The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion

This thread is for the buddy read of Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.

We will begin reading June 13/14th, but jump in whenever if you've missed the beginning.

Please remember to use Spoiler alerts/tags to not ruin the fun for other readers. Thank you!!!

I loved this book. Hope you do too!

Will be starting this tonight or tomorrow and am quite excited!

Thanks Kristie! I've not read any JoJo Moyes yet besides a recent short story Lou in Lockdown which I really like, and Shiwany and I have been talking about it, so I'm looking forward!

I love it also. I have read th following books. They are good but this is the best

Renee wrote: "I love it also. I have read th following books. They are good but this is the best"

I agree. I felt this one had something special about it.

♥️ this book!!

I think this is one of my favourite books. Me and my wife read it together. I have read all three, but this one is the one to read. I just love Lou in this, she has great sense of personality.

I've been meaning to read this book !

Welcome Capri!
And thanks Tom, Jennifer and Renee for sharing your love of the book, very encouraging!!

One of my favourite books...Love Lou and Will..

I just had to look up Lou in Lockdown. I know what I'm going to be reading. :) Thanks for the tip, Brenda!

You’re welcome! I thought it was a very good story (laughed, cried) and at the right time. It centers around COVID.

I've read the first three chapters and there's not much to say yet, but I just wanna say that I believe it's been quite a while since I've read a British contemporary romance (I can't even remember any), but the writing's kinda cute if that makes sense.

I agree Shiwany! I do find the language and dialogue charming.
I've read some last night and am really enjoying the read. So glad you suggested it! :)))
Chapters 1 & 2 -
(view spoiler)[ I thought it was quite sad that Lou lost her job, especially considering her families situation and it being during the recession.
I did laugh out loud a few times when Lou was at the agency and the man (Syed I think) was giving her some options and Pole Dancer and Adult Chat Room rep came up.
I also loved the line when Lou told her parents she was going to be a care attendant and her dad and Patrick were joking about feeling sorry for the patient.
The skirt scene during the interview was so funny, I felt for Lou. At time the book reminds me of Bridget Jones, it has a bit of that same self-deprecating humor.
I thought it would take longer for the prologue - the accident - to come in to play, but now we know its the caregiver position. I"m curious why the position is only 6 months though?
I do already feel like its going to be an emotional book for me, and for Lou that "this is just a job" it will become much more.
(hide spoiler)]

The situation Will is in really reminds me of the French movie Intouchables, which is really beautiful and sad as well. Just like Will, the main character in that movie has an accident and is completely paralysed. He was also very adventurous, just like Will. If you don't know the movie, it's really beautiful and a total must-see!

Reaction to Brenda:

(view spoiler)[I'm also curious about the six-month duration of the position. I felt quite sad about the situation with her parents and her having to make sure she earns enough money as her sister won't be able to. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3:

(view spoiler)[I really feel for Will, I can only imagine being in his position and simply feeling his life is over... (hide spoiler)]

Shi ❀ wrote: "The situation Will is in really reminds me of the French movie Intouchables, which is really beautiful and sad as well. Just like Will, the main character in that movie has an accident and is compl..."

There was a remake of that movie in the US called The Upside. Also, Me Before You was made into a movie too. I haven't seen either yet.

I did enjoy the movie made from this book, It was beautifully filmed. I think it failed to capture how beautiful the relationship between Lou and Will was. (view spoiler)[ I loved how you could see the relationship change over the course of the book It started out as employer. It next became a friendship. Every step was believable and well written (hide spoiler)]

Kristie wrote: "Shi ❀ wrote: "The situation Will is in really reminds me of the French movie Intouchables, which is really beautiful and sad as well. Just like Will, the main character in that movie has an acciden..."

I think I've heard about the Intouchables remake, but what I remember was that reviews weren't that good. Anyways, the French one is beautiful and one of my favourite movies. I didn't watch the Me Before You movie yet and I've been so adamant on making sure to dodge spoilers. But I guess the entire tearjerker status it has already says a lot ...

I have read the book and have seen the movie only recently.I loved this book so much. Though some parts of the book is always left out in movies but this film was good.
Ed Sheeran's Photograph as soundtrack gives life to some parts.(You can't stop tears from falling)

I've seen The Intouchables as well and really enjoyed the story. I saw there was a remake, but I usually try to shy away from US remakes of foreign films. I've not seen the movie for this book either, but I'm not sure that I want to. Rarely do they live up and the book is so good so far!
Chapters 3-5
(view spoiler)[ Lou's family can be a trip. Sometimes they do go on in the name of teasing and border on hurtful. I feel like you would have to have a very thick skin to live with that family.

I felt the news coming of Rupert and Alicia. But it had been two years, and as Alicia said Will pushed her away. Rupert however seemed clueless and insensitive. Even though you know some news is coming though, and you may even want it in a way, it still can be hard to take when it comes and poor Will was shocked.

Is it just me, or do Lou and Patrick seem really unsuited?

The movie scene with Will and Lou was really sweet, I thought FINALLY---Will was starting to show an interest in her.

The hospital scene I thought was interesting, and now we're learning more about Will - although it was sad to learn of the scars on his arms and that there is no chance for recovery.
As Shi said earlier, one really feels for Will in his situation and him feeling his life is over. Its starting to get much more emotional and I like how both Lou and Will are staring to slowly come round to each other.
(hide spoiler)]

This is on my bookshelf, so I’m going to read it next!

I’m in the middle of 5 books. But what the hey I’m gonna start this tomorrow. I’m excited to read it along with other people!! :)

First off, I totally agree with you Brenda!

Chapters 4&5

(view spoiler)[Rupert and Alicia are really insensitive in my view. I kind of believe they don't mean to, but everything that can go wrong goes wrong. Everyone treading carefully around Will is definitely not going to make the situation any better. I think people have a general tendency to act as if they don't 'notice' a person's disability, but as genuine the idea behind it may be, it's really not effective. I think it's also in the little things, such as not addressing Will directly when asking for something, but rather asking his caretaker, as if he's not capable himself of answering the question. The end of chapter 5 really moved me. Also, about Patrick, he's a total mismatch with Lou, it's bordering ridiculous and hilarious to me. (hide spoiler)]

Sara wrote: "I’m in the middle of 5 books. But what the hey I’m gonna start this tomorrow. I’m excited to read it along with other people!! :)"

That's great! Welcome :)

Chelsea wrote: "This is on my bookshelf, so I’m going to read it next!"

That's so nice! Feel free to comment your thoughts

I had a good read last night so I've gotten through a bit more of the book, I wish I didn't have to stop reading!
Chapters 6 - 9
(view spoiler)[
Will in bed with the fever was really harrowing. And I felt for Lou, not knowing what to do, feeling responsible and the fear of the Mother. His mother is really a piece of work. Its hard to say how one would be though, having to see your son in that condition and he's just pushing everyone away no matter how hard you try. And the dad going out??? There is a lot in that family just bubbling under the surface which seems on the verge of exploding. I really couldn't believe his mothers reaction when she found Lou in bed though.

The exchange with Georgina was really heated, but then when Lou overheard her and the mother....WOW! Now we know why only 6 months. I was shocked. As everyone else near Will, besides maybe the mom and dad, but they've had some time to digest it.

The commentary from Camilla's point of view was interesting, but it didn't lean me to her to like her much better. I may understand her a little more, but it didn't do much to soften me to her.

I don't think I disagree with Lou in putting in her notice. That's a difficult situation. How do you go there day to day knowing that? How do you look at Camilla knowing she is going to be a part of it? I can understand Will wanting to in a sense, and since he tried before if she didn't agree to it she would probably live every minute in fear wondering what she would come home to. Its really hard to digest. I really felt for Lou, especially considering her family's situation. And her sister did not make it any easier. I'm glad Lou stood up to her. I'm curious how Will is going to feel when he finds out she's left. He seems to have bonded with her as he hasn't with anyone else since the accident.
The conversation with Trina was really great, and I started welling up with tears at the idea.
I am anxious to see what happens next!
(hide spoiler)]

Read until chapter 9 as well!

(view spoiler)[Both families are so odd for different reasons! I feel like Will's parents just try to keep appearances up for the outside world, but there's not much love there and that's sad. I was shocked they didn't tell Georgina sooner what was going with Will; she has as much a right to know as his sister.

I think I did saw it coming when Lou found out about Will's plans (from the book description ahaha), but it's still sad indeed. I didn't know there were multiple POVs in this book (I really hope there will be one for Will at some point!!) and I found it really fitting that we saw a things bit more from Camilla's side. I wouldn't say I really softened to her either, but I really empathise with her... I couldn't imagine what she's been going through as a mother.

I definitely understand Lou wanted to stop going there. It would just be too painful and then there's the fact she was initially there for some type of suicide watch...

I don't like her sister at all by the way, but at least Lou could vent to her.

Will's changed quite a bit now and I'm also excited to read what will happen next! (Hopefully she ditches Patrick soon lol) (hide spoiler)]

Shi - I totally agree!!
(view spoiler)[
I absolutely wish she would ditch Patrick as well. I keep waiting for him to come home with some running bimbo for some reason. Its odd how he changed so much.
Part of me hopes for Will and Lou, but I don't know that I see Will allowing it, as the same reasons for Alicia (or his MOTHER). If only they could find a miracle!!! I do also hope to hear a commentary from Will. Every now and then we get glimpses.
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 10 & 11
(view spoiler)[ I am excited for Lou's big plan to take Will out of the house. Bravo to Trina for that. Although - Mrs Trainer!! She can get on my nerves. She seems so negative all the time. She wants Lou there to help, she thinks she can cheer him up, but she's always nay saying everything she does. Thankfully Mr Trainer is all for it and not letting the mom take over. Will already said he hates being in the house.

The first excursion to the Horse Track is rather a sad letdown. Bravo to Lou for the idea though. It was sad to me (although we find out later there was an accessible parking area) but how so many areas where they live aren't handicapped accessible.

I felt so bad for Will after he confronted Lou that he didn't like horses/horse racing and that Lou never asked him what HE wanted, that no one ever asks him. Although to Lou's benefit, he never wants to go anywhere so who would expect him to actually answer if she DID ask where he might want to go. She's in a tough spot, I hope Will can see that in some way.

She did get him out though, not the end she wanted, but...she got him out! Step one?!?!?!
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 10 & 11

(view spoiler)[Yes, the little sympathy I had with Will's mother was kind of, well, obliterated in chapter 10 because she was being kind of unreasonable... I thought it was also kind of hurtful that Georgina immediately left and didn't even consider staying a little longer. I understand she has a new job and all, but as it is now, it isn't like Will has all the time in the world to wait for her...

The horse track day was just too painful to read about at some point... I understand why Louisa did it but I do feel like this was a real learning moment for her and that it was kind of necessary and inevitable.

Also, I kind of want to know more about Nathan?? I really like him.
(hide spoiler)]

I've been a bit busy with other things so I haven't had time to read any more unfortunately.

I agree with your thoughts Shi, and yesss...Nathan! Will we learn more...he does seem charming! :))

No worries Brenda, I’ve also been busy!

I loved this book. One of my favorites.

Karen - thanks for the input! I love all the accolades for the book. The more I read, the more I agree!!

I really couldn't stop reading, so here's three chapters:

Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[I was intrigued by the odd scene where Lou illustrates the day she 'stopped being fearless', I didn't really know what to think about that? I guess it's a moment that was probably traumatic to her in some way and may 'explain' her odd sense of fashion afterwards...

ALSO I was so so happy with her and Will going to the orchestra and her loving it. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13

(view spoiler)[I was so happy with Lou buying the computer and with Will now being able to send letters himself, and I had such a laugh when I read the letter he sent her.

And of course I loved it when Will also came to Lou's birthday dinner and the tension between him and Patrick was so funny. I remember seeing the movie scene online of Lou getting her bumblebee tights. A way better gift than that necklace Pat gave her lol.

Will was also so sneaky at the end about the bath thing, I thought that was hilarious. I'm convinced Patrick really feels insecure of himself, but I'm just waiting for the moment that he's finally out of the picture... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14

(view spoiler)[This was kind of a filler chapter but important nonetheless, especially the Dignitas matter with the footballer (or soccer player as Americans call it) Leo. I'd love for Will and Lou to go to Paris lol, and I was actually envisioning at then Will began about how the old him would've loved it, but now not so much.. (hide spoiler)]

I'm probably reading a little slower than everyone but I read the first two chapters.

I don't have too many things to say just yet. I will say that I was surprised by the light humor in the story. I don't think it was something I ever heard about the book before. :)

Sara wrote: "I'm probably reading a little slower than everyone but I read the first two chapters.

I don't have too many things to say just yet. I will say that I was surprised by the light humor in the story..."

I agree Sara! The only thing I hear about this book is that's it a total tearjerker lol. And don't worry about your reading rate, I'm also busy with a few other books so I can also wait a little for everyone to be a bit more aligned to make it more enjoyable :) Happy reading!

I love the chapter with the birthday.(view spoiler)[ I think this was my favorite part of the book. I love how her family interacted. I felt myself melt she got her bumble bee tights. (hide spoiler)]

I did too Renee, I thought it was very sweet and definitely telling.

I’ve got a busy weekend and I’m in for letting people catch up as I’m excited for others to get into it too.... it’s so good !!

Sara wrote: "I'm probably reading a little slower than everyone but I read the first two chapters.

I don't have too many things to say just yet. I will say that I was surprised by the light humor in the story..."

I loved the humor in this book but reader beware...have a box of tissues ready!

Did you guys think After You and Still Me weren't as good as Me Before You?

I did. I enjoyed them but they did not have the same magic.

Sakshi wrote: "Did you guys think After You and Still Me weren't as good as Me Before You?"

I thought they were good, but Me Before You was the best of the three in my opinion. I wouldn't read the blurbs or reviews for those two until you've finished Me Before You.

Here are my reviews:
After You 4★
Still Me 4★

I didn't leave a review for Me Before You, but I gave it 5★ and these were my updates:

page 57 - 9.03% "Just starting out, but so far so good. I'm initially a bit annoyed with the dad as he seems so down on Lou."

page 157 - 24.88% "So far, I'm completely drawn into this book! Can't wait to have more time to read."

page 535 - 84.79% "Had some reading time at work today. I'm so glad this hasn't been a real tear-jerker yet. (That would have been embarrassing at work!) It does give me a lot to think about, but I haven't changed any of my previously held opinions. Looking forward to finishing!"

After that, I have to assume the last 15% was the tearjerker part because I remember ugly crying. lol I did mention in my Still Me review that the humor was spot on so that doesn't change.

I started After You and couldn't get into it. I have to go back and give it another try. I think I was expecting too much after loving Me Before You.

I just wanted to check in, I had a busy weekend with Father's day and I have some other reads going on so I wasn't able to get to MbY. But I know some had a later start too, so hopefully we can get more in sync! :)))

What an absolutely amazing book. Made me cry the happiest of tears. I decided to buy the other two in the series in the middle of this book. Will definitely read again at some point.

Did anyone find a place to buy bumble bee tights. I want some.. lol

There’s a whole article referring to the movie and where you can buy them... lol
https://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/ne...

Chapters 12 - 15
(view spoiler)[
I didn't understand the section about where Lou becomes fearless until later when more was disclosed, although I still have a hard time with the term in relation to the event and how it made her "fearless". If anything it seems to be the opposite? Yes, good point Shi about her fashion sense stemming from the event, I hadn't put that together but, yes I can see that.

I like seeing how Lou is growing, she is going to the library now and Will is lending her books. I also like how they are learning each other, Will calling her a snob which is ironic because she doesn't like classical music, etc.
Shi - I also loved the concert, my heart swelled! And when they were eyeing each others concert outfits....ooh la la !!! :))
Although I did cry at the end when Will said he just wanted to sit at a concert and be a man with a beautiful girl in a red dress.

Lou thinking of the computer was genius! I was surprised that his mother with all her first rate therapies has never done that. The card he sent to Lou was so lovely!

I was so excited he said he'd go to her birthday!!! And it was such a wonderful party for all of them. Well, minus Patrick. I agree Shi...his gift was just a gift, nothing personal about Lou at all. Will's was so cute and thoughtful! It was great to see Will starting to open up again and act like the pre-accident Will.
I also agree about Patrick....I'm over him! LOL
and YESSS...the bed bath was so hilarious! He got one in on Patrick which I loved!
I really liked this chapter a lot!

The account of the footballer was very sad. I heard it and thought it could have been Will's commentary.

It was so sad about Paris, I see Will's point in a way though.

Chapter 15 really choked me up, Will trying to get Lou to live a life. What an irony again, she's trying to get him to do that.
I think its so true and I think her mother mentioned it at the birthday how her working with Will is really changing her and exposing her to so many more things. What she wants to do for Will he is also doing for her.

The tattoo parlor was really a fun surprise too. It's just lovely to see sometimes the old Will come out.
(hide spoiler)]