other stories (damaged people, learning to trust, one special connection etc…), but this is different. Unless you’ve actually read this book, well… you likely haven’t read this before.

But I’ll tell you all what. No matter what happened or didn’t happen, I’m better for having read it. Lived it. Cried through it. Okay… sobbed through it.

And yes, Jackie. I must acknowledge that you obviously know me perfectly. Even if it took me a few days to admit it. And everyday since I’ve read it, I can’t help but contemplate it. I’ve been needing to review it, to tell others, but I didn’t know how. I think though, that this is enough to get my point across. And I feel better, if not a little tight in my throat area. The lump is back and it’s taking up space.

P.S. A few have mentioned how pricey it is, when Claudia announced her love for it on our Facebook page. It IS pricey. Whoa! I know and I have no idea why that much for a digital book. *shakes head*  If you decide on it anyway, I think the overall feeling that this book will leave you with, will totally be worth it, and then some. It still resonates deep in my heart. Maybe even more now than when I first finished it.

4.5  to 5 stars! (and more like 5 stars). By the way, if you read it, you’ll likely need to join us in the spoiler discussion for it:  https://talk.maryse.net/threads/me-before-you-by-jojo-moyes.760/

“Everything takes time, Will.” she said, placing her hand briefly on his arm. “And that’s something that your generation find it a lot harder to adjust to. You have all grown up expecting things to go your way almost instantaneously. You all expect to live lives you chose. Especially a successful young man like yourself. But it takes time.”

Unfortunately, this is too pricey for me but I would LOVE to read it. Please keep us up to date if this one goes on sale ever. Thank you for the awesome review.

$15.00 is too pricey for me, but would love to read it if the price comes down. I will keep it on my wish list 🙂

I have just started this and it is pricey, but your local library has it, at least mine does! I know I am in for an emotional journey…. but I love a book that really moves me. Off I go!

Loved Loved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anytime you recommend anything, I always jump on it. I want to get it, totally intrigued…. But at this price…. I just can’t. Please, please, please keep us updated if price gets more reasonable. Love your reviews and recommendations!

Hi Maryse, found your blog and have loved and recommended it to friends and clients. I read this book Me Before You at the start of 2012, one of my first iPad purchases it really changed me after reading this book I wanted to be a better person even!! Even if it is pricey the emotions all your readers will feel will make it totally worthwhile . Thanks for a great reading year Maryse I totally look forward to 2013 with you

Holy-moly it costs 15 dollars! I sure hope it goes on sale:-(

Gah. I’m in a middle of a KA book, and I’m really loving her book. I’m afraid to start this, but know I will in fact, cave and pay the price, then read it and pay the emotional price. Oh boy. Must finish other book first!

Oh!! We’ve started discussing our reactions in the “spoiler” forum for it —> https://talk.maryse.net/threads/me-before-you-by-jojo-moyes.760/

So whoever does read it… this might help. 😉

Awesome story I cried soooooo much!!! How unfair can life be to people!!!! I loved the characters and the money is well spent on this book I read it about 3months ago and can’t get the story out of my mind 5 stars exceptional 🙂

It sounds great but waaaaaay to expensive for me. 🙁

Amazing review. Loved the book. Worth the price. We need to convince Jojo Moyes to give us some chapters in Will’s POV. There are just something’s I needed him to say to Lou. Ugh torture.

Oh I’d LOVE ANYTHING from Will. He was such a rich, REAL character. I fell in love.

If you have a blog or review books and belong to NetGalley you can request an ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) I was sent a copy to my kindle a couple weeks ago and will start reading it tonight!

Wow this one must have been a very very very good book if it was difficult for you to write a review. 🙂 At $15 for the kindle version, I think I’ll just dish out the additional $3.50 and get the hardcover. Thanks for the recommendation, Maryse.

Yikes over $18 up here I may have to wait on this one 🙁

I started reading it last night and absolutely love it so far. I had to force myself to put it down so I could get a few hours of sleep. Can’t wait to finish it today.

I’m intrigued! Guess I’m gonna read this.. I need to read it before classes starts on Monday 🙂 Hope it will be worth it. I’m gonna slip this on top of my TBR, mehe :)) Thanks for the recommendation!

Maryse, sounds like you found us another “it” book. Definately near the top of my TBR list. 2013 is already starting out great. Thanks, Maryse

Maryse, I have tears in my eyes reading your review, just reading how you felt about it. I don’t know if I can do it……

I started reading it last night and finished it this morning. It took me 20 minutes to read the last chapter and epilogue because I was sobbing uncontrollably. I loved it and hated it because of how I feel towards it. It’s been a while since a book has gotten to me in this way. I loved the characters and the story.

This book sounds great!! My library has it so I don’t have to pay the 15$ price! Everyone should check the library!! 🙂 Wish more of the recommended books on here were at the library but we love indie authors don’t we?!? 🙂 Thanks Maryse!

My pleasure, guys!! Definitely check out the library. This one should be read.

I’m in, just bought it!! Hope it’s worth the $15, all the reviews point to yes… No library for me, I’m too addicted to my iPad and phone 🙂

I just finished reading this book and let me just say…I’m still crying like a little b****. I absolutely loved this book! Am I a glutton for punishment..I sure am because I keep re- reading the last chapter in hopes that something different will occur…dammit to hell ( saying this holding up two fists in the air), lol.

WOW!!! I finished the book last night. I’ve never been such an emotional wreck over a book. I’ll admit that I have shed the occasional tear, but with this one I was a MESS. Will absolutely broke my heart.

Oh, God. This was good. Worth every penny. Egde of Never good! Beautifully written. Painfully, but so touchingly (is that a even a word?) paced, with excellent character development. Louisa/Clark reminded me of Robin McKinley’s Sunshine (from her amazing book of the same name), which is enough to make me cry in and of itself. This profound love story, along with Edge of Never of course, are permanently etched in my brain and heart. Another incredible book that I may just have missed completely without your rec, Maryse. Thank you! 🙂

PS- If the price is holding you back, get your name on a library hold list, ask for it as an advance Mother’s Day present, or split the cost with a friend. You’re going to want to have this beautiful love story in your life 🙂

I was going to plunge into it..but you know what? I can cry at home for free.. and i gotta say i REALLY resent the price for this book. Depressing and inspiring i think i can find less expensive books ie..Christine Zolendz that write beautifully, kill you inside and dont charge unpretentious price Ok thats all lol. Gotta say as a book lover i am totally offended by the price.

I’m about to start crying and I haven’t even read yet.

Good review Maryse. I like the way you put things. This book utterly depressed me and your review made me feel a bit better about it.

Omg I cried…. and cried…. and cried. I finished reading it at 5 this afternoon but each time I think about it, I cry. I started telling my husband about it 2 hours after i’d finished reading it and started crying again!!!!! this book has really affected me… mainly because it felt so real and I connected with the characters so well. It really has made me want to be a better person. If yo get a chance to read it, do. Just amazing

Ohhhhh….just finished…..what a great book! Amazing how quickly you become attached to the characters. On to the next!

*group hug* I love you guys!

Just noticed “Me Before You” is featured in this weeks People magazine (January 14th) issue. Great review and it’s the “People Pick” !

I went in blindly, not knowing what to expect. It started out all fun and sexy and then *BAM*. I went in blindly and am now blinded by tears. (May never see again) Probably one of the deepest, most controversial, and emotionally devastating books I have ever read. Like you Maryse, I could not put it down. It is so beautiful and real and tragic.

Thanks for the rec. it was so good, but I am an emotional wreck now! I need flowers, rainbows and sunshine after a read like that! Maybe SC Stephens can release reckless a little early?

My hearts hurts so bad. I am holding back tears in my office full of men, who just wouldn’t get.

This book haunted me. I can’t stop thinking about Will. I love him. I hate him. But I love him more.. I almost can’t breathe & sleep & eat. It broke my heart into million pieces. I cried all night. I went to work today feeling soo gloomy… I love & hate this book with a passion.

Omw where to start!!i have read hundreds of books in the past few years, and have watched hundreds of movies, and i can honestly say i have never cried during a single one of them. That was before “me before you” ….i literally sobbed!my chest constricted so many times i thought i was going to pass out. I was shaking (to which i was thinking “what is going on with me??”) and crying and just being an all out mess! It has been a few days since i finished this book, and i cant stop thinking about it, thinking “what if i were in her shoes”…thanks Maryse for this recommendation, i have been following your blog for a while and you always know just what to say to get me to choose my next book 🙂 heres to hoping i can go a few more years without these heartwrenching sobs this book brought about…i dont think i could deal with crying like i did for another while!

I have been meaning to read this book, but I was always torn because from reading the reviews I knew I would be heartbroken. This is one book though I can honestly say was worth it. I cried tons but I also laughed alot. Crazy to say but it really does stay with you and I feel like it makes you look and love and life so differently. This book is a must read for everyone.

An absolutely beautiful story! I’m really to have discovered your blog because you really give amazing recommendation! Thank you so much Maryse !

Omg I cried. If my husband said one more time ..”its just a book, are you serious”.. Heartwrenching…Omg I have to find a funny or HEA

What category is this book? Is it contemporary erotica or is the steam level low? Just curious. Tks!

As promised , I kept it on my wish list and when the price dropped to almost half I got it. Just finished it today, and I am feeling like you did at first Maryse, I love most of it, and cant stop thinking about it but I don’t want to talk about, or rate it on my Goodreads…. Not yet…

I just finished it and absolutely cannot stop thinking about it. I have a huge pit in my stomach -haven’t been affected like this since I read “The Book Thief”. Yes, I know, chill out it’s fiction, but I can’t help it!

Just finally read this. LOVED IT. Definitely one of my best reads of the year. I had to scrape myself off the floor and pull my self together when it was done. So moving.

Wow… I don’t think I’ve ever seen you get so emotional and be at a lost for words over a story. As soon as I finish writing this comment I’m downloading this book. I need something good to wreck me. I haven’t had my heart pulled out in a while. Thanks for the recommendation. ❤️TA

Oh YAY!! Let us know what you think when you’re done, Tali!! 😀

I’ve been hearing about this book for so long, but have hesitated to read it because I know I will get too emotional! But now that’s it’s on sale, I couldn’t resist, though who knows how long it will sit in TBR list before I work up the nerve! I hate having my heart broken!!!

Okay, as promised here is my opinion about the novel that came highly recommended by Maryse; whose literary judgment I value above all. I finished reading “ME BEFORE YOU” last night and I had so many emotions going through my head that I needed a full day to come to terms with how I feel about Louisa & Will’s story. As far as writing goes author JoJo Moyes is a talented storyteller, well deserving her success and popularity. While reading her tale I let myself become Louisa Clark and I too had fallen hard for Will Traynor. I don’t remember the last time a story actually made me cry so hard that I stopped and looked at my own life and suddenly saw things clearly. I can’t fully say everything I want to say about this beautiful story without giving away too many spoilers, but I will say that I’m very thankful that I took a break from writing and listened to Maryse and read this book. When all is said and done I loved the ending! Life, we don’t know what’s waiting for us around the corner, we should therefore; enjoy every moment, smile every minute, love every second and live happy. I’m crying again, even as I’m writing this, but my tears are happy thankful tears. ❤️TA

Many weeks later this story is still with me. I loved how she is/was throughout. I loved Will. I cried. Hard. I did not love how it ended—& definitely one of those stories I did not want to end. I loved how she became in the end– the strength….just am amazingly written story. A difficult subject matter no doubt.

Beautiful story…what a sob!! Has anyone read “After Me” second part to Lou’s story? Any reviews?

I’ve *just* finished this book (wanted to FINALLY read it before the movie comes out later this year) and oh my god I am KICKING myself I left it this long. What an incredible, thought provoking, beautiful story. I’m a giant mess right now and have been for the last few chapters. I agree with comments above – it made me look at my own life and no doubt will be with me for many weeks from now.

just finish up reading me before you and must say from now on jojo became my best author. this is the best book i have ever readied so far

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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

• Publication Date: April 26, 2016
• Genres: Fiction , Romance
• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• ISBN-10: 0143130153
• ISBN-13: 9780143130154
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By John Williams

• Dec. 26, 2012

In this month’s new novels, characters fight against significant barriers to emotional connection. A young woman falls in love with a suicidal quadriplegic, a troubled brother and sister build a secret life, and a bitter old man turns vampiric to put a spring back in his step.

ME BEFORE YOU By Jojo Moyes 384 pages. Pamela Dorman Books/Viking. $27.95.

Ms. Moyes’s novel boldly combines a sappy love story with the right-to-die debate. Louisa Clark, 26, judges herself a thoroughly ordinary girl, save for her quirky wardrobe. (“I don’t have that graceful thing going on,” she says.) After the cafe where she works closes, she takes a job assisting Will, a young quadriplegic who, like a Mitt Romney starter kit, spent time buying and selling companies for a tidy profit. Louisa comes to realize that her role as emotional support is even more pressing than advertised. Will, depressed by his condition, has made a deal with his icy parents: If he’s still despondent after six months, he can go to an assisted-suicide facility in Switzerland. Louisa draws up a series of adventures to revive her charge’s spirits. (Her sister calls it “the old antibucket list.”) Along the way Will teaches Louisa to appreciate classical music and to be less satisfied with her hometown and her boyfriend. She teaches him to stop being an arrogant jerk (at least to her).

CLIMATES By André Maurois Translated by Adriana Hunter 400 pages. Other Press. $15.95.

In the first half of this romantic diptych, initially published in 1928, Philippe Marcenat marries Odile, a woman he worships for “her more direct contact with life and nature.” Even Odile’s direct contact with her feelings for other men can’t dull Philippe’s passion, but it does end the marriage. In the second half Philippe marries Isabelle, who plays the role of neglected, devoted spouse that Philippe played with Odile. The book’s flowery tone can occasionally distract, but its aphoristic philosophy is timeless. Reflecting on his marriages, Philippe says, “Absolute love does not exist any more than a perfect government.” It’s left to the faithful Isabelle to issue a more stirring manifesto: “I think love should be a greater thing than the cruel war between lovers. It should be possible to admit loving someone and yet also succeed in being loved.”

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Book Review: Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

Title:  Me Before You Author:  Jojo Moyes Publication Date:  30th July 2019 Publisher:  Penguin Series / Stand Alone:  Book #1 in the Me Before You Series Genre:  Romance, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary Pages:  369 The Format I read:  Paperback Amazon Goodreads   Rating: 

Louisa Clark is an ordinary young woman 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?

I read this book a few weeks ago and it’s taken me this long to gather my thoughts together enough to write a book review. That book ruined me. It was one of the most emotional and thought-provoking books that I’ve read in a while. The characters were some of the most well-rounded characters that I’ve ever come across and in all honesty, I haven’t known for a while what I was supposed to say about it.

Let’s start with the characters.

Louisa Clark is the character that I have the most amount of issues with. She’s sweet

for the most part and as a carer myself I completely agree with some of the things that she says and found humour in the comical moments between her and Will.  So the parts that I had a few issues with. When you’re working in care you’re told not to get too involved in your client’s life, you’re told that you’re not even allowed to hug a client when they’re upset so the fact that she had a romantic relationship with her client is a huge unethical no no for me. We’re also taught that you can’t pry into a client’s life and you certainly can’t attempt to stop someone doing something just because you wouldn’t do it, and what does she spend the majority of the book doing? Prying into this life and trying to change his mind. Just because he’s in a wheelchair and he’s classed as having a disability that doesn’t mean that he’s incapable of making a choice. Much like Nathan did, Lou or Clark should have respected his decisions and just made what was left of his life as enjoyable as possible without the ulterior motive of changing his mind about the assisted suicide, but I supposed as a qualified carer, my opinion of this book was a little different than the intended niche audience that the author had in mind. I think it’s utterly ridiculous that Will’s mother hired Lou when she didn’t have any experience with a Quadriplegic. She literally says that the person who interviewed before had multiple years experience with people with the same disability and she chose a bright-eyed bushy-tailed young girl that didn’t have a clue? She nearly kills Will at one point in the book because she lacks the knowledge and experience that she would have needed for the job role. I understand that his mother was attempting to hire her to bring

some ‘joy’ in Will’s life but is that really worth risking your son’s life when you know that Nathan can’t be there the whole time? That came across as a stupid decision that a reasonable person wouldn’t make and as such took the realism out of what should have been gritty social realism.

Will Traynor.

Jojo Moyes is a fantastic author. She is. She made this book from such a controversial topic and I applaud her for it. The story really makes you think. You have to understand for yourself and make the choice for what side of the fence you sit on and I think that’s amazing. Considering the stigma that Assisted Suicide has, with it still being illegal in the majority of the world I think the world needed this kind of a story to make people think about it and understand the point of view of the person in the wheelchair. Understand how this person feels and make the choice as to whether or not you believe they should be able to make their own choices about their life when they believe that their quality of life is so low that they don’t want to be alive? Let me know what side of the fence you stand on. I’ve always been on the side of the fence that they should be able to make their own decisions. If they’re sound of mind and reasoning and they have the ability to make their own choices then they should be able to.

I highly recommend this book. Highly. It should be part of the assigned reading because everybody should be able to read this book and see Assisted Suicide from this point of view. The two sequels After You and Still Me are also out and available for purchase.

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ME BEFORE YOU Book Review & Analysis

by Jenn | Books | 0 comments

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ME BEFORE YOU , published in 2012, is a women’s fiction novel by Jojo Moyes. ME BEFORE YOU is book 1 of the Me Before You Trilogy.

ME BEFORE YOU spent 7 weeks at #1 on the NYT Bestseller List. It has sold over 14 million copies worldwide. The movie was released in 2016.

No. And no to seminude bar staff. Or masseuse. Or webcam operator. Come on, Syed. There must be something I can do that wouldn’t actually give my dad a heart attack.

Table of Contents

ME BEFORE YOU Synopsis

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 barely 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.

ME BEFORE YOU Analysis Of:

Me Before You is used as an example in the following posts. Check them out!

ME BEFORE YOU Book Review

I wasn’t a fan of ME BEFORE YOU – and that’s putting it mildly.

I felt like the overall theme of the book was “being in a wheelchair means your life is terrible.” And I think that’s a pretty damn terrible attitude. The ending – while not as predictable as you’d expect from the otherwise cliche treatment of the main character – completely reinforces my theme idea.

Even though I don’t think anyone should read this book, that’s just my opinion. What do others think?

Moyes does a fantastic job developing her characters and she made me feel like I really knew the people that were relevant to the story. –  Making Thyme for Health

It’s hard for me to convey how much I hate Jojo Moyes’ supposedly romantic novel Me Before You, and dread the movie that is due out later this year. –  Shane Clifton

My recommendation to you, if you haven’t read it already, is to go get it RIGHT NOW and start! –  Sugar and Soul

Writing Practice

Check out these writing exercises and prompts inspired by ME BEFORE YOU.

Prompt: The Opening Paragraph(s)

This is the opening paragraph of the novel. Ignore everything you know about the story and use it as a writing prompt.

Your Task : Using as much detail as possible, write another 300+ words.

Prologue: 2007

When he emerges from the bathroom she is awake, propped up against the pillows and flicking through the travel brochures that were beside his bed. She is wearing one of his T-shirts, and her long hair is tousled in a way that prompts reflexive thoughts of the previous night. He stands there, enjoying the brief flashback, rubbing the water from his hair with a towel.

Exercise: Tense Rewriter

The prologue of this story is written in the present tense. It also occurs two years before the rest of the novel.

In my opinion, there is no reason for the prologue to be in present tense.

Your Task : Rewrite the prologue into past tense.

I’ll get you started

Exercise: Tense Rewrite

Now that you’ve changed the prologue, let’s do the same thing to Chapter 1.

Your Task : Change Chapter 1 from past tense to present tense.

Bonus Task : Read the original prologue and first chapter. Then read your rewrite. Consider how the change affects the mood and feel of the book.

Need an idea?

Again, I’ll get you started

ME BEFORE YOU Facts

ME BEFORE YOU Thoughts?

Have you read ME BEFORE YOU?

If so, what did you think? If not, will you?

Like this post? Please PIN IT and follow me on social media. Thanks!

PS. share your exercises in the comments below. I’d love to see them.

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