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Me and You
Heartbreaking and uplifting, Me and You is a story about how hard it is to leave our old selves behind, the tough choices we sometimes have to make and how love and friendship can heal the most damaged of hearts. “I’m fine. I’m sorry. Please take care of him for me. And maybe one day I’ll get to explain.” Angie knows a lot about her best friend Kitty. She knows Kitty is mad and wild and loves to wear clashing colours. She knows she’s incredibly funny and generous but also very unreliable. And she knows that there is a perfect explanation for Kitty standing her up on her birthday. She thinks she knows everything about Kitty, except she doesn’t. Kitty knows that she is the happiest she has ever been. She knows she’s so lucky to have a lovely boyfriend, Simon and a best friend like Angie. But what she doesn’t know is that on this night, her past is finally going to catch up with her and change everything.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
41 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Carroll
42 books454 followersClaudia was born in Dublin and is a graduate of UCD, the College of Music and of the Gaiety School of Acting. Since then she has worked extensively as an actress on the Irish stage, but is probably best known for her role as TV’s Nicola Prendergast in the long running Dublin soap opera, ‘Fair City.’
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 4, 2014
Hmm, more like a 2.5 star read for me. I received this in a First Reads giveaway and I've finally gotten around to reading it.
The first part of this book is written in a diary entry kind of structure, with v. being used instead of very, even though no other words seem to have been shortened like that. I found this v v annoying! The perspective changes in the next part, which I found much more enjoyable. However, the author had a habit of trying to build suspense where any reader would have guessed the plot anyway, so overall it was very predictable. There are a few plot points that were too convenient for my liking, which seemed a bit lazy to me.
Another thing- the cover. It has nothing at all to do with the actual story, and gave me the impression that it would be set in spring/summer, which is isn't. A typical 'chick-lit' cover which does nothing for it, in my opinion.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and sometimes a bit of a page turner, but there were too many things that irritated me about the writing to give this a higher rating.
The first part of this book is written in a diary entry kind of structure, with v. being used instead of very, even though no other words seem to have been shortened like that. I found this v v annoying! The perspective changes in the next part, which I found much more enjoyable. However, the author had a habit of trying to build suspense where any reader would have guessed the plot anyway, so overall it was very predictable. There are a few plot points that were too convenient for my liking, which seemed a bit lazy to me.
Another thing- the cover. It has nothing at all to do with the actual story, and gave me the impression that it would be set in spring/summer, which is isn't. A typical 'chick-lit' cover which does nothing for it, in my opinion.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and sometimes a bit of a page turner, but there were too many things that irritated me about the writing to give this a higher rating.
August 9, 2013
Not gonna lie...this book started out well but was just too long. By about half way through I no longer cared about where Kitty was or why. The relationships were predictable and the male lead was seriously annoying - I think he was supposed to be all brooding and tortured but came across to me as needy and a bit of a whiner. There was the token "sibling rivalry" nod which is bad in most books but seemed worse in this one because it never really developed. I was left feeling that Angie could have been an only child and the book would have lost nothing plot wise but would have been mercifully shorter. I hate books that lure you in with the promise of something different and then leave you feeling meh. Disappointing read.
December 16, 2015
Nope. Just nope. Because firstly, what is with the excessive usage of v. v.? Can't you just say VERY VERY? Secondly, I don't get the form of writing. Is it supposed to be a diary? Because the sentences are kinda incomplete. Eg. "Wake up. Don't feel too good." No. JUST NO. You can make the book sound informal without butchering the sentences. OK? Also, the story line is there. Like there was SO MUCH potential in the story. But the way it was told, my God. I died.
December 28, 2013
Couldn't continue after 9% it was slow going and the over use of v everywhere was v v annoying. Just pure laziness. Guess it's just not for me
March 13, 2016
A complete waste of words and ohhhhh there were sooooo many words. A lot of them unnecessary and a number of them also quite dull. I am one of those people who once I have started a book I MUST finish it. However, having gone through the pain of finishing this, I may now release myself from this crazy self inflicted rule. If a book is crap at the start, it is likely to remain so till the end.
August 1, 2013
When Claudia Carroll's new book Me and You arrived though my letter box the first thing I though was I love the new look to the cover which is a softer look to the authors previous books.
When Angie is stood up at the spa for her birthday treat from best friend Kitty she knows something is wrong, unable to make any contact with her friend she calls Kitty's boyfriend Simon together they work hours, days , weeks to try to find Kitty, when the police arrive with shocking news.
Kitty loves Simon and Angie but now her past is catching up with her she is worried the effect it will have on them.
When I read the synopsis of this book I was eager to make a start as I do love the sound of hidden secrets and puzzles to be solved. I have enjoyed all the authors previous books so I was looking forward to this book.
The beginning of this book really didn't grip me at all, in fact, I had to put the book down a couple of times but because I enjoyed the authors previous books I was determined to pick the book back up and carry on as I was hopeful that the book would improve, which by Part 2 in the book it had began to pick up when Kittys past begins to unravel. The characters were all lovable, ordinary characters which is something I always find in this authors books the characters are always a great bunch.
Angie's part in this book is set out in time entries similar to a diary entry which is the first time I had come across this type of writing style but it did seem to work well although the continual use of .v. for Very soon became a little irritating. If you are looking for a light easy read with lovable characters then you will like this book, I just misses the depth to the storyline that is usually present in this authors storylines. Although this is not a favourite of mine by Claudia Carroll I will still be picking up her next book.
When Angie is stood up at the spa for her birthday treat from best friend Kitty she knows something is wrong, unable to make any contact with her friend she calls Kitty's boyfriend Simon together they work hours, days , weeks to try to find Kitty, when the police arrive with shocking news.
Kitty loves Simon and Angie but now her past is catching up with her she is worried the effect it will have on them.
When I read the synopsis of this book I was eager to make a start as I do love the sound of hidden secrets and puzzles to be solved. I have enjoyed all the authors previous books so I was looking forward to this book.
The beginning of this book really didn't grip me at all, in fact, I had to put the book down a couple of times but because I enjoyed the authors previous books I was determined to pick the book back up and carry on as I was hopeful that the book would improve, which by Part 2 in the book it had began to pick up when Kittys past begins to unravel. The characters were all lovable, ordinary characters which is something I always find in this authors books the characters are always a great bunch.
Angie's part in this book is set out in time entries similar to a diary entry which is the first time I had come across this type of writing style but it did seem to work well although the continual use of .v. for Very soon became a little irritating. If you are looking for a light easy read with lovable characters then you will like this book, I just misses the depth to the storyline that is usually present in this authors storylines. Although this is not a favourite of mine by Claudia Carroll I will still be picking up her next book.
November 3, 2013
Terrible book
Poor story line which dragged on and on. Doesn't even deserve 1 star
Poor story line which dragged on and on. Doesn't even deserve 1 star
September 28, 2020
I love Claudia Carroll's writing style and this was no expectation. At first I questioned if I was going to like this book as much or at all. It kept getting better and better. I admired how different it was from the start but from the middle towards the end it grabbed my interest much more. I liked all the characters in the book including; Simon, Angie, Kitty and Jack. I predicted how it would end with who would end up with who but that didn't stop the enjoyment. It's a story best summed up by being one of a kind, a missing person with hidden back story and changing identity and a love triangle between three close friends. I felt for Angie being on the wrong side of the love triangle but she deserved better with Jack, she's best with Simon as friends.
October 12, 2013
A few chapters into Me & You I was bored, I just could not relax enough to get into the book. It was a bit everywhere and I was getting frustrated. I obviously carried on after putting it down for a while hoping I wouldn't be so narky with it. After reading the closing sentence to the book, I realised it was 5.59 am, I had been reading for four hours straight without realising. A full indication that the book changed it's direction and pulled me in with it's Irish charm, twists and heartbreak.
Me & you is a book of secrets. Secrets that carry nothing but misery with them. Secrets that can turn a world so far upside down that lies are the only way forward. A dark and daunting tale it may be, but is also filled with love, honesty and the brilliance of friendship.
A book you're not going to want to miss out on.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting a heartfelt and mysterious read.
Me & you is a book of secrets. Secrets that carry nothing but misery with them. Secrets that can turn a world so far upside down that lies are the only way forward. A dark and daunting tale it may be, but is also filled with love, honesty and the brilliance of friendship.
A book you're not going to want to miss out on.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting a heartfelt and mysterious read.
March 24, 2014
No. Sorry. Couldn't finish it!!!
The book is v . frustrating. v.annoying. v v slow. I lost interest in the story and hated the fact that the author couldn't use the word very....
For many I don't suppose this would be an issue but for me it just was.
I don't usually give up on books - A definate I've started so I'll finish mentality but I couldnt stick with it at all. The fact that I felt nothing when I put it down never to return means I have to rate it low.
Maybe I could have lasted it out if it wasn't so v v annoying.
The book is v . frustrating. v.annoying. v v slow. I lost interest in the story and hated the fact that the author couldn't use the word very....
For many I don't suppose this would be an issue but for me it just was.
I don't usually give up on books - A definate I've started so I'll finish mentality but I couldnt stick with it at all. The fact that I felt nothing when I put it down never to return means I have to rate it low.
Maybe I could have lasted it out if it wasn't so v v annoying.
May 19, 2019
Boring. So slow. Lack of interest. Just didnt feel emotionally attached to the characters or the plot. Disappointing read.
August 14, 2020
3.5 stars. the first half of this book had me hooked and really really loving it and flying through it. it's an interesting story and i really enjoy the way its written kinda like a diary and the way we were switching from angie and simon trying to find kitty to back in time slowly filling in the pieces about kitty's life. but the second half, and especially the end just felt a bit dragged out. you had basically already figured out the whole story and then you still had so much left to read. so while i really really enjoyed the first half and could've easily seen myself giving this a 4, maybe even 4.5 stars, the last half wasnt as good and that lowered the score for me. but i would recommend you guys to read it. its a powerful story which brings up a really serious and important issue. abuse.
September 15, 2013
this book has been sitting on my shelf since it was released and I've been desperately trying to get to it, I'm so glad that I finally did. I was hooked into this story right from the very first page. It is a dual narrative of sorts and in Angie's part of the story, her thoughts are written in a kind of diary style, with times and then what is going on in that time. I found this really compelling, diary style books always make me read faster! The other part of the narrative tells us what has happened to Her best friend Kitty in the past and also what is happening to her in the present. I sometimes struggle with books that jump around with times but I think that because this was already a dual narrative, I found it much easier to cope with.
I found myself drawn to the character of Angie right the way through the book, as if she was my best friend and not Kitty's. I have to admit that I didn't like Kitty very much at all in her past story or in the present time, I thought that the level of impulsiveness with which she did things was uncalled for and it just didn't sit right with me. kitty's boyfriend Simon is the main male character in this book, I had a bit of a mixed relationship with him, finding him strong and desirable at the beginning and end of the novel but really quite irritating in the middle section. So the jury is still out as far as he's concerned with me.
I thought the storyline was really interesting, something completely different. At some points it was a little to much mystery for me, and there was too much to find out, but there was enough action in the present, love stories and flashbacks to the last to balance it out, learning about Kitty's back story was really interesting but some parts were really quite graphic and therefore harrowing, I definitely skimmed over these bits, finding them a little too uncomfortable for me personally to read.
I found this quite a quick read, I think because of all the flashbacks and the diary style writing. Although I finished it quite quickly, I still don't feel as if everything has been resolved and so therefore the ending, for me, was a little bit of a let down! Overall though, I thought this was a good pice of women's fictions and something slightly different from the norm that would definitely get people out of a reading slump or convince a reader that not all women's fiction is the same. Definitely a good book to end the summer with!
I found myself drawn to the character of Angie right the way through the book, as if she was my best friend and not Kitty's. I have to admit that I didn't like Kitty very much at all in her past story or in the present time, I thought that the level of impulsiveness with which she did things was uncalled for and it just didn't sit right with me. kitty's boyfriend Simon is the main male character in this book, I had a bit of a mixed relationship with him, finding him strong and desirable at the beginning and end of the novel but really quite irritating in the middle section. So the jury is still out as far as he's concerned with me.
I thought the storyline was really interesting, something completely different. At some points it was a little to much mystery for me, and there was too much to find out, but there was enough action in the present, love stories and flashbacks to the last to balance it out, learning about Kitty's back story was really interesting but some parts were really quite graphic and therefore harrowing, I definitely skimmed over these bits, finding them a little too uncomfortable for me personally to read.
I found this quite a quick read, I think because of all the flashbacks and the diary style writing. Although I finished it quite quickly, I still don't feel as if everything has been resolved and so therefore the ending, for me, was a little bit of a let down! Overall though, I thought this was a good pice of women's fictions and something slightly different from the norm that would definitely get people out of a reading slump or convince a reader that not all women's fiction is the same. Definitely a good book to end the summer with!
December 5, 2013
Not bad. The beginning bit, looking for Kitty, dragged on way too much for my liking and what she "did" wasn't as shocking as the book leads you to believe. Quite understandable, really.
I enjoyed it more once the revelations started. Then found I was skimming again by the end, as the who ends up was who was totally predictable.
This is the first book I have read by this author. She has a pleasant, undemanding (even in spite of the subject matter) style of writing. Reading comments by others, it seems this is not her most popular book amongst those who enjoy her writing . All things considered, I would read another of her books.
I enjoyed it more once the revelations started. Then found I was skimming again by the end, as the who ends up was who was totally predictable.
This is the first book I have read by this author. She has a pleasant, undemanding (even in spite of the subject matter) style of writing. Reading comments by others, it seems this is not her most popular book amongst those who enjoy her writing . All things considered, I would read another of her books.
April 15, 2013
If you're in for a light read, don't miss Claudia Carroll's "Me & You". This is the story of Angie's desperation when her best friend Kitty goes missing on Christmas Eve and how finding the reason of this disappearance brings her closer to Kitty's boyfriend Simon and to herself. I love the fact that it is placed in Dublin, bringing the story closer to me as a reader.
July 6, 2015
I really liked all the characters in this book and the way you almost thought you were going to predict what would happen only for the story to go in another direction to what you are thinking. The ending to this book is wonderful to so perfectly written. This is a beautiful book that is an exceptional read.
January 13, 2021
If the author wrote in a different style, I would've given more than 2 stars. Using "v." instead of very, every other word was extremely annoying. When writing from the view of Kitty though, the style was much better! However the actual story itself was quite good once getting past (which was quite hard) the authors style of writing.
December 26, 2013
It just dragged on & on!! In the end I found Angela's constant whinging v annoying!! Also what was with all the use of v instead of very!?! I know it's meant to be diary format but really, really!?! All the multitude of v's did was annoy the hell out of me!!!
February 4, 2014
A nice light read. Was starting to get a bit bored with Kittys vanishing act but the book was turned around by the twist in the storyline.
January 26, 2015
I have struggled with this book and found the over-use of v. instead of very irritating. Claudia Carroll is still a great author though and will continue to buy her books
February 27, 2017
I read it a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.
March 15, 2024
A severe case of cat fishing and an extremely confused read... The book is tagged as humourous, tear-jerker, dramatic etc etc... but no one ever warned me about it being a domestic violence saga... Sometimes including very graphic details of the acts of violence....
Secondly, the writer sure doesn't know whether she wanted to give us a moving story of strength and survival or a light-hearted rom com... She tries to combine both, sometimes within very short page spans, but you cannot possibly expect a reader to fully immerse in either of these situations specially when they are juxaposed so closely together. It feels like both the tragic and the humours elements of the book are undercutting each other: no matter how snarky your comments, if you, in the same breath, are expecting me to worry myself sick for your missing friend, how am I expected to be amused at your clever jibes?
The third and final critique, a totally unexplained and unnecessary hook up/relationship/situationship between the protagonist's best friend and boyfriend, which we are totally unaware about how it ever came about to be in the first place? Did they just end up in bed together while wallowing in their sorrow? Who made the first move? No explanation in given how things got started off between them both? We just know that they kind of get in such a situation where the best friend thinks that they are dating but the boyfriend isn't ready to move on and won't stay the night, however he does bring her favourite flowers for her... We aren't even told the extent of their relationship... The whole triangle part is completely wishy-washy which has totally been forced into the book...
Overall, I am sad at the hours I spent reading it... Wish I could rid myself of the extreme need for closure and dropped it off in the middle.
Secondly, the writer sure doesn't know whether she wanted to give us a moving story of strength and survival or a light-hearted rom com... She tries to combine both, sometimes within very short page spans, but you cannot possibly expect a reader to fully immerse in either of these situations specially when they are juxaposed so closely together. It feels like both the tragic and the humours elements of the book are undercutting each other: no matter how snarky your comments, if you, in the same breath, are expecting me to worry myself sick for your missing friend, how am I expected to be amused at your clever jibes?
The third and final critique, a totally unexplained and unnecessary hook up/relationship/situationship between the protagonist's best friend and boyfriend, which we are totally unaware about how it ever came about to be in the first place? Did they just end up in bed together while wallowing in their sorrow? Who made the first move? No explanation in given how things got started off between them both? We just know that they kind of get in such a situation where the best friend thinks that they are dating but the boyfriend isn't ready to move on and won't stay the night, however he does bring her favourite flowers for her... We aren't even told the extent of their relationship... The whole triangle part is completely wishy-washy which has totally been forced into the book...
Overall, I am sad at the hours I spent reading it... Wish I could rid myself of the extreme need for closure and dropped it off in the middle.
June 15, 2021
I didn’t mind the diary entries; like a mix between Bridget Jones and the Georgia Nicholson books, but the mystery was SO disappointing. They make out Kitty has done something awful? For a full half of the book? I also don’t appreciate how the author has to frequently remind us how amazing and perfect Kitty is , or the way they keep calling her Jean when she returns - surely she’d want to keep the name Kitty as all she ever had when she was Jean was misery? It all seemed like it was going to be clever , and was nothing of the sort. Simon was a bore. It kept me entertained for a day so it’s not awful but not the best book I’ve read.
April 2, 2021
I previously read Meet Me In Manhattan by Claudia Carroll and enjoyed the slightly offbeat premise for a chick lit romance. However I didn’t enjoy Me and You as much. While it was an interesting idea to use the chick lit genre to tackle the theme of runaways and domestic violence, the plot just didn’t ring true to me, especially the events following Mrs K’s funeral. And btw the first chapter of the book is really annoying with the constant time checks!
November 26, 2023
My rating of this book is 2.6 for the mere fact that the storyline wasn’t predictable. The pacing however, was slow and the author’s choice to replace the word “very” with a simple v and even more so, her overindulgence in using this annoying tactic drove me to distraction; pulling my attentions off the narrative causing me to focus on the book’s faults. I wouldn’t suggest pedantic bibliophiles give this a go … it will drive you crazy.
April 27, 2018
Maybe not the funniest of Claudia Carroll's books, but a brilliantly written story. A young woman suddenly disappears without a trace. While her boyfriend n her best friend search for her they find she is not entirely who they thought she was. Great characters n while domestic violence cannot be funny in any way, the author manages to put humour into the right places.
March 31, 2025
Took me a very long time to get into this book , I found in parts so slow
I feel it could have got to the plot so much faster.
Why all the V .. for very totally not necessary
I also was able to predict the ending
The cover is also very misleading noting like the book. A , very important subject to approach but felt it could have been more addressed
I feel it could have got to the plot so much faster.
Why all the V .. for very totally not necessary
I also was able to predict the ending
The cover is also very misleading noting like the book. A , very important subject to approach but felt it could have been more addressed
May 16, 2017
I have to agree with other reviewers that the first half of the book - Angie's story was had to get through. It did get more interesting when we got to hear Kitty's (Jean's) story - which is really what the book was about.
August 3, 2017
me and you ,the book started off good ,for the first couple of chapters and then it became very boring and about halfway through the book I couldn't put it down. a good read just bear with it till it picks up.
March 2, 2018
A very enjoyable book. It was a predictable ending but an ending which gave me a feel good feeling. I liked the beginning especially, because when Kitty went missing , there was lots of emotion as well as detective work. It is well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews