Me Before You

  10 Reviews

Lou Clark, working class ex-shop assistant and Will Traynor an ex-corporate lawyer are an unlikely pair. Under normal circumstances they would never have met but Will is a quadriplegic in need of a carer and Lou fits the bill. This is their story: two young people grappling with the challenges that follow tragedy.

Mesmerising, poignant but never puerile, this book examines many serious issues. Easy to read, hard to stop thinking about. [Larger font]

Comments from Groups

Enjoyed by all. Some read it for the second time. Lively discussion on euthanasia. Invercargill 001

It was excellent. Everyone loved the book. Auckland 289

Enjoyed by all. The all-time favourite for some. Tissues essential. Informative on tetraplegics. Christchurch 244

What a page turner. Once started, it was impossible to put it down. A warm human story of people faced with incredibly difficult decisions which any one of us could face. Nelson 003

We all found this book very moving. We all predicted the end. We talked about our options in the same/similar situation. Wellington 018

Loved it, a great thought-provoking read. Lively discussion. We'd highly recommend this book. Blenheim 010

Whilst some members described the book as "Mills and Boon" like, others enjoyed the easy read about a very serious topic. The book provoked discussion about the right to assisted dying. Whangarei 003

We loved it unanimously. We had very sobering discussions regarding our views on Dignitas, DNR orders, degrees of severity of diabilities, and also living wills. Christchurch 258

All bar one enjoyed this book (11 members). Our criticism was the stereotyping of the middle/lower classes, and the lack of depth of characterisation. However we agreed it was a 'good read', and we were curious to see how it ended. We were divided over whether it was the 'right' ending. Dunedin 089

High praise for this book, even though lots had read it before, and had seen the movie. We talked about the characters, and how strong Lou and Will were - we loved her "quirky" habits! All in all, one of the best we have read. Whakatane 012

Our group felt this was a lightweight text with one dimensional characters. A big issue but poorly written. It read as if it was made for the screen. Not in the least literary. Wellington 186

Everyone loved this book! Insightful writing with authentic characters and complicated family relationships. A page turner that everyone read quickly - most have since watched the movie also. The discussion went very well, and brought up past experiences for some who have worked/lived with those with disabilities. Beautifully written! Balclutha 001

Most of us enjoyed the book and thought it was well written. It made us think about things we don't often have to confront - and to gain a little understanding of what it would be like to be totally dependent on others. We enjoyed Louisa's family, and felt some sympathy for Camilla (Will's mother). Dunedin 012

Reviews

STRAT 001

17-11-2022

Our group gave this book a rating of 9/10. We thought the story was excellent; it was enjoyed and appreciated by all and discussion was lively. Great characterisations and sensitive handling of controversial issues. Recommended reading!

CHCH 240

26-02-2020

A wonderful holiday read. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the book. Loved the style of writing and the varied characters with their different backgrounds, and how each coped with the situation. Great use of humour; we loved how Lou wore her heart on her sleeve, and we laughed and cried along with her. It brought a tear to many an eye. The ending was inevitable although the reader was encouraged to have hope that she would succeed. Thank you!

CHCH 333

26-02-2020

Except for one reader, it was considered a thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable book.

AUCK 133

26-02-2020

We all enjoyed the book and there was some discussion about the euthanasia theme. We liked the characters. This could have been a very 'preachy' book given the themes, but at no time was the reader expected to take any particular stance but their own, and we liked that.

PALMN 001

26-02-2020

We all enjoyed the book. It was a sensitive subject, but sparked a very interesting discussion.

WANAK 010

26-02-2020

Enjoyed by those who read the book - an easy read and the characters were portrayed warmly, apart from the mother!

HAMIL 004

26-02-2020

Only a small meeting - we felt the book was a bit slow to start with but soon became riveting and everyone loved it. Keen to read the sequel.

NORTH 002

26-02-2020

Mixed reaction to the book, but everyone agreed it generated an excellent discussion about life and death, euthanasia, choice, carers' rights, and responsibilities and who decides.

NELS 022

24-02-2020

Wow! We all scored this a 9 (not sure why not a 10!). Several are now reading the 1st sequel and one is on the final one. We all found the style very easy to read and felt great sympathy for the class differences and life experiences. All of the characters were portrayed so effectively and the choice that Will made was understandable we felt, although one that not everyone would be able to do even if they wanted to due to economic circumstance!

WHAKA 010

24-02-2020

We fell in love with Louisa Clark - we cried, we laughed. Lots of discussion - what would you do