Sunday, December 29, 2013

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark leads a somewhat uneventful life. She lives at home with her parents, works at a tea and bun cafe, and has been dating the same man for seven years. Lou is content and does not seek out change or adventure, but her life is turned upside down when she loses her job. She does not possess many job trained skills and struggles to find the work she needs to help support her parents. When a position as a helper to a quadriplegic becomes available Lou decides to give it a try. 

Will Traynor is the exact opposite of Lou. Before the accident, he led a life full of excitement and adventure and as the head of a thriving business, possessed the means to do whatever he fancied. His life is changed forever when he is hit by a motorcyclist while trying to hail a taxi. As a result of the accident, Will is now confined to a wheelchair with only minimal ability to move his hands and shoulders. When Lou Clark walks into his life, he is a bitter man with no desire to live. 

As Lou and Will spend time together during her six month contract, they begin to develop a relationship that offers them each a new perspective on life.

My Thoughts:
Me Before You is the first book that I have read by Jojo Moyes. The cover and book blurbs are a little misleading, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it wasn't quite what I expected. This story is mostly told from Lou's viewpoint except for a few chapters that give perspectives from other minor characters. Lou is a strong, lovable character and I was drawn into her life almost immediately.  While this novel has many sad moments, it is also filled with much love and laughter.  I plan to read more by Jojo Moyes in the near future.