Sunday, February 14, 2016

Kirkus Style Review, Me Before You




 

Me Before You

By Jojo Moyes

Publication Date:  December 31, 2012

ISBN:  978-067-002-6609

Page Count:  384 pages

Publisher:  Pamela Dorman Books

 

Recently unemployed waitress takes caregiver job for wealthy, handsome, and miserable quadriplegic.

Louisa Clark loved her job as a waitress at a café in a small village in England, where the castle is the only attraction.  After the owner decides to sell the café, Louisa is desperate for a job because her parents rely on her income to help support the family.  After a series of horrible jobs, the employment agency offers her a last option—a caregiver job for a quadriplegic.  It pays well and she needs the money. 

Will Traynor was a successful, active lawyer who led a picture perfect life until an out of control taxi nearly killed him and left him a quadriplegic.  He is miserably unhappy and has attempted suicide.  His mother hires Louisa because she is outgoing and wants her to be a companion for Will for 6 months and make sure that he is never alone for an extended period.  Neither Will nor Louisa are particularly happy with the situation.

Slowly, a deep connection begins to develop between Will and Louisa.  This is evident when Louisa invites him to her birthday dinner with her family and obnoxious fitness fanatic boyfriend.  Will, who doesn’t like to go anywhere, decides to go.  He is charming and funny and gives Louisa a very special birthday present that he had specifically made for her. 

Louisa has overheard a conversation, and found out that Will plans go to Dignitas in Switzerland for assisted suicide at the end of the 6 month period that Louisa has been hired to care for him.  She makes it her life’s goal to prove to Will that he can still enjoy life.  However, time is growing short and Louisa is getting desperate.  Will Louisa be able to change Will’s mind?

This book is an emotional rollercoaster.  Hilariously funny, heart wrenchingly sad, this compelling novel will keep you reading all night to find out what happens. 

1 comment:

  1. This is my library's February Book-and-a-Meal read. I haven't had a chance to read it, but from what I'm hearing, you've done the book justice. One of our book club ladies was very excited about "After You", as well. I'll have to get to these one of these days when I have more time for pleasure reading.

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