verbatim: Sob Story

'Dja ever read a book and feel as though it should have come shrink-wrapped with a jumbo box of Kleenex? That's how I felt about Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I cried my eyes out, and although my description of the story will make it sound like just a typical weeper, it really was a worthwhile read.

Will is in his early thirties and has everything going for him. He's rich and handsome, runs a successful company, goes skiing and bungee jumping and mountain climbing every chance he gets, and pretty much just lives life to the fullest. Until he's hit by a motorcycle and becomes a quadriplegic. A few years go by.

Lou is in her mid twenties and has never done much of anything besides work in a little café near home (she lives with her family). Her life seems to be just going along, with no real future plans. Then she loses her job and, in desperation to make some money, takes a 6-month position as Will's (nonmedical) caregiver. He's bitter and nasty to her; she feels completely out of her league but refuses to let her spirits sink. The reason that it's a short-term position is that Will is determined to go ahead with his plans for assisted suicide but has promised his parents that he will wait 6 months. Lou takes it upon herself to prove to Will that life is worth living, even in a wheelchair.

I know, I know, it sounds maudlin, and some of it is indeed trite, but I really enjoyed it. Just be sure to get the ultra-soft Kleenex before you dig in.