Thursday, October 30, 2014

Me Before You: Review and Giveaway

As I mentioned before, I picked up Me Before You by bestselling author Jojo Moyes at the airport because my daughter's flight was delayed, and I decided to put my waiting time to good use.  I'd been planning on reading this novel, so when I saw it at the airport shop I knew I'd found my next book.  It took me a long time to read it though--my reading is incredibly slow these days.  I don't know how some of you manage to read so many books!

Set in England near fictitious Stortfold Castle, the book focuses on twenty-six-year-old Louisa Clark, and is written mostly from her point of view in the first person.  After working at The Buttered Bun for six years, Louisa's job ends suddenly when the owner decides to close the café.  Because her family depends on her wages, she applies for work as a caregiver for an acerbic quadriplegic who requires twenty-four-hour care, Will Traynor.  This will be the beginning of a new chapter in Lou's life.

I don't want to give away much more here and spoil the story for potential readers, though you can probably guess what will eventually happen: Lou and Will fall in love.

"Yes only love
can break your heart."
~ Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Neil Young  

I loved this book!  I savored it, a small bit at a time.  It's a moving story, a beautiful, unconventional love story.  Jojo Moyes paces the story perfectly, and it was an exquisite pleasure to read it.  I took my time with this novel, not only because I lacked enough free time for reading, but also because I did not want the book to end.

I am now, officially and unabashedly, a fan of Jojo Moyes.  She's an exceptional writer who creates realistic characters who spring to life through her words.  Lou is a kind-hearted, likable protagonist, and I cared about her happiness.  I also cared about Will, and many of the other main characters.  I enjoyed the setting a great deal, and thought it added to my enjoyment of the story (I'm a bit of an Anglophile).  Me Before You is completely absorbing and touching, and at different times, funny and quite heartbreaking.  I shed more than a few tears while reading this book. 

“You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”
~ Me Before You, Jojo Moyes

Me Before You is about living life to the fullest, even when faced with great obstacles and difficult choices.  Will encourages Lou, or "Clark" as he likes to call her, to push herself past her self-imposed limits.  This is my kind of book, heartrending yet positive.  And I've just learned that Me Before You is being made into a movie--I'll dash out to the theater to see it!  I'm now also very interested in reading more books by the prolific and supremely talented Jojo Moyes.

I'd like to share my enjoyment of this book by offering an international giveaway.  I'll send one copy of this book to a randomly chosen reader (U.S./Canada, print or ebook; elsewhere, ebook only).  If you've already read this book, I'll send you another book by Jojo Moyes if you win--just let me know which book you'd like to read!

  • To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment.
  • For another chance at winning, become a follower of this blog, or let me know that you're already a follower.
  • For an additional chance, post about this contest on your blog, Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter.
  • For one more chance, mention another book by this author that you've enjoyed.

Enter by 5 PM PST on Monday, November 10.  One winner will be selected randomly and announced on Tuesday, November 11.  Best of luck to my readers!

25 comments:

  1. I've been eyeing this book for sometime now. I am so glad you enjoyed it and that makes it all the more reason why I would like to read the book. I think the reason I can read a few more books that some readers is because I am retired, and enjoy reading over watching TV. Although I do have a few favorite TV shows that I watch each week. Have a great week-end Suko...

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    1. I am a gcc follower, forgot to add that to my comment.

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  2. I've been hearing such good things about this book--I didn't realize it was set in England, at a castle no less.

    I think airport bookstores may be the last bookstores around. It feels like that sometimes...

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  3. I've been hearing great things about Moyes, but have yet to read one. Thanks for the chance to win one!

    I am a gfc follower.

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  4. I loved this book as well but, boy, did it make me cry. No need to enter me in your great giveaway.

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  5. I do think that realistic characters are really important in a book like this.

    It is always a good feeling when one finds that a book that one enjoys is being made into a film.

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  6. Your thoughts on this book are beautiful and captivating. Many thanks. Jo Jo Moyes writes unique novels. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  7. My wife is a huge Jojo Moyes fan, her previous favorite was The Last Letter from Your Lover (+1). I'd love to win her a copy of the latest one, The Ship of Brides, for Christmas. Thanks for the chance
    +1 I follow your blog by email: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
    +1 I tweeted a link: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/528201239016640512
    +1 I pinned on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/336573772126151949/
    Thanks again, have a great weekend.

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  8. A great feature and giveaway. I have enjoyed this author's novels. Many thanks. I am an e-mail subscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. An author on my TBR and one I haven't got to as yet. Thanks for sharing

    Mystica123@hotmail.com

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  10. I never read anything by this author but I've heard many great things.

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  11. I would love to read this book. I've heard great things, and your review has me even more excited!!!

    I'm already a follower via GFC - ShootingStarsMag

    lauren51990 at aol dot com

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  12. I truly enjoyed your review and now I want to win and read this novel!
    I follow your blog
    I shared this link on Facebook!
    erikosmile@gmail.com

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  13. Hi Suko!
    Me Before You sounds fantastic, I have it on my shelves and your post is making me want to read it ASAP. I enjoy unconventional love stories.
    Thanks for the great review, I miss your blog!

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  14. Vicki, many thanks for the tweet! :)

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  15. I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one so much as it has been on my TBR list for awhile now. Sometimes I think it is better to just slowly read/savor a book. I don't do that often enough since I started blogging but really I should! Your review was great and now I am even more excited to read it :)

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  16. A fan of this author, though not as big a fan as my sister in law who has all her books,I really should read more JoJo Moyes.

    Many thanks for a great giveaway but please do not include me.

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  17. This title has been on my TBR list. I enjoyed your review. Thanks for offering this giveaway!

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  18. I absolutely loved this book as well. It was my first by this author, though won't be my last.

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  19. I haven't read this book but see so many good reviews. Thanks for your great review.

    I actually have a few of her books on my shelves and haven't read any of them.

    THANKS for sharing.

    I see a giveaway for The Paris Winter. That book is quite good. My link below links to my review. :)

    I hope you are enjoying your reading weekend.

    Stopping by from Carole's Books You Loved November Edition. I am in the list as #5.


    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Entry

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  20. This is one of my fav Jojo Moyes books. After reading this I bought most of her back catalogue. Cannot recommend this book enough people!

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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