Book Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

First thing is first, have some tissues handy.  This is a tear-jerker and not necessarily the heart-warming kind.  I wouldn't say it's specifically not heart-warming, but it's not exactly a feel good story.  It hurts-but it's worth it to feel the tragedy which is very adequately portrayed through the story.  I read this book in about three hours time, which means I sat down and did nothing else way past my bedtime and did not get distracted-it was that good.  And yes, I cried-a lot.  I think my book pages are pretty tear-stained in parts now, and that's okay.

So, five stars and a huge recommendation from me.  If you haven't yet, add it to your to-read list!  This is set to be made into a movie this year, so it's a good idea to get it read with plenty of time to see the film when it comes out.

Note: I received this book as a gift from the lovely Lisa of Books in the Burbs as part of my Books 'n' Bloggers Swap package!

Rating: ★★★★★

Book Review: Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

Synopsis According to Goodreads:

1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

★★★★★ What I Thought/My Review: 

This is a coming of age story with an interesting twist-it's set in a time when the aids epidemic is new and scary, and it's based around a young girl who's whole world is entirely altered by it.

 Having lived in a time when this sad disease has been around for a long time, it was interesting to hear how it would have been for someone back then when it was new and had yet to have any kind of treatment for, and it was very sad to hear about how it altered her relationships and shook up her entire family. The heartbreak from the death and secrecy really makes this a not-so-typical coming of age story, however there are quite a few things thrown in that brings it back down to that category. Things such as learning to deal with their parents and being a "latchkey kid", fighting and growing distance between siblings, and learning more about boys and growing up than you expect to at fourteen.

Don't let that fool you, the main character has anything but normal relationships and feelings-some of which are a little worrisome and some of which account for those awkward teenage years.

Don't expect a very happy ending...

Still, it's a good read and I would recommend it. 

Giveaway: Happy Blogentine's Day!

Hello my lovely readers!  Happy (almost) Valentines Blogentine's Day!  How are you celebrating?  Me?  I'm not.  I'm pretending it's not some weird romantic holiday that haunts us single people-I'm just running off to Oregon (I'm already here) to get away for the weekend and take lots of pretty photos.

But, I wanted to celebrate here in blog land. My blog is pretty much the love of my life these days (except for, you know, all my great friends, family, and godkids!) but I wanted to do a big giveaway all on me to share that love with you!  This one is all about gaining more love for your blog-because if you're a blogger you can always use a little more love.  :) So here are three prizes, for three fantastic winners (two blog related-one non-blog related so you lovelies can enter too!):

Package 1 (est. $120 value) Includes: Blog Design, 1 Month In-Post Ad, and the book Blog Inc. *Note* International winners will receive $10 PayPal cash instead of the book.

Package 2 (est. $90 Value) Includes: Simple Blog Design, 2 Months small sidebar ad space, and How to Make Money Blogging Book.  *Note* International winners will receive $4 PayPal cash instead of the book.

 Package 3: $10 Starbucks Gift Card!

Giveaway is open worldwide.  Some prizes may be substituted for International winners. Ends 3/2/15 at 12AM MST.  Entering below agrees to all Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter widget.

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