victoriarad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was given an annotated copy of this book by a good friend and so this story already has a special place in my heart <3
This is my first Jojo Moyes book and she did not disappoint. This was an excellent read. I simply loved the way Moyes told the story. The writing style was descriptive (but not overly so), developed these compelling characters who felt so real and honest and complicated, with excellent set pieces and moments that just make your heart soar, all with this overarching feeling of anxiety and looming heartbreak because you just know there's no changing Will's mind. So good. I can see why this book is so celebrated.
That being said, I wasn't head over heels obsessed with it. The writing was pure excellence. But it didn't make me cry like it seems to make everyone else. Maybe it was because I knew what was coming. Honestly the part that really made me shocked and nauseous was learning about Will's previous attempts. Even writing this review that is haunting to me.
What I enjoyed about this was the exploration of a really hard question that there is no good answer to. And we get to explore every character's different point of view on this question by jumping into the mom, the dad, Lou's, and her sister's POVs. All except Will - which is an interesting choice. However I feel like we didn't need his POV because his character was loud and clear from everyone else's. That man was not changing his mind. Heartbreaking. But understandable. So much empathy for this experience. I hated reading it because it made me question what I'd do in that situation. That's good literature. It makes you uncomfortable. It makes you think, ponder, debate. But it's certainly a book I wouldn't want to re-read. Maybe I'll rewatch the movie one day if I need a good emotional punch in the gut.
I really enjoyed seeing Lou's growth. How she changes subtly and gracefully with Will's help. He's pivotal in her story. And that's a good romance. I loved to see how they sweetly changed each other, encouraged each other to be better, stronger, outside of their "relationship." It's about them as individuals instead of just within the couple. That's unique to a romance.
I loved the bumble bee tights moment. That is utter perfection. And I loved seeing the soft moments for Will. So stoic and unemotional all the time. But the way he subtly shows affection is so quiet yet perfectly in character. So good.
Strongly disliked Patrick oh my goodness get outta here running man! And her family was so unkind to her all the time. Louisa is a strong girl through and through.
Can't wait to read another Moyes book. Maybe one with a happier ending? Perhaps?
This is my first Jojo Moyes book and she did not disappoint. This was an excellent read. I simply loved the way Moyes told the story. The writing style was descriptive (but not overly so), developed these compelling characters who felt so real and honest and complicated, with excellent set pieces and moments that just make your heart soar, all with this overarching feeling of anxiety and looming heartbreak because you just know there's no changing Will's mind. So good. I can see why this book is so celebrated.
That being said, I wasn't head over heels obsessed with it. The writing was pure excellence. But it didn't make me cry like it seems to make everyone else. Maybe it was because I knew what was coming. Honestly the part that really made me shocked and nauseous was learning about Will's previous attempts. Even writing this review that is haunting to me.
What I enjoyed about this was the exploration of a really hard question that there is no good answer to. And we get to explore every character's different point of view on this question by jumping into the mom, the dad, Lou's, and her sister's POVs. All except Will - which is an interesting choice. However I feel like we didn't need his POV because his character was loud and clear from everyone else's. That man was not changing his mind. Heartbreaking. But understandable. So much empathy for this experience. I hated reading it because it made me question what I'd do in that situation. That's good literature. It makes you uncomfortable. It makes you think, ponder, debate. But it's certainly a book I wouldn't want to re-read. Maybe I'll rewatch the movie one day if I need a good emotional punch in the gut.
I really enjoyed seeing Lou's growth. How she changes subtly and gracefully with Will's help. He's pivotal in her story. And that's a good romance. I loved to see how they sweetly changed each other, encouraged each other to be better, stronger, outside of their "relationship." It's about them as individuals instead of just within the couple. That's unique to a romance.
I loved the bumble bee tights moment. That is utter perfection. And I loved seeing the soft moments for Will. So stoic and unemotional all the time. But the way he subtly shows affection is so quiet yet perfectly in character. So good.
Strongly disliked Patrick oh my goodness get outta here running man! And her family was so unkind to her all the time. Louisa is a strong girl through and through.
Can't wait to read another Moyes book. Maybe one with a happier ending? Perhaps?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
lenkaengels's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
kare620bear's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide
oddity123's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
I’d say it’s pretty predictable, and the characters didn’t always ring true, but a god read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Rape
misspashx's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Cried and cried and cried.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
okale4me's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
Make sure you have tissues because this story makes me cry every time I read it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Moderate: Suicide attempt
paisleypetty's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, Chronic illness, Medical content, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Death, and Sexual assault
bbrewer14's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
This was one of the rare occasions where I saw the movie before reading the book. I loved the movie and the storyline. Reading the book was like reliving the movie, but adding so much detail that could never have fit in the allotted screen time. Louisa Clark is a middle class woman in her early 20s who lives in a small town and works a menial job to help support her parents, grandparents and sibling. During a change in vocation, she finds herself the caregiver for an upper class gentleman, Will Traynor, just a few years older than her who was involved in a devastating accident that left him completely paralyzed. His life of adventure and self absorption is changed in an instant and he has become embittered and angry with everyone. Louisa brings a new perspective to Will’s life and challenges him in ways he never expected. Her assignment with Will is a short 6 month contract in which she challenges him in every way, including the ideas behind his own mortality and his desire to live the life he has been given. The love story, the family of both main characters, the conflict and the calm humor in the growth of their friendship is a story that cannot be missed. This is a book I will read again to revisit my love for Louisa and her relatable world, Will and the changing of his Scrooge-like outlook to one of depth and understanding as well as the supporting characters who each bring a unique perspective of how grief and life is handled by different people with ever changing circumstances. This is the life and love story that asks the question of who were you before you met the person who changed your world?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Chronic illness, and Suicide
Moderate: Self harm, Suicide, Medical content, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, and Classism
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
zara_18's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book shattered my heart into a million pieces whilst simultaneously being one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
TW: Euthanasia = big topicihavecoolhats6's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Self harm, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident, Death, Suicide, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief