The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
amalienicholls's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
ebyle's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am now officially part of the obnoxious club that points out the differences between the book and the movie. In all honestly, the film adaptation is one of the few that even holds a flame in comparison to the book. I would actually recommend watching the movie first then reading the book. Hear me out, I know it's blasphemy. But, it was nice already having the characters built in my head with the characters' clear faces as Finick Odair and Daeneyrs. Their acting and chemistry was amazing. Reading the book after felt like watching an extended edition of the movie. Normally, I refuse to watch the movie beforehand because I tend to have no motivation to read the book. However, the chemistry and banter between them kept me engaged.The story was heartbreakingly wonderful. It made me contemplate my stance on a controversial issue and question, legally, how far human rights extend. I also learned a lot of new British slang.Â
usandalgona's review against another edition
4.0
- MUST HEAVILY REVISE REVIEW -
It would be five stars if I hadn't lost interest in the slower middle part of the book and hadn't taken this long to finish it (although much of this reading delay is due to school).
I appreciate the controversy that this book brings up. These ideas, especially about suicide which is a trigger and a taboo subject (thinly disguised but still disguised, even with the common and absolutely, totally ignorant comments of "Kill yourself"), are in the open and convey the blurred lines that Will and Louisa walk.
I've heard arguments that this novel has some aspects of ableism - hence the very gray and blurred lines. I disagree with that sentiment, as there are numerous instances of the book where there are very clear disclaimers and evidence that it's not. I also think it's key that Louisa and Will fundamentally change, although they still remain their own persons; it's easy to see how people who don't read the book and assume it's ableist think that they're right, instantly. But I do see one hole: when Will gives Louisa some of his money. I'm glad it wasn't all of his fortune or anything like that, and I understand the feelings behind it - he even writes it all in the letter! smack-dab for us all to see - but it is a bit iffy after only months together. Of course, my argument to that is that they see each other for a very long period of time for days back-to-back, and their interactions and the intimacy of Louisa's duties allowed them to become intimate despite having known each other for only months. I honestly understood Will's intentions with the money when I first read it, but when I heard someone else's opinions about it, it becomes questionable, I will admit that. And in the end, it was Will's choice, so I don't know if anyone else who has not gone through all that he has gone through can really speak in his stead. It's like thinking there is only one correct interpretation of a poem. And there isn't. What the poet "really" intended is not even any of your business, most of the time; it's not something you need to concern yourself with. I saw his last letter to Louisa as a sort of passing-down of legacy, perhaps, of freedom. That is how I read it. But I also think it's essential for me to keep in mind how others react to it differently, especially when they have not read the book. It's definitely fascinating and many times infuriating to see people judge this book by its surface.
It would be five stars if I hadn't lost interest in the slower middle part of the book and hadn't taken this long to finish it (although much of this reading delay is due to school).
I appreciate the controversy that this book brings up. These ideas, especially about suicide which is a trigger and a taboo subject (thinly disguised but still disguised, even with the common and absolutely, totally ignorant comments of "Kill yourself"), are in the open and convey the blurred lines that Will and Louisa walk.
I've heard arguments that this novel has some aspects of ableism - hence the very gray and blurred lines. I disagree with that sentiment, as there are numerous instances of the book where there are very clear disclaimers and evidence that it's not. I also think it's key that Louisa and Will fundamentally change, although they still remain their own persons; it's easy to see how people who don't read the book and assume it's ableist think that they're right, instantly. But I do see one hole: when Will gives Louisa some of his money. I'm glad it wasn't all of his fortune or anything like that, and I understand the feelings behind it - he even writes it all in the letter! smack-dab for us all to see - but it is a bit iffy after only months together. Of course, my argument to that is that they see each other for a very long period of time for days back-to-back, and their interactions and the intimacy of Louisa's duties allowed them to become intimate despite having known each other for only months. I honestly understood Will's intentions with the money when I first read it, but when I heard someone else's opinions about it, it becomes questionable, I will admit that. And in the end, it was Will's choice, so I don't know if anyone else who has not gone through all that he has gone through can really speak in his stead. It's like thinking there is only one correct interpretation of a poem. And there isn't. What the poet "really" intended is not even any of your business, most of the time; it's not something you need to concern yourself with. I saw his last letter to Louisa as a sort of passing-down of legacy, perhaps, of freedom. That is how I read it. But I also think it's essential for me to keep in mind how others react to it differently, especially when they have not read the book. It's definitely fascinating and many times infuriating to see people judge this book by its surface.
rennegade's review against another edition
5.0
A couple of chapters in, I thought this was going to be a typical fluffy chicklit-esque read. It was enjoyable, cute, and funny. It followed some typical tropes (girl lives unsatisfying life, girl goes to work for moody and impenetrable man, girl flounders in the new position due to innate awkwardness, etc.) and I settled in for a nice, easy read.
Let me just say that it didn't take long for this book to gut-punch me right in the feels. I am glad that the book ended how it did (I feel that anything else would have been a cop out), but MAN.
I really loved this book, and I am looking forward to my book club next week to see what my library patrons thought of it.
Let me just say that it didn't take long for this book to gut-punch me right in the feels. I am glad that the book ended how it did (I feel that anything else would have been a cop out), but MAN.
I really loved this book, and I am looking forward to my book club next week to see what my library patrons thought of it.
debra_reads_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Dear Me Before You,
I watched your movie years and years ago, so I knew what was inevitably coming at the end. I think it was both a good and bad thing, for the same reason. Because I knew the inevitable ending, I was able to stop myself from falling head over heels for Will. You were so interestingly written, and I loved the way you revealed the layers to Louisa throughout your story. You also cover more topics then I initially thought and I really loved watching Lou emerge from the paralysis she had enveloped her life in.
I watched your movie years and years ago, so I knew what was inevitably coming at the end. I think it was both a good and bad thing, for the same reason. Because I knew the inevitable ending, I was able to stop myself from falling head over heels for Will. You were so interestingly written, and I loved the way you revealed the layers to Louisa throughout your story. You also cover more topics then I initially thought and I really loved watching Lou emerge from the paralysis she had enveloped her life in.
alittlelou's review against another edition
5.0
Love love love! My 5-star list is close to my heart and this right here is DEFINITELY close to my heart. I loved this the entire way through and I 100% shamelessly shed tears at this one. There was also a movie made from this, (which is also amazing and heartfelt and emotional) but even if you’ve seen it, read this! There are details that are in the book that aren’t in the movie that made me appreciate the book/movie/storyline even more. I ADORE these characters.
inspirationalley's review against another edition
5.0
Quirky, thought provoking, humorous, poignant, enlightening - this was a book that took me through a gamut of emotions. It took me a while to get into it, but after a few chapters I was hooked.
kayedykes's review against another edition
5.0
Sobbed my eyes out for days after finishing this book but it had me gripped and I found it hard to put down
danapr's review against another edition
5.0
When Louisa commits to a six-month job as a companion to a quadriplegic man, she soon finds out that his family has hired her with some underlying motives unbeknownst to her. After her initial shock, Louisa accepts the family’s challenge very seriously and develops a relationship that is life-changing.
I think this book is identified as having a romance component but this aspect is addressed very differently from mainstream romance novels. Many other issues are incorporated into this engaging story. The character development is good and the author does a great job of giving some resolution around difficult issues. Looking forward to reading the sequels.
I think this book is identified as having a romance component but this aspect is addressed very differently from mainstream romance novels. Many other issues are incorporated into this engaging story. The character development is good and the author does a great job of giving some resolution around difficult issues. Looking forward to reading the sequels.