Moyes, Jojo - Me Before You - Informal Buddy Read; Start January 5, 2015

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This topic is open for discussion of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes



Book Synopsis:
Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reserved

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reserved

[Srividya]

Thank you Mods!

[❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Daryl Dixonღ♥ღ]

Another member on my team said this is her favourite book so I'm really looking forward to reading this.

[K~Terror]

I'd like to read this too. Marked it on my calendar!

[Srividya]

All my friends here in GR who have read this book have given it 5 stars!! I am also really looking forward to reading this one.

[Zara's Corner]

I'm in. I'm looking forward to reading it.

[Nichole]

I'm going to try to squeeze this one in too!

[Alex]

Have tissues at the ready for this one! I loved it.

[Beth]

I'll be reading this as well!

[Tawallah]

I'll join. About to add to calendar.

[Christine]

I've had this book on my TBR for awhile now. I'd love to jump in to this BR and finally read this book!

[Margaret]

Hi, I would like to join this BR as well. I just placed a hold for it at my library and should receive it in time.

[Rebecca]

Ooh I'll definitely join.

[Rebecca]

Ooh I'll definitely join.

[Snowtulip]

Can't wait to join in on this one!

[Christy]

Ooh, me too! I've been meaning to read this!

[Missy]

Think I'm in for this one

[Margaret]

I started this one yesterday and I am half-way through already. It is so well written with an engaging main character in Lou. I am trying not to rush through the book but it so hard to put down!!

[Beth]

I may only be able to read a few chapters a night since I'm reading another book right now, but I'll be joining later on

[❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Daryl Dixonღ♥ღ]

I finished the first 10% I really liking it so far, I don't think I have ever read a book like this before.

[Rebecca]

Though I have heard wonderful things about this book, I have been very reluctant to read it. It sounds like it's going to be a tough read and very depressing.

After reading about 25% I found that I am wrong! I'm not saying it won't be sad (everyone says to bring the tissues), but it such an easy read so far! As soon as I started I couldn't put it down.

[K~Terror]

I've had this book on my TBR for a long while too and not sure why I haven't read it.. I read the first couple of chapters last night and like it so far.

[Margaret]

How about Lou's family!? I just love the interactions between them all. And what a stark contrast when compared against Will's family?

I have a feeling I know how the story is going to pan out (I am up to Chapter 18 now) but it still has me engaged - it is so well written.

And, I am so pleased that I am reading this book as part of a buddy read as it has forced me to slow down and not devour the thing in few hours !!

The author has taken a challenging topic and weaved it into a such a beautiful story.... I really don't want this book to end!!

[K~Terror]

I'm just starting Chapter 7 and am adoring this story.

Margaret - I agree with you about the writing. Moyes' writing style is thoroughly engaging. I love the interaction between Lou and Will - and Nathan. (view spoiler)[ I'm guessing Will has been able to do as he pleased since the accident as everyone has been busy feeling sorry for him & treating him with kid gloves. It's probably easier for Lou to feel less pity as she didn't know him before but can just see who he is now and how he has chosen to live and treat those around him. She just appears to accept Will for who he is ~ not who he was. I like that. And it's probably healthier for Will in the long run as he likely needs to reinvent himself.. (hide spoiler)]

So true that the families couldn't be more different! LOL!
Lou's family is hilarious but it gets on (view spoiler)[ my nerves how her family and Patrick seem to treat her as a lesser person. I'm NOT a fan of Patrick - so all about himself and seems to not care much about Lou... So condescending to her. (hide spoiler)]

[❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Daryl Dixonღ♥ღ]

I agree with both of you Margaret and Kristin.

I was told that I would need to have a box of tissues handy when reading this, I'm an easy crier, everything makes me cry but I'm at 40% and haven't cried once. (view spoiler)[ I'm loving the interaction between the two, I don't like Patrick he's a dick most of the time, pretty much ignores her until he meets Will then that all changes. I loved the parting shot Will got out before he left her house after her birthday party about the sponge baths. (hide spoiler)]

[Christine]

I should be starting this book in the next few days. Hope to join this discussion soon!

[K~Terror]

❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Revenantღ♥ღ wrote: "I agree with both of you Margaret and Kristin.

I was told that I would need to have a box of tissues handy when reading this, I'm an easy crier, everything makes me cry but I'm at 40% and haven't..."

I'm right behind you Stephanie. I'm an easy crier too and so far so good. Although there have been some touching moments (view spoiler)[ like when she slept near him all night when Will was sick & when she shaved him and gave him a hair cut... Aww...

I also cut the mom some slack after getting her POV... I don't think she is used to showing her family how much they mean to her but I think her heart is in the right place. It's probably not completely her fault she's so freakin uptight... (hide spoiler)]

[❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Daryl Dixonღ♥ღ]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Revenantღ♥ღ wrote: "I agree with both of you Margaret and Kristin.

I was told that I would need to have a box of tissues handy when reading this, I'm an easy crier, everything m..."

I know what you mean (view spoiler)[A lot of those moments made me feel emotional, which is what the author wanted us to feel.

Same, seeing your child like that but him keeping her at a distance must be very hard for her, Lou could see the emotion on her face when she was asking her about the dinner he went to at her house and then she said that he has never had dinner with them not even once since the accident. so under all that she is only a mother who loves her son and want the best for him, even if she hides it from everyone (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Christine wrote: "I should be starting this book in the next few days. Hope to join this discussion soon!"

It's so good!!!!

[K~Terror]

❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Revenantღ♥ღ wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Revenantღ♥ღ wrote: "I agree with both of you Margaret and Kristin.

I was told that I would need to have a box of tissues handy when..."

She truly is an amazing writer! I'm still behind you. Haven't gotten to (view spoiler)[ the dinner yet... Right now they just got back from the classical concert and he wants to stay in the car a little longer pretending he is a normal guy who went to a concert with a girl dressed in a red dress. :) (hide spoiler)]

[❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Daryl Dixonღ♥ღ]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Revenantღ♥ღ wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Revenantღ♥ღ wrote: "I agree with both of you Margaret and Kristin.

I was told that I would ne..."

That scene made me have an aww moment.

[RachelvlehcaR]

I've just started the book. I'm currently starting chapter two. So far I have met Lou, Pat, and Will (pre-accident). I really hope that this isn't a story were Lou falls in love with Will. That is bad practice and a major issue with boundaries in caregiving. Very wrong. I am going to be very disappointed in the message this sends if this happens. Also, I will be disappointed if its that whole Beauty and the Beast idea where Will is just an angry guy and Lou eventually falls in love and they live happily ever after.

[Snowtulip]

I can't wait to start, I have a date with this book at 9:00 tonight, when I settle down from a long day, from what everyone is saying it will be a great date ;)

[Kristie]

I just came to spy on this thread because I loved this book. I just have to say to everyone that says they haven't cried yet...wait. Pretty sure you'll need tissues at some point.

[❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Daryl Dixonღ♥ღ]

Okay I finished it (view spoiler)[I cried the last couple of chapters, let me just say I don't like books without HEA's but I really loved this one, I loved the characters and all I can say is it would be so hard to be in their situation and to have to go through all that, I like the way that they handled everything in the end, especially glad that she was with him in the end. (hide spoiler)]

[Margaret]

I am just about to start Chapter 18.

(view spoiler)[ I can see that the relationship between Patrick and Lou is disintegrating. I really think that Lou just wants to feel safe after what happened to her at the maze when she was younger, so she has made a safe life for herself by staying close to home and staying in a relationship that doesn't require too much from her.

But Lou's interactions with Will, and how Will is trying to get her to live a bit more, is slowly starting to wear off on her (the tattoo for starters). I think she is starting to see things differently. She goes against giving up her room again for her sister and nephew, although she then moves in with Patrick. But I think this will be the catalyst for her to change her ways (and especially if Will goes through with this plans).

I really think this is the way this story is going to pan out. I can't see any hope at the moment for Lou in changing Will's mind. And I think this is why the tissues will be needed. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Margaret wrote: "I am just about to start Chapter 18."

I'm over half way finished with the book. (view spoiler)[ It was clear from the beginning there was a disconnect between Pat and Lou. They are just doing the motions, I feel because it's familiar. They are not a good match for each other. It doesn't mean that either of them is wrong or bad, it's just that they don't really belong together for a healthy relationship.

The whole thing with Will, I see that he is very angry and has the right to be. He was very privileged in his childhood, youth, and adult life. When the accident happened it took it away and it wasn't fair. He is in that poor me mode. A lot of people go through that. Some bounce back and others don't. His friendship with Lou slowly happened. He was just as harsh as he was to everyone else but being paid helped Lou stay around him. If she didn't need the money she'd be out of there. The problem is that she went against a lot of boundaries and professionalism. Even just laying in his bed would get her fired and since it was a boundary issue she would be charged and never be able to work with child or adults ever again.

I'm not liking how this story is unfolding. There are other boundary issues and that is when she is allowing Will to go to her birthday. So, I'm very against the book's message right now.

I don't like how they are painting Pat in this book. It isn't fair because he isn't bad. It's kind of disappointing. As for Lou, I see her as a very weak character. She is growing but I still see her very weak.

If Will goes go through with his plans I'm pretty sure I will not need tissues. (hide spoiler)]

[Margaret]

Finished and rated it 5 stars.

(view spoiler)[ This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. Even though I predicted the ending, I thought the author handled it all so beautifully.

I felt for compassion for Will towards the end (whereas in the beginning I felt he was being selfish and spoilt). But what I especially loved about the story was the growth in Lou's character. The premise of the story (written on the back of the book) is quite misleading. This isn't a story about Will (although he does play an important role) but a story about Lou - her coming of age story. And that is what made this such a special read for me. My most favourite stories to read are those where there is true character development. And this book had it in spades.

When Will mentioned Paris to Lou earlier in the story, I knew this would be the closing scene of the book. And it is a great ending to a wonderful story. What a great book to start the year off with!!
(hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Margaret wrote: "Finished and rated it 5 stars.

This is a story that will stay with me for a long time..."

I finished it tonight (view spoiler)[ and bawled like a little baby through the last few chapters... Heart-breakingly beautiful story... And I know what you mean when you say that this one will stay with you for a long time, Margaret. There was so much emotion and so many different points of view, about a really tough situation. In the end, I felt like I understood where each of the people were coming from ~ including Will's parents. (Even if I didn't agree with everything.)

I thought Will and Lou each developed in character but, yes, especially Lou. She became such an amazing girl with a bright future. I think Will developed more depth to his character post-meeting Lou than he had before. Although I did understand the issues Will had with his body failing him and how difficult it would be for him to live a fulfilling life not being able to do (pretty much) ANYTHING he was able to enjoy before, I kept thinking that he would do more with his brain... When he got the computer to work with speech and then met and mingled with his old work people, I was hoping something would come of that, even if it were on a consulting basis, since he had so much to offer in that realm and it was something he enjoyed previously. Sigh.. but I know... if there's anything I learned from this story it's to respect peoples choices.

Except Patrick - he is such an asshat! His choices are rubbish and I was happy he was way down at 157th! (Loser.)

The ending was definitely bittersweet. Glad Lou made it to Paris and she seemed to be in a good place in her life, despite everything. Will seemed to put a lot of thought into leaving her what she needed to have a good life, with choices.

**still blubbering**

(hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Margaret - I forgot to ask (view spoiler)[ did you get through the book without kleenex?? (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I am just about to start Chapter 18."

I'm over half way finished with the book. It was clear from the beginning ..."

Not sure how far you've gotten or if you are liking the book any better? (view spoiler)[ I'm not in the health care profession so I know you know a lot more about the boundaries and so forth. Not sure if it makes a difference, but I never really thought of Lou as much of a caregiver as I did a hired friend. She probably did cross a lot of boundaries but in my ignorance, I was glad that Will and Lou had each other and ended up having such a positive and deep connection to each other and I felt like they both benefited from knowing each other... (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

❤Stephanie ღ♥ღMrs Revenantღ♥ღ wrote: "Okay I finished it [spoilers removed]"

Totally agree with you Stephanie!

[Nichole]

I finished this tonight and I really liked it. It was hard to put down once I started. 4.5 stars!(view spoiler)[

I did tear up a couple of times throughout the book but I actually cried for the last bit. My heart really broke for Will and imagining what it must be like to go through something like that. I tried putting myself in their shoes (family, Lou) and I just couldn't really. It was just too much.

Lou's family- I felt sorry for her with the way they treated her in the first part of the book. Not really straight out mean but just not very supportive. Always referring to her as flighty and flaky. I could tell they loved her but they just didn't seem to think that highly of her. I'm not sure how I feel about her sister at all, one minute she was right there being totally supportive and a great sister and the next minute she was acting like a spoiled child. In the end though, she was the one person on her side.

Lou- I really liked her a lot. Will took a bit longer to warm up to. She fell in love with him and it wasn't enough. That's when the tears really started pouring. Will had a strong defense though. From that point on I was a mess. I'm glad she was with him in the end though. Although I can't even imagine how I would deal with something like that.

I loved seeing Lou grow into herself and the fact that Will pushed her. Such a heartfelt book and it will stay with me for a long time. (hide spoiler)]

[Margaret]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "Margaret - I forgot to ask [spoilers removed]"

Kristin, (view spoiler)[ I needed whole box of Kleenex, and I am still a blubbering mess 12 hours after I finished the book. I keep remembering the last scene of Will and Lou in his room in Switzerland which just gets me all teary all over again!!

I was extremely frustrated with Will through most of the story as I just kept feeling like he couldn't move on. Lou had shown him how much more he could do, yet he just seemed so stuck in the past that nothing was going to change his mind. Even her love for him wasn't enough. It was so frustrating and I was yelling at him to wake-up. But then at the end of the story I did have an understanding for his situation and could see why he made the decision he did.

I would have liked to have had a chapter of the story from Will's point of view. The author said she didn't do that as it would have given the major part of the story away, but I think she might have been able to include it perhaps before Lou arrives in Switzerland. I would have enjoyed to have heard something from his point of view.

Yes, Patrick was a complete asshat. Although, I did like the extremness of Patrick's character as it showed just how lacking in self-esteem Lou was and how she had made her life so safe. Any person with a shread of self-confidence would have kicked him to curb ages ago!! And the whole dinner party scene was priceless..especially the parting shot Will made on his way out.. I loved that scene!

Oh boy, just talking about it again has me tearing up!
(hide spoiler)]

[Margaret]

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I am just about to start Chapter 18."

I'm over half way finished with the book. It was clear from the beginning ..."

Not sure how far you've gotten or if ..."

(view spoiler)[ For me, Lou's role with Will in the story changed from Carer to friend when she found out his plans and the reason why she was really hired by his mother.

From then on, I didn't view her as a carer but as a friend. If it was purely professional, she would not have returned after resigning, but because her feelings were developing for Will, she did return and her role changed and she now was actively looking for ways to engage Will and change his mind. It was no longer about providing care (which she really didn't do to begin with anyway). (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Margaret wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "Margaret - I forgot to ask [spoilers removed]"

Kristin, I needed whole box of Kleenex, and I am still a blubbering mess 12 hours after I finished th..."

Me too Margaret! I (view spoiler)[ LOVED-LOVED-LOVED the birthday dinner and his parting comments!

I would have been real interested to get his story too - before Switzerland would have been an ideal place.

(hide spoiler)]

I'm trying to move on to another book but it's just too hard...

[RachelvlehcaR]

Margaret wrote: "Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Margaret wrote: "I am just about to start Chapter 18."

I'm over half way finished with the book. It was clear from the beginni..."

(view spoiler)[I know what you are trying to say. I still disagree. She went in there as a caregiver. When she left job recruiting it was a job of caregiving. There are major rules against it and it doesn't matter what she found out or not. It's the fact that she crossed the line. It's okay that you care for your client and form a bond. Caregiving isn't just physical demands, much of it is social activities, and emotional and community access. This is how you help them gain the skills to handle situations in social settings. It's called behavior support.

What is even more wrong, is if she really cared for him and liked him why get paid for it them. That's a major double standard.

I'm about 75% of the way through with the book and I find Lou very flat but showing some growth and the books point is to just show relationships between people. I just don't like the way this is happening.

I feel really bad for Patrick. He isn't an asshat. There are many guys out there with him and I think he is the way he is because Lou isn't a good match for him and bring that out in him. If she actually cared for the guy she'd show interest and not just go through the motions. There is so much more there we are not seeing.

(hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Nichole wrote: "I finished this tonight and I really liked it. It was hard to put down once I started. 4.5 stars! ..."

Nichole - (view spoiler)[ Lou's family grew on me too! At the beginning I was quite annoyed with them treating her like an idiot and calling her lazy but then as it went along, it just seemed like they all had their own place in the family. I finally got that when Lou was touched/warmed by her dad and Will bonding over their crazy stories about her. LOL! (hide spoiler)]