All the preparation in the world could not have equipped me for the emotions I had after reading “Me Before You” by JoJo Moyes. This book is the British getting back at everyone for all the books John Green writes that end with readers silently rocking back and forth with tears streaming down our faces.
This is not a love story, and it’s not a romantic story. It’s more of a growing-up, learning- from-other-people sort story.
“The thing about being catapulted into a whole new life – or at least shoved up so hard against someone else’s life that you might as well have your face pressed against their window – is that it forces you to rethink your idea of who you are. Or how you might seem to other people.”
There is nothing happy about this book at all. It sets you up for a letdown, so why bother with the bits that make you smile? Of course there are scenes that make you heart melt, but the opposite emotions and god-awful situations arise just after the happy ones. It’s just not fair.
Meet Lou Clark. She has no idea what she’s doing in life, and she’s not sure of anything. She soon gets a job to be the companion of Will Traynor — a quadriplegic man who does not want to be a part of the world any longer. They spent six months together, gradually growing closer by the day.
The characters are so stubbornly realistic, that it’s hard not to like them. However, the situation the plot revolves around is definitely not realistic in any way. Lou is an everyday girl, who is comfortable in her position in life, but subconsciously she’s not happy. After she meets Will, her perception on life begins to grow.
Will uses his wit and sarcasm as a shield because he views his life as a living hell. He used to be a young male in his prime with the world at his feet, and then he gets in an accident that makes him unable to move, accept for his head.
Moyes is an amazing writer. She weaves this story with lyrical writing, compelling characters and a heart-shattering plot that will make readers want to throw the book across the room and never put it down all at the same time. I give it four and a half stars, so clearly you should go and read it.
