Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

March 10th, 2016 Kimberly Review 94 Comments

10th Mar
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Me Before You
by Jojo Moyes
Series: Me Before You #1
Narrator: Susan Lyons, Anna Bentink, Steven Crossley, Owen Lindsay
Length: 14 hours and 40 minutes
Genres: Chick-Lit
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 5 cups

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.

TEARJERKER Truffles ROMANCE smartfunny

Jojo Moyes has been an author on my wishlist forever it seems. When I saw trailers popping up for the movie Me Before You (trailers that I did not watch, because, well spoilers darling) I decided it was time to read Me Before You. After listening to a sample of the audio, I knew I had to listen. Quirky, romantic, heartbreaking and thought-provoking I devoured Me Before You.

Lou Clark is such a unique character and Susan Lyons captures her brilliantly as the narrator. Lou is twenty-six and lives at home in a windowless bedroom she refers to as the box. When she is laid off she fears finding suitable employment. She answers an ad for a disabled caregiver and the next six months will forever change her. Moyes takes us into Lou’s home where we meet her family and I loved this added thread. We really get to understand Lou and thus the impact Will has on her is more profound.

Will Traynor is a thirty-five-year-old quadriplegic who only has limited movement in one hand. Will lived a life most of us will only dream of. He was a wildly successful venture capitalist, who traveled the world and spent weekends adventuring before a horrific accident changed his life. He now spends his days in chronic pain, confined to a chair. Will is bitter, closed off and rude through the first half of the story and poor Lou is downright awkward. Despite the great pay, this job is a nightmare. Things change when Lou overhears a discussion between Will’s mother and sister. She sets out to change the outcome and is determined to make Will happy.

The chemistry and friendship that develops between Will and Lou pulled at my heartstrings. We see growth in Lou even as she stumbles. I came to love Will, which led to huge crocodile tears as I listened. I laughed, cried and hugged myself as Lou and Will experienced things together and faced setbacks. While not a typical romance, the emotional impact of their relationship made it one of the best love stories I have ever read. Moyes pulled emotions from me as she brought these characters to life and made them real for me.

You will notice there is quite the cast of narrators. We had a few chapters from other characters, which only added to the tale, and one narrator was the voice of Will as Lou read his letters.

Me Before You is a heartbreaking love story. It is gritty, realistic and one that will stay with you long after their story has ended. Moyes captures a moment in time as she makes the reader question and understands all sides of a controversial moral issue.

Grab some truffles, a box of tissues and lose yourself in Me Before You.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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94 Responses to “Me Before You by Jojo Moyes”

  1. Whitney

    I have read so many good reviews about Me Before You and the trailer looks good as well. I will have to read it before the movie comes out. Nice review.

  2. Melanie Simmons

    I had not heard of this book until about a month ago. Sounds like it is a truly sweet story. i can’t imagine living that life.

  4. Stephanie

    Okay- I must read this one or listen to it. I love a good audio and this one sounds amazing. I have seen one trailer (or part of one) for the book and I was already interested. This post has me itching to get it this weekend! Thanks for sharing.

  5. Lorna

    I have read so many great reviews of this book. I just listened to the excerpt and enjoyed(?)that. I don’t know if I want to read such a sad love story. I will have to think on it. I am such a wuss when it comes to sad books or movies. I also didn’t realize it was a series. Now I am really wondering how it ends. I am intrigued! Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I don’t plan on reading the next book but yes there is a book about her after. I loved this Lorna and while I cried, I also understood and loved the moment Moyes captured.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I rarely do, the last book I read that made me cry like an uncontrollable baby was Night Roads. My hubby and son came home and found me crying uncontrollably..they didn’t know what to do. While this made me cry, it wasn’t a bad cry and honestly the ending left me sad but also satisfied.

  8. Lexxie

    I’m so happy you loved Me Before You, Kim! I thought it was very well done, too, and it was definitely thought-provoking 🙂 Great review!

  9. Cyn

    Glad you enjoyed this! I wasn’t ever planning on reading this, but it ended up being my book club read and I’m so glad because, yes love the chemistry and friendship between Lou and Will! It was such a lovely read that just sucked me in! The audio-version sounds great!
    Awesome review, Kim!

  11. Leona

    I keep telling myself to take the plunge and get this book either in audio or paperback, but then I get to thinking about the tears that I KNOW will be running down my face – if the trailer is anything to go by – and I flake out.

  13. Sharon

    I’ve been wanting to read this one since seeing the movie trailer. But somehow the movie will be here before I get the chance and I’ll end up watching it instead. Sounds like a great story. Fabulous review!

  14. Lark

    I love your review, and I want to read the book, but I don’t think I can handle it right now! I saw clips of the movie during the Oscars and figured out what happens (plus I ran across a spoiler-y review) and… and… I just can’t, even though I know I would love everything but the end.

      • Lark

        I’ve just lost too many people in the last few months to take on any sad books right now. (I’m not reading The Fault in Our Stars, either, even though it’s relatively high on my TBR list.) But someday when I’m feeling stronger, perhaps I will read it.

  16. kindlemom1

    This book and author are definitely high on my must read for this year Kim. So glad you loved this as much as others have.

  17. Renee

    This book made me an emotional wreck after reading it, thank goodness for After You which healed my heart just a little bit. I like your review, its profound and really well written.

  18. Heidi

    Everyone is buzzing about this one again now that the movie is coming out. I am snagging a library audio copy of this and plan to listen as soon as I finish my current two audiobooks.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad I did and the audio was so wonderful. I cried, but I listened soon after my Dad passed. I will say I was very happy with the ending.

  20. Tyler H. Jolley

    I actually caught one of the trailers and thought, “Wait, isn’t that a book?” This looks like such a great book and movie. I’m so happy for Moyes’ success.

  21. Kathryn

    I loved this one, and most likely will do a reread by listening to the audiobook as it sounds great. I loved the audio of The One Plus One, my first book by her. So looking forward to the movie of Me Before You.

  22. Sophia Rose

    I plan to read this one eventually. I’ve been a coward so far b/c I know it will make me sob and sob and stay on my mind.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ya know I listened right after my Dad passed and I thought it would be one of those ugly cries.. I cried, but I also laughed and the book ending left me in a good place.

  23. Kristin

    I was thinking about reading this and I can totally tell it’s a heartbreaker… hence why I can’t read it. I already know how it ends.. I agree with Lekeisha up there, it’s a noodle scratcher, that’s for sure, and a great discussion starter. <– I had to edit my comment b/c I was slightly spoilery 😀

    Will you see the movie, too????

  24. Lekeisha

    I’m so glad you love this Kim. I tear up every time I think about it now. It took me days to get over it. I think everyone should read this book, simply for the morality of it all. I can see many book clubs agreeing and disagreeing over this story.

  25. Candace

    I know I’ve seen her books everywhere but still haven’t read them. I like the sound of this narrator a lot so I may add this to my wishlist. It sounds great!

  26. Angela

    Jojo Moyes has been on my ‘authors to check out’ list for ages, I just haven’t had the time. I know I have to give this one a go.

  27. sherry fundin

    I don’t read much chick lit, but your recommendation and review make me wonder if I need to give this a shot. Great job!

  28. AngelErin

    I’m so glad you loved this one as well Kim! I decided to read it after seeing the movie was coming out as well. I figured, well it’s time. I’m so happy I read it too, even though it was very heartbreaking.

  30. Liina

    I’ve heard nothing but good about this book. I have to read(I think I’ll listen to it on audio) it before the movie comes out. I haven’t even watched the trailer, in fear it would spoil the story for me 😀

  31. Bookworm Brandee

    Okay, now I want to listen to this one just to experience it all over again but a little differently…and with truffles! 😉 Fantastic review, Kimberly. I completely agree with your statement that “While not a typical romance, the emotional impact of their relationship made it one of the best love stories I have ever read.” <– So true! I feel exactly the same way. 🙂

  32. Laurel-Rain Snow

    This book was my first from the author, which started me off on a wonderful journey. I still haven’t read After You…but hope to get to it soon. Meanwhile, I’ve read several other books by Moyes. I’m definitely going to see the movie, whenever it comes. Thanks for sharing.

  34. Donna C

    This is one of my all-time favorite books. Every time I see the cover, my eyes mist over. I’ve already decided that I’m going to have to wait and rent this one since there is no way I am going to be sobbing (yes, I was sobbing over the book) in the movie theater!

      • Donna C

        I did, and while I think I would have enjoyed it as a stand-a-lone, I was pretty disappointed with it. Still really like her writing, but didn’t like how Lou was portrayed in the second book.

  35. Tonyalee

    Everytime I think about this book, I get all teary! It was such an empowering book that breaks your heart!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Agreed. I am glad you loved it. Did you read book two? At this point I am happy with where the story ended and worried about book two tarnishing that.

  36. Sarah

    Hey, glad you enjoyed this, kimba! I’m currently in the process of reading it for the first time, too. It’s been on my wishlist for a long time and I was fortunate to see my used bookstore had several copies to choose from! Hope I enjoy this just as much <3 I will definitely make sure to have some tissues on hand!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think we all had this on our wishlist, but with the movie releasing in June all decided it was time 🙂 Enjoy. I loved the characters and hope you do as well.

  38. Kathy

    I’ve had this book for so long, and it’s one of two books that I’ve been afraid to open because of self-devastation; I think I’m still afraid to open it. Maybe someday, I’ll crack that cover.

  39. Jenny

    I’M NOT EMOTIONALLY EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THIS STORY KIM!!! I know what happens and I can’t deal. I’m going to have to steer clear of this one for now. Until of course I see the movie and then have to pick up the book to compare notes:)

  40. Nick

    I’ve been trying to get Nereyda to read this one with me, but she doesn’t want to give in to my demands! It sounds like a seriously heartbreaking story and I can already tell how this one ends. I would definitely need chocolate for this one. 🙂
    The audiobook does sound phenomenal, so I might have to give that a try!
    Great review, Kim!

  42. Ari

    This book sounds so amazing, I cannot wait to read it! Have heard only positive reviews!! xx

  45. Melliane

    I haven’t tried this one I confess despite all the wonderful reviews yet but I realy enjoyed the books I tried by the author. I really should get into this one too! I’m glad you had such a great time with it!