mezu_641's review against another edition
5.0
This was a very emotional read. The writing flows smoothy and completely immerses you into Louisa Clark's point of view, and occasionally some other characters. The story itself I found was painful and heart breaking but had very wholesome parts too. The characters were all well written, especially Louisa who changed very much throughout the story, becoming very different to how she started out at the beginning of the book. This emotive novel is underrated and to completely understand why, you will have to read it yourself. Definitely recommend.
ladystardust55's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I can say anything about this book other than I am left sobbing at the end of it.
afox98's review against another edition
4.0
I had to pick a book with a cover I hate for my 2018 BookRiot reading challenge and this is the one I chose, having no idea what it was about. Will Traynor is a quadriplegic after a mad car accident. Louisa Clark becomes his caregiver and is intent on getting Will to change his attitude about what his life can be like. Funny, heartwarming, and tragic, a great read about the complexity of humans and their relationships.
mariathebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this for the 4th time lol and I always cry like a baby
lunalovewood's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
caitlyncloud's review against another edition
4.0
I might be letting my emotions interfere with my rating. I’m mad at Will.
This book is really good. Writing wise, I could do with a little less scene setting, just in the moments where there’s a conversation going on and she suddenly goes into hearing the dog barking and imagining the dog’s eyes bugging out.
This is such a difficult topic and Jojo wrote it so well. Being pro-choice I have an easier time siding with Will because it is his life and his body and therefore could only be his choice. But I’m mad at him for how he handled it with Lou. I’m also mad that he gave everyone false hope by agreeing to 6 months. Lou pours her heart out to him and all he can say is it’s not enough? I get that he made his mind up and nothing would change it, and I get not wanting to make her think that love would change his mind so he starts with it’s not enough. But he never said he loved her too. He just made her feel like she wasn’t enough, by saying she wasn’t and never reciprocating her feelings. And then basically trying to guilt her into being there while he died? He didn’t think he was guilting her, but he was.
I can see his side clearly, I really can. But I cannot understand being so cold about it. He keeps saying that no one gets that this is his choice. What I think anyone would struggle with most is how to be so selfish. Both sides can be seen as selfish but to see how your death would hurt your loved ones and still be resolute in the decision is another level. Maybe of strength. Another level of strength and self-awareness as well as selfishness. To fully put yourself before others like this is something my mind just can’t grasp.
It’s an especially weird read because my great uncle, Jerry, was in an accident in his late 20’s and lived most of his life as a quadriplegic. Which never really resonated with me until reading this book. I can’t imagine him ever making a decision like this. But I also look back over what I know of his life and admire him that much more for being the positive person he always was. Will had all the money he could ever need to make his situation the best it could be, but couldn’t be happy. Jerry did not have money, and lived most of his life in the small back room of their house because it was the only navigable space for his wheel chair, but he was happy. He made it to 70.
I can understand Will’s decision and still be mad at him for it. But I think if I were Lou I would be more angry with Will’s mom. Honestly, it’s easy to be mad at everyone in this situation. I was thinking I’d be mad at her for bringing me into this knowing Will was set in his decision. But she couldn’t not try everything. She’s just a mom trying to help her son. Lou’s life would not have been better without Will, less painful sure. Oof. The fact that there’s real people who go through stuff like this heartbreaking.
Oh and this is definitely not as much of a love story as I thought it would be.
This book is really good. Writing wise, I could do with a little less scene setting, just in the moments where there’s a conversation going on and she suddenly goes into hearing the dog barking and imagining the dog’s eyes bugging out.
This is such a difficult topic and Jojo wrote it so well. Being pro-choice I have an easier time siding with Will because it is his life and his body and therefore could only be his choice. But I’m mad at him for how he handled it with Lou. I’m also mad that he gave everyone false hope by agreeing to 6 months. Lou pours her heart out to him and all he can say is it’s not enough? I get that he made his mind up and nothing would change it, and I get not wanting to make her think that love would change his mind so he starts with it’s not enough. But he never said he loved her too. He just made her feel like she wasn’t enough, by saying she wasn’t and never reciprocating her feelings. And then basically trying to guilt her into being there while he died? He didn’t think he was guilting her, but he was.
I can see his side clearly, I really can. But I cannot understand being so cold about it. He keeps saying that no one gets that this is his choice. What I think anyone would struggle with most is how to be so selfish. Both sides can be seen as selfish but to see how your death would hurt your loved ones and still be resolute in the decision is another level. Maybe of strength. Another level of strength and self-awareness as well as selfishness. To fully put yourself before others like this is something my mind just can’t grasp.
It’s an especially weird read because my great uncle, Jerry, was in an accident in his late 20’s and lived most of his life as a quadriplegic. Which never really resonated with me until reading this book. I can’t imagine him ever making a decision like this. But I also look back over what I know of his life and admire him that much more for being the positive person he always was. Will had all the money he could ever need to make his situation the best it could be, but couldn’t be happy. Jerry did not have money, and lived most of his life in the small back room of their house because it was the only navigable space for his wheel chair, but he was happy. He made it to 70.
I can understand Will’s decision and still be mad at him for it. But I think if I were Lou I would be more angry with Will’s mom. Honestly, it’s easy to be mad at everyone in this situation. I was thinking I’d be mad at her for bringing me into this knowing Will was set in his decision. But she couldn’t not try everything. She’s just a mom trying to help her son. Lou’s life would not have been better without Will, less painful sure. Oof. The fact that there’s real people who go through stuff like this heartbreaking.
Oh and this is definitely not as much of a love story as I thought it would be.
rebbemcc's review against another edition
3.0
Predictable, but I'm a sucker for books set in England.
yssarkive's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
gisele's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75