I can see how people could totally love this book. It's a fast paced read with good plotting. And the characters are very likable. It's a good book, and there were two scenes that did impress me. Just not an overall great book for me.

The basic story line involves a young woman who takes a six month stint care taking for a quadriplegic, Will. Will is understandably depressed about his circumstances and is contemplating assisted suicide. The book explores what it means to live a full life and the moral dilemmas surrounding assisted suicide.

For me, the writing is a cross between Jodi Picoult (moral dilemma, written from varying viewpoints) and Helen Fielding (Bridgette Jones like, British sensibility, light humor), but I didn't think Moyes was quite as good as either author. Picoult's moral dilemmas always seem more grey (and therefore more interesting) to me. And Fielding is funnier.

The whole thing felt a little Lifetime movie of the week.

Also, I don't want to spoil the book by going into specifics, but let's just say that my views on assisted suicide are very clear in my mind, so a book trying to highlight the moral subtleties is a bit lost on me.

All in all, a nice summer read that will make some people weep. If you can shut down your inner critic, you might really love it. ( )

I especially appreciated the first third or so of this book. It's certainly somewhat thought-provoking, but it's missing something. I found the few chapters that were narrated by someone other than the main narrator distracting. ( )

Me Before You. Jojo Moyes. 2013. Quirky, unfocused Lou Clark takes a job as a caretaker of Will Traynor, a handsome young paraplegic who has decided to take his own life. Her contract is for six months-the six months he promised his parents before he goes to Switzerland where he can take his own life legally. Before his paralyzing accident Will lived an active physical, social, and business life-he loved action and excitement. Lou becomes determined to show Will that his life is still worth living. Along the way the gradually fall in love. However, that love is not enough for Will. Moyes is a master when she describes the emotions of love. She can break your heart. In doing this she makes euthanasia a violable option. There is not one mention of the sacredness of life. I am bothered by this almost glorification of euthanasia. This is a heart-breaking book to read. ( )

Warning -- a half-dozen tissues are required when reading this book. In my younger days I had a black-and-white opinion on assisted suicide, but it's maybe a little gray now. As I read I wondered what I would do in either Louisa's or Mrs. Traynor's place. I truly don't know. ( )

Book Club, 2022

Louisa Clark sabe muchas cosas. Sabe cuántos pasos hay entre la parada del autobús y su casa. Sabe que le gusta trabajar en el café Buttered Bun y sabe que quizá no quiera a su novio Patrick.
Lo que Lou no sabe es que está a punto de perder su trabajo o que son sus pequeñas rutinas las que la mantienen en su sano juicio.

Will Traynor sabe que un accidente de moto se llevó sus ganas de vivir. Sabe que ahora todo le parece insignificante y triste y sabe exactamente cómo va a solucionarlo.

Lo que Will no sabe es que Lou está a punto de irrumpir en su mundo con una explosión de color.
Y ninguno de los dos sabe que va a cambiar al otro para siempre.