BBC's first book was Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.
I loved it. Very pleasantly surprised! After reading the brief "this is what this book is about" my interest was peaked, but it wasn't a book I would've read right away. I am so glad I did!
Did I absolutely love and adore the end? No. I didn't at all. But it fit the story. JoJo did a wonderful job of staying true to the story she was trying to tell. If you're looking for a love story where the end is all tied up with a pretty red bow, this isn't the book for you. However, it is a beautiful story.
Louisa is a wonderful character! Just the right amount of quirky and realistic. Right from her introduction you feel like you know her and you can relate to her. When Lou begins to make grand plans you really want her to succeed and you're rooting for her the whole way. When her plans go a little array, it's endearing how she attempts to fix it and learn and grow along the way. Will is hard to like in the beginning, but JoJo does a great job of making you care about him. I also liked all of the supporting characters! They in no way stole the show, but they made the perfect cast for Louisa and Will to really shine!
What I really loved about this book was the questions it brought up. It made you think. It made you wonder "what would I do?". And I'm not talking about questions like "would I choose my first love or my second?". I'm talking life and death questions. Questions like "what does it mean to really live?". I have to say, I don't have an answer.
And the ending? Oh the ending! I cried. Purchase a box of Kleenex before reading this book because you will be in tears. It was strange because I knew how it was going to end. It wasn't a surprising ending. I knew. And yet, I still cried. Bawled like a little baby.
I've been recommending this book to everyone. You absolutely need to read it.
But what do you think? Write a small (or large) review and link up below!
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Missed Blogger Book Club book #1? Well I'm here with BBC book #2!
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Good Reads description:
In a voice more powerful and compassionate than ever before, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout binds together thirteen rich, luminous narratives into a book with the heft of a novel, through the presence of one larger-than-life, unforgettable character: Olive Kitteridge.
At the edge of the continent, Crosby, Maine, may seem like nowhere, but seen through this brilliant writer’s eyes, it’s in essence the whole world, and the lives that are lived there are filled with all of the grand human drama–desire, despair, jealousy, hope, and love.
At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance: a former student who has lost the will to live: Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.
As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life–sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition–its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.
It won a PULITZER PRIZE, ya'll. Yes, I did just throw "ya'll" in with "Pulitzer Prize". I'm classy and I know it.
I read this NY Times review of this book and it totally sold me on it! I can't wait to read Olive Kitteridge and I hope you do too!
Also, I'm always looking for ideas for the next BBC book. Jen is basically my go-to girl when I'm stuck, but we'd both welcome new suggestions! I promise! Feel free to let us know!
***I've been told that the LinkyTool below isn't working. Unfortunately, I'm in a car on my way to St. Louis, so there isn't any way for me to figure out and fix the problem right now! (insert saddest face ever here) As soon as I can, I'll work on it! In the meantime, comment below so everyone can read the comments and get to your blog to see your review! Sorry guys!!***
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I loved Me Before You and am so glad it was the first BBC book! I agree with you that this book brought up some serious questions that made you stop and think about what you would do and what living means to you. I'm still raving about it and I finished it a couple of weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to our next book. I can tell that it's not something I would pick up myself so I am looking forward to reading something outside the norm for me. Thanks for coming up with such a great idea and hosting!
i totally agree about the ending, i didn't feel like it was written in a monumental way, it was almost nonchalant, which didn't fit how huge an event that it was, you know what i mean? but i still loved loved loved the book!
ReplyDeleteI loved it! Wrote my review and now I'm just waiting for the link up. I kind of liked the end though! I wish it had gone differently but I think that Moyes really worked hard to show that life goes on. It wasn't the end of Louisa's world, no matter how heartbreaking it was. In fact, thanks to Will, it was more like the beginning for her.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure I was going to like this book but I loved it. So looking forward to reading the next book. Love the fact that these books are challenging me to read stuff I normally wouldn't too!
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that this book was picked as the first BBC book. I never would have read it otherwise. It brought to mind some serious questions in a way that didn't make up your mind or even push your opinion in one direct or another. As Amy said made you stop and think about what living means to you and what you would potentially do in that sort of situation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kay for the hard work you did to make this a go!
-Becca
http://letsseealittleoftheworld.blogspot.com/
Hi! I found you via the Weekend Reads link up! I'm really intrigued with this book club idea and have added myself to the Good Reads Group!
ReplyDeleteAlso super excited to find out you are from Indiana!! I was begining to think that Indiana Bloggers didn't exist and that maybe I was the only one ;) I'm also 23 and live in the Northwest corner of the state.I'm following you on Bloglovin now! You can find me at http://www.themarriedme.com if you are interested.
Oh--and Boiler Up!!
Oh and suggestions for your future reads...I'm kind of a Kristin Hannah fanatic and Winter Garden and Night Road I think are her best. Winter Garden is the one with a more unique story line and was truly fascinating. I think it fits better with your more off the beaten path book choices so far.
ReplyDeleteI really really enjoyed this book! It was a good read and glad I was home when I was reading it because totally cried.
ReplyDeleteHere is my review: http://www.besohappyblog.com/2013/09/blogger-book-club-me-before-you-review.html - loved it!
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews everyone!
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