So this book was a bit of a slog, but I've finally finished it. If you are an adult with a Facebook account, and eyeballs, you've probably seen something regarding this book and its recent movie adaptation. (The trailer actually looks pretty good). There was something a bit off-putting about what I thought was a emotional sabotage to the book, which is probably why I gave it three stars, despite liking it a bit more.
The story follows Louisa Clarke, a 26 year old cafe worker who loses her job and ends up taking a 6-month assignment as a caregiver to quadriplegic Will Trainor. Will used to be a powerful business man, athlete, risk taker, but was hit by a motorcycle while walking to work and now suffers from almost complete paralysis of his four limbs. He's a bit of a jerk, but that has mostly to do with his circumstances.
Over the course of a few weeks, Louisa and Will begin an uneasy and then comfortable friendship, after which Louisa learns that Will has decided to end his life at the end of her six-month working engagement. Louisa first quits, but then decides she will take the time to show Will what his life could be like and how full it could be.
I'll leave it to you to decide (or read) if Louisa is successful or not. There is a sequel to the book called "After You" if that is any indication. Of course I cried a little during the book, and I really thought about the issues of determining how and where we live our lives. I'm not entirely sure I agree with the choices the characters make, but I understand their grief in the process.
All in all a good read. As a side note, I'm quite enjoying all these Audible versions of books by English authors (The Lake House, The Girl on the Train) as the accents are entertaining.
3.5/5 Stars.
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