You Before Me by Jojo Moyes

And now, for my March Break Survival read...

This novel was recommended by a fellow hockey mom who is also an avid reader.  At weekend games, we like to compare notes on our most recent reads.  Based on her direction, I downloaded this one onto my iPad and read it over the March break.  

Here's my summary (Spoiler Alert): 

Pretty basic Pygmalion plot with Eliza Dolittle or "Louie" as caregiver to young, handsome, upper crust British  quadriplegic "Will".  Louie is an awkward, but charming younger woman who lacks self confidence and it looking for direction in life.  Will is surly and caustic  and treats her dismissively.  Unbeknown to her, Louie is hired by Will's mother to cheer him up and change his mind about his pre-arranged assisted suicide.   Louie eventually finds out about Will's plan to end his life.  She then takes on the 6 month challenge of saving him by changing his mind about ending his life.  Her plan is simple:  show him a good time and demonstrate all the great things quads can do. In the course of her efforts they fall in love which ultimately drives home Will's resolve to end his life because he feels he is unable to love Louie the way he would like.   

There is little doubt from the beginning where this novel is headed and it's just a matter of time before a smouldering romance emerges between these two characters.  I appreciate the attempt to paint a non-traditional romance between able bodied and disabled characters.  There is surely not enough representation in fiction of disable characters and how they cope with real life.

Primarily though, my criticism is that it was all a bit simplistic.  It's a modern day Pygmalion plot that is terribly predictable.  While Moyes lures the reader into the story and keeps them turning the pages (a la John Grisham style), I couldn't help feeling that this book was written to be produced into a screen play. I couldn't help seeing it play out as such in my mind.  

Personally, I don't really enjoy Grisham style writing.  I would much rather read a novel that is a bit more challenging, and watch screenplays on the big screen.  

It's time for some Non-Fiction. Stay tuned!!!