Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I picked up Me Before You because I kept hearing everyone rave about it. Every once of hype was right. Me Before You was amazing.

Louise Clark is in her last twenties and hasn't strayed far from the boundaries of the English town she was born in. Lou lives with her parents and has been dating the same guy, Patrick, for the last 7 years. Lou isn't sure what she wants but she feels this is the best life for her. When the cafe she's been working at abruptly closes, Lou is forced to find another job.

Two years ago, Will was living the high life. A high paying job, a great flat, a beautiful girlfriend. But one rainy day changes all that and Will now lives life as a quadriplegic. Rather than riding a motorcycle, Will's conveyance of choice is a power wheelchair.

Since Lou doesn't have many skills, her employment counselor points her in the direction of Will whose family is looking for companion/aide. Lou has no medical training nor any experience working with the disabled. Will's mother thinks Lou might be the change that Will needs. At first Lou and Will tolerate each other but soon they find they have more in common than they thought.

Moyes made me laugh, cry, and want to hurl Me Before You out the window. Very quickly I was absorbed into Lou and Will's lives. I also thought Moyes did an excellent job of portraying Will who lived a big life but is now confined to his wheelchair. Most people don't think about what life is like for someone who is disabled. How people treat those with disabilities can be cruel even when people think they aren't being mean. Will's character was complex and engaging. I will remember him for a very long time.

One of the best reads of the year for me. I'm looking forward to reading more of Moyes' work. Others who shared their thoughts on Me Before You: Love, Laughter, and A Touch of Insanity,  Beth Fish Reads, BermudaOnion, Lakeside Musing, and Rhapsody in Books.