Review: Me Before You


Me Before You
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Now, I don't know how to review this with 0% spoilers. I'm sorry. I'll try to avoid mentioning details, but sometimes, I think that'll be impossible for me. Read if you want to, Leave if you must.

This book is another random pick. None of my friends in goodreads have indicated that they have read this book, so I didn't really know what to expect. The title and the cover of the book did give a hint that it was a love story. What I didn't expect was that the central plot device of this book is euthanasia. I find that very relevant. Not that I am contemplating about committing it, but because I know the debate about it. A few months ago, I was required to participate in a debate about legalizing euthanasia as part of the coursework in my philosophy class. I researched the arguments of both sides, but as I was assigned to the pro side, I knew more about the pro arguments. It is because of this reason that I can understand Will quite well for his desire to be euthanized.

What I couldn't understand was how rigid he was, how his current life, even with Lou, wasn't enough for him, how he found no reason to continue at all. Well, I know I have to take into account his life before the accident, the fact that he needed to feel that he can still do something, and his belief that the only thing he can still do is to have himself euthanized. Maybe, I'll never really understand. I'm not a C5/6 paraplegic, and I think I don't want to find out what it feels to be one. I just wanted to take peek at how his mind worked. Too bad the author didn't provide a chapter for Will's POV.

That's another thing I like about the book. Most of the time, it was just Louisa's POV. I really adored the author when chapters were allotted for the other characters' POV. It's really good for character development. It added another dimension to them. I also enjoyed how Louisa grew and how her horizons widened. I just want to say that I really like character development. It's important for me in the books I read.

Anyway, I'm glad how the story progressed. I have to admit that until the very end I was hoping it'll be a "happily ever after" ending, but I guess I knew all along it wouldn't be. Nonetheless, I am still happy with how things turned out. Yes, it saddened me, but I wouldn't change anything. Things ended how they were supposed to be. It just felt right. It makes sense why the book is entitled "Me Before You".

I really recommend this to everyone. I don't know if you'll like it. I know I liked this book. Well, just give it a chance, will you?



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