Book Review: Me Before You

If you know me at all, you know I don't really read books. When I was younger, around second grade, I loved books -- it'd be a treat to drive to the library and check out six books on my library card -- if I behaved that week, sometimes my dad would let me borrow more books under his library card. This summer came around and I've had a ridiculous amount of free time, so I figured I'd try reading again. I read a few books before this one, but I found myself really looking forward to picking it up each time that I did. I got the book for one dollar from BOOKOFF USA, and I'm glad I did.

The writing itself is an easy read -- I don't find myself missing information or details because the rhetoric and syntax is appealing to me. Moyes writes with depth -- each character I read about had a memorable presence -- their interactions are interesting, the humanity is depicted genuinely. One thing I didn't like so much about the book was the ending -- I found myself frustrated although I knew in the back of my mind it was bound to happen. Predictable, but I still found myself hoping for something different. It was definitely undesirable, but it addresses several sensitive and relevant topics. Through the writing and through the ending, readers can enter conversations already happening -- covering topics ranging from bioethics to family involvement in psychiatric care.

Being nineteen years old, so badly did I want to find romance in this book -- I was rooting for the main characters to come together for a happily ever after, but eventually settled for what it was. There are themes of love in certain parts of the book (ie: the idea that love can overcome obstacles, affection between characters (or lack of), etc.) but ultimately, there's more to the story. The main character, Louisa Clark, had a personality that I was simultaneously frustrated and entertained by. To some people, her insecurities and doubt in herself might be irritating -- as a reader, I wanted her to grow and empower herself. However, her vulnerability led me to seeing new perspectives. I find myself wondering what's happened to her after the novel was over. I can imagine other readers making the statement that Will has helped her "find herself," but I really believe she needs to do that on her own. Will simply made suggestions -- and although I agree with some of them, Louisa is capable of choosing for herself and deciding what she wants her future to include.

There's a movie out, so eventually I'll get around to watching it. I am not in a rush, but I look forward to it. I also look forward to reading a few more books this summer and making some blog posts!