Sama sebou

Me Before You #3

by Jojo Moyes, Lucie Mikolajková (Translator)

Louisa Clarková z bestellerů Než jsem tě poznala a Život po tobě se vrací v novém románu Jojo Moyesové! A hodně toho ví…

Tak například ví, jak daleko je z jejího nového domova v New Yorku do Londýna, kde žije její přítel Sam. Ví také, že její nový zaměstnavatel je dobrý člověk a že před ním jeho manželka skrývá tajemství. Co ovšem Louisa ještě netuší, je to, že nová práce v novém městě jí rozhodně nezaručí idylický život, ve který tolik doufala, a že bude její vztah se Samem bude z obou stran podroben zkoušce ohněm. A neví také, že lidé, s nimiž se ve své nové životní etapě setká, ji možná postrčí dost nečekaným směrem…

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Adult Fiction

456 pages, Hardcover

First published January 30, 2018

About the author

Jojo Moyes is a British novelist.

Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.

Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.

She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.

Reviews

[Stephanie]

Do we really need this series to continue? Whatever, I'll still read it.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.75 stars*

Two books post game-changer and I have to wonder, would any follow-up to Me Before You be impressive enough to rival the thought-provoking circumstances or raw emotion Louisa and Will's story evoked from the masses? At this point, I think not. The takeaway here—some things should be left to stand on their own.

Why Jojo Moyes felt compelled to take a story as emotionally charged as Me Before You and drag it out to a trilogy, I’ll never understand. Was it a burning desire on her part to continue Louisa’s story that led to After You (book 2) or more of an opportunity to exploit the success of Me Before You? Is it possible Still Me (book 3) was viewed as a chance to right all of the squandered opportunities we suffered through in After You or again, more of a sales play? Either way, I won’t deny, this third installment was a much more enjoyable read than the prior. Although, arguably, unnecessary in the grand scheme of things.

Regardless of the fact that Me Before You is a book I’ve recommended more than any other, I hesitated to commit to Still Me and for good reason. Within the 370 pages of After You, Jojo Moyes created a scenario that worked against it’s predecessor, tainting the memory of one of the most pivotal and adored characters. The crutch she rested on felt cheap, overused and left me second-guessing my feelings for the original story. Let me tell you, that’s a wretched place to be. Not to mention, Lou’s storyline failed to advance enough to even justify the sequel, making After You feel like little more than a throwaway.

Third time book is a charm? Well, sort of. This is more in line with what I initially envisioned for a continuation of Lou's story, but it's far from perfect. With this final installment (let's hope), Jojo Moyes captures that version of Lou readers initially fell for—the quirky clothes horse who stood out in a crowd for simply being herself—and delivers a journey of self discovery.

This story lacks a bit in the emotional depth department, specifically with regards to the relationships and people Lou surrounds herself with, but it was entertaining enough to keep me engaged. What I didn't like: a few of the storylines felt unresolved (Agnes), quite a few characters felt inconsistent (Josh, Sam and Mrs. De Witt) and the messages along the way were a bit muddled.

If you're even remotely considering this one, I would say, go for it. Even if for nothing other than the times Lou reminisces about Will. The snippets of Will throughout—letters written to his mother from his own time in New York and his anecdotes about life that pop up when Lou needs them most—acted as a salve of sorts, healing some of my past disappointments and reigniting those feelings I experienced with their unforgettable beginning.

Regardless of the fact that this go round with Lou was a much more positive experience than the last, I feel strongly that this should be the final goodbye to the eccentric Londoner New Yorker. Let's just hope Jojo Moyes and her publisher agree.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I think at some point, dear, you're going to have to work out who Louisa Clark is."

I don't think there needed to be a trilogy. I really don't. Let me start by saying I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Me Before you. It literally blew me away. I read it twice and have seen the movie three times. I think it is Moyes Swan song. It doesn't get any better than that - which is why the two books which followed could not live up to their predecessor.

In this book we see our much-loved Louisa Clarke moving to New York City to be the "assistant" to a wealthy young socialite. A socialite who is not much liked by others in her social circles as her husband was once married to their friend. A friend he divorced to marry his much younger massage therapist. Before she is even over her jet lag, Louisa is running in central park, shopping and attending fancy social events. She is thrown into a glamorous life one that is much different from the life she lived in England with her paramedic boyfriend, Sam.

While out and about she meets a man named Josh Ryan who bears a striking resemblance to someone from her past. They form a friendship while Louisa pines for Sam and throws herself into the NYC high society social circle. Louisa continues to be quirky and finds herself in various situations both comedic and sad. There will be misunderstandings, new friends, broken hearts, miscommunication, deceit and mayhem.

In this book, Louisa takes Will's advice from Me Before you: “You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.” She does take chances and tries to be her own person but sadly, it didn't really pay off for me in this book. It was a solid 3-star book for me. I hoped it would be better. I can't fault he writing, the writing is good but the story lagged in places for me. Again, I think she should have left well enough alone. Good not great.

Thank you to Penguin Group Viking and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
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[Ihcene · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY AM I JUST FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS??
MORE LOU? HELL YEAH.

EDIT:

So, Hallelujah! I finally finished this book, I've been so busy lately and had so little time left for reading but I did it!

Do I think we needed a third book? Honestly, no. Am I glad we go a third book? ABSOLUTELY.

Louisa Clark is a character that will probably stay with you forever, I mean Hell, I still think about Me Before You till this day and I never regret going into this series, I love it! I'm always delighted to know about her and her life, it's like going on an adventure to be honest, it's an amazing experience.

So in this book we learn about the next stage in Louisa's new life, New York. We learn in the second book about her new job as a personal assistant and we get to explore it in this book, so you can imagine how life must be for her, English woman living alone in New York, away from her boyfriend Sam, with no relatives whatsoever except for Nathan who seems to have built a life for himself there so she can't exactly rely on him. The story follows her life there as an immigrant struggling to meet ends for her employer while also trying to cope with the changes in her life following Will's words;

"You're going to feel uncomfortable in your new world for a bit. It always does feel strange to be knocked out of your comfort zone."

Following a new series of events Lou finds herself facing other challenges trying to make something out of herself and not just the plain Louisa Clark from Stortfold.

"I think at some point, dear, you're going to have to work out who Louisa Clark really is."

I loved that part, especially. It was nice seeing her embracing her real identity and staying true to herself. What's even more exciting was seeing Sam stands by her side all this time, I was obsessed with the letters!

Overall, I think this book was really a nice addition and it makes up for the second book, I was hooked from the start and it gave Lou's story a nice closure and the happy ending she totally DESERVES!

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello again, Louisa Clark!


NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Books teach you empathy.

I enjoyed a lot reading this book, since after three novels (counting this one), Louisa Clark, is already a literary character that it’s always a wonderful experience to read about.

Louisa Clark goes to her next phase in her life, this time leaving her native England to go to work at New York. She has to leave her family, her friends and her boyfriend, Ambulance Sam, only Nathan is with her, since it was him who helped her to get the job as personal assistant of the new wife of a very important and rich man, living at the famous Fifth Avenue, but you will get to know several places around the city that never sleeps, becoming another resident there as well as Lou.

Jojo’s narrative which turn into the very voice and thoughts of Louisa, take us to New York in a way that you can watch each building, you can feel each street, you can taste each weather.

Something that I love about Jojo Moyes’ books (at least Louisa Clark’s saga) that you learn empathy (as the chosen quote clearly indicates), since you never has to rush to conclusions about the people that you meet, the same as in the first book and the second one too, characters that maybe get your nerves, you need to be patient, since you never know how relevant an unexpected character can be for the fate of Louisa Clark,…

…the same as our own lives.

You have to be true to yourself, don’t look for doing bad things on purpose to others, never look for revenge, keep your soul and heart clean, and don’t look for unnecesary enemies, since life will give you enough unavoidable foes, for “helping” to add others to the list, even since life doesn’t help you giving people “white hats” or “black hats”, life isn't like an old western movie where isn't that hard to know who is good or bad out there.

There are people that it’s easy to know that can be a valuable friendship for you, but others won’t be so easy to recognize…

…be cautious, think before talk, and always do what you think is right.

There’s always something.

Lou keeps trying her best to do her tasks in the best possible way, and certainly she will put to test when duty and righteousness, will become one single mess, not making easy to know how to act at certain times.

Also, Lou will have to be strong about her own personality and the little things that made her like what truly is and don’t betray herself. Only Louisa Clark can be Louisa Clark and the literary world would be a sad place without her. In the same way, only you can be you in our world, so don’t make changes in your very foundation of what makes you, you.

Moreover, beside to learn about the new life of Lou in New York, you’ll be able to learn about the Clark family and the Traynors too. After three books (counting this one), they’re like part of our own family too, since it has been quite a journey since we meet for the first time to Lou when she was fired from the coffee shop, never imagining all the stuff that she’ll do from then on and all the incredible people that will get into Lou’s life.

For better or worse, always modeling into unexpected levels the life of our Lou.

Your life – it’s never quite, is it, love?

Thank you, Jojo, for giving us once again Lou and being able to walk side-by-side with her for a third time.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Me Before You and After You so I was delighted to read the first chapter of Still Me. Reading about Louisa is like meeting an old friend. I was hooked from the first sentence and can't wait to read the rest of the book. It was lovely to find out that she is in New York starting a new job and still the same adorable character. Thank you Jojo Moyes for bringing Louisa back to us.

[Charlotte May · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We who travelled far from home would always have our hearts in two places."

I was so pleasantly surprised by this one! I didn't think much of book 2, and I absolutely adored book 1 so I honestly didn't know what to expect.

Lou has taken her new and exciting job in New York and moved her life over there, meanwhile her handsome boyfriend Sam remains at home in Storfold.
At over 400 pages I was worried there wouldn't be enough plot to keep me interested, but heck I was wrong!
We follow Lou as she settles into her new job as Personal Assistant to Agnes Gopnik, new wife to the awfully rich Leonard Gopnik - much to his ex-wife's dismay.
To begin with Lou and Agnes get on like an absolute house on fire. Lou is invited to all the swanky New York events and gets to discover an entirely different lifestyle.
However, nothing good ever lasts with Lou and suddenly she finds her entire world thrown upside down. Throw in the long-distance dramas with Sam and I was hooked! The parts with Sam really got to me, as I know first hand how god-awful distance can be for a relationship, and I desperately wanted things to work out for them.

"For the first time since I had arrived in America I had an almost physical sense of being in the wrong place, as if I were being tugged by invisible cords to somewhere a million miles away."

Overall I loved all the new characters we are introduced to, including the doorman and his family, the 2 girls who run the vintage clothes store and the elderly neighbour with her mental dog.
I love Lou as a character, she is so ridiculously relatable and I see parts of myself in her. It was wonderful to see her story continue, she deserves happiness and I am glad that Jojo Moyes gave it to her. <3

"I think at some point, dear, you're going to have to figure out who Louisa Clark really is"

**********************************************************************


This was so bloody sweet!

*attempts to blink back tears but fails*

Rtc 😭

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Few people can leave me emotionally jumbled quite like Jojo Moyes can. The first book of hers I read, Me Before You , literally had me ugly crying, and I'll admit a healthy sob or two while reading its sequel, After You . Even one of Moyes' standalone books, The Girl You Left Behind , left me puffy-eyed.

Now Louisa Clark returns in a third book, Still Me . While not as sob-inducing as the first two, Moyes still knows how to play my feelings like a piano, and it was wonderful to be back with these characters I've come to "know" over the last few years.

Lou once promised someone special to her that she'd live boldly. But after rebuilding her life following crushing grief, she's finally gotten the courage to do just that, accepting a job working for an ultra-rich family in New York City. She leaves her family and her boyfriend behind and heads to America, ready to say yes to everything life has to offer her.

"You're going to feel uncomfortable in your new world for a bit. It always does feel strange to be knocked out of your comfort zone."

Working as the assistant to Agnes Gopnik, the much-younger second wife of a tremendously wealthy financier and philanthropist, Louisa gets to see first-hand that you can have everything you've dreamed of and yet still be crushingly unhappy. Agnes loathes being on public display, judged by the gossipy, vindictive friends of her husband's first wife, yet she is forced to travel in the same social circles. She knows her stepdaughter hates her, knows their housekeeper likes nothing more than to torment her. Yet she finds a kindred spirit in Louisa, in that they're both struggling to be present in two very different worlds.

"You always have one foot in two places. You can never be truly happy because, from the moment you leave, you are two selves, and wherever you are one half of you is always calling to the other. This is our price, Louisa. This is the cost of who we are."

It isn't easy juggling her responsibilities with thinking about her boyfriend and her family back home, all of whom seem to have made great strides in their lives since she's been gone. Louisa likes being in the middle of fancy New York society but sees how it could feel so lonely, and sometimes is torn between the glitz and glamour, and the more comforting security she feels at an endangered library in Washington Heights, or a vintage clothing store which helps feed her unique fashion sense.

When Louisa finds herself in an untenable position because of secrets that have been shared with her, she is unsure where to turn, a situation not helped by her anxieties over her foundering relationship with her boyfriend at home. It takes meeting two people—an elderly woman who knows all about doing it your own way no matter the cost, and a wealthy young man who reminds her of someone she misses dearly—to show her the choices she needs to make, and the importance of remaining true to who you are.<

"The key was making sure that anyone you allowed to walk beside you didn't get to decide which you were, and pin you down like a butterfly in a case. The key was to know that you could always somehow find a way to reinvent yourself again."

Still Me was really enjoyable and definitely poignant in places. It's a powerful meditation on being true to yourself, no matter how many people want you to do otherwise, and the struggles doing so may cause. It's also a story about the importance of saying what you think, of expressing how you feel (which these characters were definitely not good at), or else what occurs around you might not be what you wanted.

There aren't a lot of surprises in this book—there were many times when something happened and I thought to myself, "Ah, so this will happen at some point," and I wasn't ever wrong. But that didn't bother me as much as it might with other books, because these characters are so engaging, and Moyes' storytelling just draws you in and feels comfortable and familiar. You could read this book without reading the first two, but you have no idea what you're missing, particularly with Me Before You .

Still Me didn't quite blow me away, but I devoured the book anyway. Louisa is just one of those characters you root for even as she's making missteps, and it's so good to spend more time with her and her family again. This is a series that keeps on giving—the feels, that is.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html.

[Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

”I knew this was the way to madness yet I couldn’t stop myself.”

This seemed to be the overall motto of the third and last book in this series and I still don’t know if I liked it or not. My feelings for “Still Me” are rather mixed, yet I still found myself enjoying it somehow. Which is probably a great testimony of Jojo Moyes easy writing style and the way she manages to capture her audience. Still, for me it’s also proof of the fact that a book can’t only live from its interesting characters and the authors writing skills.

The idea of Lou going to New York and working for the Gopniks sounded intriguing and even though she had to leave her new boyfriend in London I could still understand why she decided to do it. This was something she needed to do in order to find herself and their relationship was so fresh that she was allowed to be a little selfish. I mean it was only for a year and Sam couldn’t expect her to give up her entire life. They barely knew each other and life altering decisions shouldn’t be made hastily, let alone for someone you only just started to date.

”So I did what every girl does when she’s far from home and a little sad. I ate half a packet of chocolate Digestives and called my mother.”

Of course a long distance relationship is a challenge and not as easy as it seems. I could relate to that part so much because I used to have long distance relationships when I was younger, the last one of them actually turning out be my husband. *lol* Anyway, this part of the book was something familiar and something I understood, the rest of the book? Well, let’s say it kind of caught me off guard.

The Gopniks were a family I couldn’t connect to and their life was a mystery to me. I mean it was obvious that Agnes and Mr. Gopnik loved each other, yet they still didn’t give each other an inch when it came to certain topics. Yes, Agnes felt isolated and the working hours of her husband certainly didn’t help, but she sometimes acted like a spoiled child and that clearly didn’t make their situation any better. Neither did Mr. Gopniks daughter who used every single moment she spent in her father’s company in order to make Agnes’s life even more miserable.

So whilst I could comprehend Agnes’s actions I still think that she should have approached her troubles differently. A WHOLE LOT DIFFERENTLY! I mean who cares about what those women thought about her? If she felt inappropriately dressed for the events she had to attend, why the hell didn’t she recruit a stylist?! Money obviously wasn’t a problem and if you have a personal hair dresser, coach and assistant already I’m sure it’s not that hard to get a proper stylist as well. She would have automatically felt more confident and comfortable and that would have had an effect on the people around her as well. Also sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and hold your head high. Well, at least that’s what I would have done, along with giving them my best impression of the finger. ;-P Just saying.

”You mustn’t worry about me. All this nonsense about women having it all. We never could and we never shall. Women always have to make the difficult choices. But there is a great consolation in simply doing something you love.”

So much to the Gopniks.... Anyway, I really liked Lou’s other friends in New York and Ashok as well as his wife Meena were the best. Nathan was still an amazing friend and even grumpy Ilaria kind of grew on me. *lol* The best surprise was Margot though and I really started to like that old hag! Still, the sudden change at about 50% of the book was something I just couldn’t wrap my head around and all the problems that arose with it only left me with even more question marks. Which brings me right to the part I didn’t like and which caused me to give this book only three stars.

I wanted this book to bring me some closure! I wanted Lou to get her HEA (I didn’t even care if it’s with Sam or with a new guy all I wanted for her was to be stupidly and madly in love and most importantly happy!) and I wanted no new topics to be opened but old ones to be closed! And I didn’t get any of those things which makes me feel all sorts of bitter and salty. *lol* Okay, we could argue about the HEA here but for me that ending just isn’t satisfying. I’ve a love-hate relationships with cliffhangers but what I really can’t stand are open endings and this ending even though no real open ending still falls into that category for me. And before I talk even more in riddles here I’ll just make a spoiler tag and write it all off my chest. Be prepared to get an uncensored and pretty ranty opinion here.

Lou’s love life:”I think I needed a distraction from the loss of my sister. I built a house so I didn’t have to think. I built a house because I needed to believe in the future. But now it’s done and I look around these empty rooms, I feel nothing. Maybe some pride that I actually finished the job but apart from that? Nothing at all.”

I MEAN WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK??!! I can’t accept this “happy ending” because for me it’s no happy ending. Is it realistic, yes it is, but after everything Lou went through I really wanted her to be all smiley and happy!! I wanted her to be swept away by love and to grin stupidly but obviously nothing of that happened. Instead of being madly and stupidly in love she and Sam got back together and this after everything he did. Which was pretty rotten if you ask me! He always claimed there was nothing between Katie and him and yet he cheated on Lou when the opportunity arose? Seriously? Are you kidding me? You were apart for what? Three months and you couldn’t wait for your girlfriend?! I hate to break this to you but if you missed the physical part of your relationship there is always your hand, buddy!!! Also they saw each other twice in those 3 months which is more often than some other people that have long distance relationships ever get. Three months and he couldn’t even try to keep tiny Sam in his pants?!!! ADFLKASDFKLASDJFADLKSFJASDLKFJASDLKFJASDJL! I would have been so mad if I’d have been Lou and I’m not sure I would have been able to forgive him for it. Alone the fact that he made her think that she’s just a jealous fury even though her doubt was justified. Nope, No, Noho!!! I would have rather preferred for Lou to meet another man instead of trying it with Sam again. But okay, it was Jojo’s decision and I’ve to accept that. >_<

Joshua William Ryan the Third:
He looked like Will, he talked like Will and he seemed to work in the same job as him. It’s like Jojo Moyes wanted us to give Lou a second chance at Will but then decided against it, because he turned out to be completely different than Will in the end. And that’s bullshit! Either you give our girl her second chance with a guy like Will (fate) or you don’t. Why even bring him into this book if she was bound to leave him again?! Also I don’t buy that he was totally different than Will. That might sound harsh now but I’m pretty sure Will was a lot like Josh before he had his accident. He even said as much when they spoke about his former life in “Me After You”. He was a bon viveur and he also kind of defined his life through his job! The only difference between Will and Josh was that Will had his accident and started to see the more important things of life. He began to value the small things and the overall picture instead of certain points. So in my opinion in dating Josh, Lou actually dated Will before she got to know him. It’s only my opinion though and you’re allowed to disagree with me. ;-) I just think that Will was perfect for Lou because he changed after his accident and therefore didn’t have a lot in common with the person he used to be before it.

The Gopniks: ”Mr Gopnik, I don’t want your money. If I’d wanted to sue you or – or make money from your secrets I would have done it weeks ago, when I was left without a job or anywhere to live. You’ve misjudged me now as you misjudged me back then. And I’d like to leave now.”

I can’t believe we didn’t get any closure to this story!!! Yes, Mr. Gopnik found out about Agnes daughter and he spoke with Lou, but damn that’s not enough! For the way they treated her he should have begged on his knees for her forgiveness! And Lou?! Lou must be a saint because if they would have treated me like that I would have given him a piece of my mind!!! It’s good that she managed to make the deal for the library but seriously! How they treated her was horrible and there are so many things that were left open. For instance Agnes’s affair with the artist! What happened with that?! Did Mr. Gopnik ever find out about it?! And why the hell didn’t Agnes try to make amends?! All the while she told Lou that she’s her best friend and then she betrayed her in the worst way possible and didn’t even apologize for it?!! I mean Lou covered for her; she was jobless, disgraced and homeless because of the secret she kept for HER!!! And she didn’t even apologize when it all came out?! WTF?! That’s so not okay! What a spineless and unprincipled person!!! It wouldn’t have killed her to say sorry! If I would have been Lou I would have been so damn angry! GRRRR! Lou is a saint. I have no other explanation...

Mrs. De Witt:Margot was such a difficult person but ultimately she had her heart in the right place and she really grew on me. It was so sad that she had cancer and even with this storyline I couldn’t help but feel left hanging. Sure, Lou continued to have contact with her but urgh... I would have liked them to be friends until the end. *sighs* That her family took her home was all nice and good but poor Lou was left alone once again. >_< And that made me sad somehow... Also I feel like someone should have confronted Margot and called her out on the way she treated people at the beginning of the book. And this never happened so urgh.

Treena:”All this being said, even I know what all that matters in the long run is that these two girls of mine are happy. And if you make her happy, Eddie, like Sam makes our Lou happy, then good on you. I’m very glad to know you.”

I really didn’t see that one coming but OMG! I was so happy for her! It might have been a late coming out but better late than never and Eddie was soo good for her! She made her happy and that’s the most important thing. Even Lou’s dad who’s really conservative could see and accept that so I’m really glad that Treena and Eddie met! Plus YAY finally an f/f couple in Jojo Moyes books. XD

”I think about your sister a lot. I think about Will too. When people we love die young it’s a nudge, reminding us that we shouldn’t take any of it for granted, that we have a duty to make the most of what we have. I feel like I finally get that.”

Conclusion:

This was an enjoyable book and there is no denying that it kept me reading. I basically devoured this in a few days, yet I still feel so very conflicted about it all. When I went into this book I wanted closure and I didn’t get it because “Still Me” somehow managed to leave me with even more questions than I had before. I wish I could say that to finish this series made me happy but I feel like Jojo Moyes let me down. Maybe it were my high expectations, who knows? All I know is that this gets 3 stars from me because there were just too many issues I couldn’t overlook. This said maybe the book just wasn’t for me?! I guess we’ll never know. XD

_________________________________

Mhmm... I really don’t know if I liked this or not. *lol*
It was enjoyable to read and I kind of devoured it in a few days, yet at the same time it wasn’t really what I expected/wanted?!

And even though this is the ending there are still so many things I want... no scratch that, there are still so many things I NEED to be answered! >_<
I think I wanted more closure?!

Well, this is going to be a tough one to rate and review.
RTC soon, let’s find out in which direction this will go. XD
___________________________________

I think it’s about time to tackle the last book of this series!
I didn’t read a decent romance for quite a while and since I already know Lou and want a happy ending I’m finally going to read this. :-)
Even though we all know that the perfect ending would have been with Will at her side.... >_<

Anyway! I don’t want to return this to the library once again! When this curfew is over I will give this book back – read!! *lol*
I’m kind of worried where this is going to head though, but I’ll be open-minded and see what Jojo has in store for me. XD
This has to be good, right?!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Louisa Clark fan!

I have enjoyed all three books in this series and I wish Louisa was a personal friend of mine. Following her ups and downs and all the things she learns along the way is a real treat. Each book she brings something along from the previous book(s), but each book also stands on its own.

I will say that I think I enjoyed this one more than After You. Something about the story made it feel more like a direct sequel to Me Before You. Not that I was hoping it would be or that being like the first makes it better. It was just nice to return to a story that felt like what I remembered from the first.

For sequels, the question is often asked "do I need to read the previous books?" I think that this one offers enough background from the earlier books and doesn't lean too much on their content so that you could read this without the others if you really wanted to. But, I think that it is worth giving the whole series a go.

If you are into slightly cheesy tear jerkers that warm your soul and tug the heart strings, acquaint yourself with Louisa Clark - I gaurantee you won't regret it!

[Katerina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long review ahead. Read at your own discretion. I do sincerely hope Jojo Moyes reads this.

I understand Me Before You has a fond place in many people's heart. I'm sure most have heard, or seen its movie make.

In the entirety of the series, I can truthfully say this is the most unfulfilling, saddening book, because it has done an injustice to its protagonist. Louisa Clark deserves better. Across these books, it's impossible not to notice that she has the kindest, most selfless heart, yet she continues to fall in love with selfish men. Men, who ultimately are charming but in likeness are also bullies. Her selflessness is her downfall because she leaves behind her pride, and her own sense of self's value to be stomped on.

'Me Before You' revolves around Louisa becoming the "companion" of Will Traynor, a man who is paralysed and permanently stuck in a cynical state. What initially begins as a hateful employer-employee relationship slowly transforms into friendship and later love, until we come to a penultimate ending where Will commits euthanasia. It was the rawest book I have ever read. Saying that, I was not blind to Will's flaws and the way he incessantly reminded Louisa that she was this small town girl who simply had to "live" whereby his definition of living included an exploration of the world. Yes, Louisa blossomed under new experiences, but there was an almost manipulative quality to the way he would push her sometimes as if, should she not strive for all these new things with this "potential" he has noticed in her, then she simply accepts to being a no body. There's an emphasis on how Louisa would never be an object of lust - I say the word object loosely, but rather one of love. Someone who you don't take notice of instantaneously but mould in order to love. He fit her into a brighter, new shiny model of Louisa Clark. It seemed to me no one accepts Lou as she is.

'Me After You' begins eighteen months after Will's suicide. Louisa is stuck in a spiral of grief, unable to grasp her footing on how she will fulfil the promise she made to Will: the promise to live and experience new things. The shift in herself only begins after she unexpectedly meets the sixteen year old daughter Will never knew he had. And somewhere amongst the chaos, she begins to date a paramedic named Sam, quite possibly the least romantic and least passionate man to star as a leading hero in a book.

In 'Still Me', Louisa finally sets off in search for an adventure in New York with a new job. She's bright eyed and positive and fearless. I admire Lou's fearlessness. She's not home sick, yet there is an acute loss of the people in her life, and a homely atmosphere.

“You always have one foot in two places. You can never be truly happy because, from the moment you leave, you are two selves, and wherever you are one half of you is always calling to the other. This is our price, Louisa. This is the cost of who we are.”

The long distance relationship between herself and Sam has become a strain. No one puts in effort with Louisa and they only do once they have lost her and suddenly see her "value". It is quite possibly the most real, and disheartening thing to read about. She begged Sam in the first three months of her move that he write her emails and letters and update her on all the small bits of his life so they are still there for one another. But he's very dismissive of her wishes, and puts little to no emotional effort in their relationship. Instead when he comes down to visit her, he pushes blame that she has left him, and changed in this new place. It seemed he was determined to sour any of the time they did spend together. He doesn't appreciate any of the small things she does to keep him in her life, and it was this very ignorance that made me resent him because it is the recipe to a relationship ending. Instead, Lou learns he has a new female partner at work, and as information filters through alongside what can only be called a woman's intuition, Lou knows this lady named Kate clearly is into Sam, yet when Louisa announces her feelings, Sam blows up at her. Instead he gets jealous over a man named Josh who was helpful when she was stuck in a tricky situation. A man who resembles Will in looks only. Lou who cuts Josh off out of deference to Sam once she realises that he bothers him. Yet he does not pay her the same curtesy. Instead he goes out with Katie to bars, they take close body to body pictures, they have drinks, he goes over to her flat fixing her wardrobe. Spending working hours in the company of a woman who is interested is almost understandable, yet spending non-working hours in the company of a woman who you know bothers your girlfriend clearly shows you do not respect her wishes. Those are not the actions of a boyfriend but of a man looking for the opportunity to cheat. When Louisa returns earlier than expected for Christmas and plans to surprise Sam, she witnesses this:

“She walked across the carriage saying something unclear, her voice muffled by the glass, her hair clipped up and tumbling in soft curls around her face. She was wearing a man’s T-shirt – his? – and holding a wine bottle, and I saw him shake his head. And then, as he bent over the stove, she walked up behind him and placed her hands on his neck, leaning towards him and rubbing the muscles around it with small circular motions of her thumbs, a movement that seemed born of familiarity. Her thumbnails were painted deep pink. As I stood there, my breath stalled in my chest, he leant his head back, his eyes closed, as if surrendering himself to her fierce little hands.
And then he turned to face her, smiling, his head tilted to one side, and she stepped back, laughing, and raised a glass to him.”


This is one of the points when I respected Lou, because she breaks it off in one sweep.

“I’m sorry,’ he said finally. ‘About the other night. I never wanted to … Well, it was badly judged.’
I shook my head. I couldn’t speak any more.
‘I didn’t sleep with her. If you won’t hear anything else, I do need you to hear that.’
‘You said –’
He looked up.
‘You said … nobody would ever hurt me again. You said that. When you came to New York.’ My voice emerged from somewhere in my chest. ‘I never thought for a moment you would be the one to do it.”

And Sam just lets her go just as he tried to keep her, without passion. No one really listens to Louisa in her life: her boyfriend, her family, hell maybe even Will when he was alive. No one appreciates her for who she is, not really. Lou later dates Josh, who again tries to change her. She accommodates him, changing her style trying to fit into the model of a corporate girlfriend. To me, Louisa loses her sense of individuality when she is coupled off with a man, doing whatever she can to sate and please him, yet this behaviour does not extend to herself from her partner. And only when Sam learns that she is dating Josh does he begin to write letters wanting her back. After months. And do you know what that showed me as a reader? That he was more concerned about a prospective man, and Louisa's attention and life moving further away than he was preoccupied with her and who she is. I suppose he did end up with Katie, and it didn't work out, but the situation wasn't explained there at all, other than a few short sentences in a letter:

“I’m not with Katie. I wasn’t when I last saw you. I don’t want to say too much but it became clear pretty quickly that we are very different people, and that I had made a huge mistake. If I’m honest, I think I knew it from the start.”

It wasn't a mistake, it was sacrilege, and if Lou had any pride she wouldn't have given him a second chance. Only at the end does Louisa take control of her life and go after a career that truly makes her happy. The return of Sam and their reunion was the possibly worst ending for me. It was a grave injustice to the spark that is Louisa Clark. She should have left him, and his fucking fuckery self behind, looking towards the future. Not having to continuously rely or need a man, but being her own independent, loveable self. She never needed Sam, or Josh. She just needed the catalyst that was Will.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why This Book
I enjoyed the first two books in the 'Me Before You' series, then I won the third one, Still Me, by Jojo Moyes, in a Goodreads Giveaway. I was quite excited and nervous, as I adored the first book but thought the second was just decent/good. I am very glad to say this third one is much closer to the first!

Approach & Style
I read an advance copy of this ~378 page paperback novel in about 5 hours during a two day period. It goes very quickly as the story is quite intriguing -- the writing feels effortlessly natural. It's broken into ~35 chapters, which makes each about ten pages long. The book is told in first person POV with the perspective focused on Louisa. A few chapters have letters, emails or news articles to help push the story forward. It's the third in a series and well-worth the read to spend with the brilliance of the characters and the backdrop.

Plot, Characters & Setting
Louisa moves to Park Avenue in NYC to help her friend Nathan who looks after an upper class family. She'll be a 'friend' or 'assistant' to Agnes, the younger second-wife of Mr. Gopnik who was mentioned in the second book. There are various other staff in the Gopnik household and apartment building who Louisa interacts with, as well as some new friends she makes in NYC. Lou goes home for Christmas to visit her parents and sister, as well as continues to date Sam, the paramedic, from prior books. The story is about her acclimation to a different kind of life than she had in England, as well as the process to help her figure out who she wants to be. Despite all that's happened to her, she still has more to learn... I love that about this story! There's romance, mystery, secrets, friendships, touristy fun, and decisions to make.

Key Thoughts
Jojo Moyes is a phenomenal storyteller. I adore her characters, settings and scenes. I may be partial as I know a lot of the places in the book since it takes place in NYC; however, even when Lou is just wandering around with no real plot, it's brilliant writing. The setting is always described in the perfect amount of detail with just enough for my imagination to fill in the blanks.

The characters are very real and familiar. I've seen them before in reality and other books, but there's something special about their dialogue and how they relate to one another in this book. I whipped so fast through Still Me, as I just couldn't put it down.... you think 'I'll just spend 30 minutes before bed,' then find yourself 200 pages in and ready for more!

Lou's journey is a combination of the first two books. It takes the reality from the second book with the emotions from the first book, then smashes them together in a final wrapper on discovering what makes Lou 'still me.'

I can't say enough good things about this book... I won't spoil the ending, but that may be the only thing that I was a little 'eh' on, in terms of how she ends up relationship-wise. In this book, she struggles with long-distance Sam, meets someone new, and has to figure out what's right for her. Part of me saw a different ending, but this one still worked. Ultimately, I love Lou... she might be one of my favorite literary characters.

Summary
I will definitely pick up another Moyes book... after the three in this series, I know she's an author I will enjoy for many years. I'm grateful to the friend who introduced me to this series. :)

[Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book in this series. Louisa now comes to New York to start a new life. She also plans to continue her relationship with Sam as a long-distance one. Lou also meets a man named Joshua Ryan. Will the glitz and glamour of the Fifth Avenue and New York high society change Lou? Will Lou be able to maintain her long-distance relationship?

Usually, what happens with a series is that everyone will love the first book, and that love will start decreasing when they read the sequels. It is true that many people also felt the same about this book. But my experience with it was entirely different. This is a series that I started liking more and more when I read the sequels. The actions and deeds of Louisa will become more and more cogent when we dig deep into her character in the sequels. At one part of this series, the author places Louisa’s character into a congenial atmosphere which later turns unpleasant. She also brilliantly does the opposite by turning a not-so-friendly atmosphere into an amicable one in this book.

There are some parts in this book that makes this novel cheesy at times. But still, the author wonderfully concludes this series convincingly, satisfying most of us who followed Lou closely through these three books.

“I had a choice. I was Louisa Clark from New York or Louisa Clark from Stortfold. Or there might be a whole other Louisa I hadn’t yet met. The key was making sure that anyone you allowed to walk beside you didn’t get to decide which you were, and pin you down like a butterfly in a case. The key was to know that you could always somehow find a way to reinvent yourself again”

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all three books, this one was my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Louisa and all her quirks. 🐝 I don’t know if it was due to the change in setting to NYC or the added love drama 💔- this one just didn’t feel as ‘magical’ as the first two in my opinion. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Definitely still a great book and series overall! 📚❤️

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

Louisa Clark has arrived. In New York that is. Her old friend Nathan has gotten her a job as an assistant to Agnes Gopnik, a wealthy married woman who has trouble fitting in and who more than anything, needs a friend. For Louisa its an opportunity. To see the world and to do what Will always told her to do. And this time, Louisa takes it. New York. NEW YORK.

For Lou however, moving to New York has brought about lots of challenges. Lou has to leave Sam - her new boyfriend and though they agreed to try a long distance relationship - it turns out to be quite the bumpy ride, but then with Louisa, you’d expect nothing less. While in New York, Louisa meets someone, a man who reminds her of her Will and it throws Louisa for a loop, and when Sam sees him, it throws him for one too.

New York is both everything and nothing like Louisa Clark expected. She has to fight for what she wants and fight hard and in doing so Louisa finally finds what she has been lacking, her sense of self.

In my opinion, “Still Me” by Jojo Moyes far surpassed “After You.” Though nothing compares to the first book in the series, “Me Before You,” I am glad that I continued on and read about Louisa Clark’s next adventure as there is something utterly endearing about Ms. Clark. I listened to the audiobook of this novel and it rocked. I highly recommend it.

Published on Goodreads, Amazon and Twitter on 3.10.18.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook....narrated by Anna Acton

Louisa Clarke.....adorable integrity girl is charming as can be in “Still Me”

Vintage Clothing? Oh my gosh .....’of course’!
Authentic garments & Authentic girl are both alternatives to be admired and loved.

Dean Martin.....is that the best dog’s name or what for London girl living in New York for the first time?

Kiss kiss kiss.......💋💋💋





“Me Before You”....5 Stars
“After You”....3 Stars
“Still Me” 4.5 Stars

[Caro the Helmet Lady]

OMG she's gonna milk this cow till it bleeds it seems. I don't know what to think, to be honest. Adding it just to piss myself off.

[*TANYA* · Rating 2 out of 5]

***SPOILER ALERT!!
NO!! Just no!! Ugh, I feel cheated and duped!!! The ending was CRAP!!!! I’m so angry at this book, ANGRY!!!

[Maria Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madre de Dios! Qué manera de escribir tiene esta mujer; aún estoy sufriendo. Y asimilando lo que queda detrás de las palabras. Sencillamente precioso! Un oda a la vida y al carpe díem...

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

This is the 3rd book in the Me Before You series & I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't love it but I enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of Louisa & her personality and I enjoyed the journey she took in this novel. I didn't love the 2nd book, After You so I did go into this one with a little hesitation but it was a sweet book about discovering yourself. I don't know if it needed to be written but I enjoyed the story nonetheless. I didn't love the ending but overall like I keep saying it was an adorable, quirky book

[Theresa Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Me Before You and enjoyed After You, two books I recommend you read before you read the third book in the trilogy, Still Me.

In Still Me, Louisa keeps her promise to Will, her love from book one, to say yes to new opportunities. This opportunity brings her from her home in England—and her hunky boyfriend the paramedic Sam—to New York City to be the assistant to a wealthy young wife of a wildly rich man. Louisa acts like something of an emotional bodyguard for Agnes against the society women who assumed she stole Leonard from his first wife because she was just after his money and citizenship (she’s from Poland). There are perks to her job, like going to charity balls in 3,000-dollar dress purchased by her employer, but it puts a huge strain on her relationship with Sam. Can they make the long-distance thing work, or is this going to be the end of them?

I laughed and teared up at this book. Moyes does a great job of a putting the character in a terrible situation where you think “Oh no, how is she going to get out of this?” I just didn’t laugh quite as hard or cry as much as I did in Me Before You. Still, this novel is worth your time.
For more of my reviews, please visit: http://www.theresaalan.net/blog

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to win a copy of Still Me by Jojo Moyes in a competition from Penguin House UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley. I decided to reread Me Before You and After You which are the first two books in the series again to remind me of Louisa's story so far. Reading about Louisa is like visiting an old friend. I loved this book and read it in two days because I did not want to put it down. I was hooked from the first sentence and absolutely loved being able to read about Louisa's adventure in New York and all the ups and downs she encountered. I was glad that she was still the same upbeat character with the same sense of humour. I hope there will be another book about Louisa and her family in the near future.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

I will admit I cried during this book. I know it was not needed to write three books, like a lot of reviewers are saying, but I love, love Lou! I said it in my After You review that she is one of my favorite literary characters. I felt some closure on her story by having three books. I found this book to be an intriguing story and beautifully written. I love books that make you feel an array of emotions. I went from anger, sadness, to content from chapter to chapter. How a book makes you feel is the definition of a good book.

My quick and simple overall: beautiful and amusing.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Well, here I am Lord, knocking at your back door
Ain't it wonderful to be
Where I've always wanted to be?
For the first time I'll breathe free in the New York City

“Say goodbye to all my sorrow
And by tomorrow I'll be on my way
I guess the lord must be in New York City”
-- I Guess The Lord Must Be in New York City – Songwriters: Harry Nilsson

Louisa Clark is back, in this third book of the Me Before You series, looking forward to a new life in the place where Will had once worked and lived. A friend has arranged a position for her working for a family who can only be described as ridiculously wealthy. The kind of people who have limos with drivers that park around the corner and wait to be summoned on a regular basis. Still, it’s New York City, with all the glitz and glamour outshining the darker streets, at least for a while.

”…for those few minutes, my mouth full of unfamiliar food, my eyes filled with strange sights, I existed only in the moment. I was fully present, my senses alive, my whole being open to receive the new experiences around me. I was in the only place in the world I could possibly be.”

Leonard Gopnik a philanthropist and financier, is technically her employer, and Louisa’s job is to act as an assistant to the second Mrs. Gopnik, Agnes. Agnes is young, not much older than Louisa if she is older, at all. Her background, a masseuse, how she met Mr. Gopnik is the subject of much gossip which the former Mrs. Gopnik and her friends are always happy to fan the flames.

Agnes, to those outside, would appear to have everything she needs to be perfectly happy. Born in Poland, she came to America with very little, sharing an apartment with friends – friends who no longer talk to her because her husband is wealthy. Leonard’s friends, associates, are loyal to the original Mrs. Gopnik, and the social outings Agnes is forced to attend makes her an open target of hostile attitudes, and Louisa can see, can feel the hostility like a ghost hovering, looking for one more chance to send a shiver down her spine. Agnes feels alone.

”I know this—nobody gets everything. And we immigrants know this more than anyone. You always have one foot in two places. You can never be truly happy because, from the moment you leave, you are two selves, and wherever you are one half of you is always calling to the other.”

Bumblebee tights aren’t really in fashion among these high-society ladies, and Louisa struggles when she’s forced to accompany Agnes to the society events, Agnes clinging to her as a life raft, frequently confirming that she’s her “friend.”

My favourite character in this story was Mrs. DeWitt, a woman who is haughty and demanding, a bit imperious in her treatment of Louisa, at first. Eventually, Louisa manages to find her more agreeable side and a friendship, of sorts, if born.

My favourite part of this story was when Louisa takes up the cause of a library on the verge of being shut down. She goes to the weekly marches when she can, brought to the realization of the stark differences in lifestyle once you leave Manhattan. She tries to make a difference.

”Books are what teach you about life. Books teach you about empathy. But you can’t buy books if you barely got enough to make rent. So that library is a vital resource! You shut a library, Louisa, you don’t just shut down a building, you shut down hope.”

There’s a bit of romance, some amusing moments, even some tender, emotional moments, every one of them adding to this story about Louisa, how she comes to realize some truths about herself and those around her, living in this big city that so many are drawn to call home.



Many thanks, once again, to the Public Library system, and the many Librarians that manage, organize and keep it running, for the loan of this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★½
I have to admit I didn't have high expectations for this third and again unnecessary continuation of Me Before You. I hadn't planned to read it but a very favorable review from trusted goodreads friend: Myrna convinced me that it was worth the read.

And yes, it is very worth the read.

In my opinion, Still Me may be more accepted by apprehensive readers as it reads very much like a standalone novel. Yes, there are flashbacks and mentions of characters from the first two books, but it feels far from a "continuation". I genuinely enjoyed following Louisa as she navigated in and around relationships, work, and self-awareness. The characters she meets along the way are easy to invest in whether you hate them or love them. I shed a few tears and I wasn't ready for this book to end. As a reader who was vocally disappointed in Jojo Moyes's decision (or maybe her publisher's decision) to push Me Before You's success into a series, I am now surprisingly eager for another installment. Louisa has finally found herself and I for one love her. Check it out!!

My favorite quote:
“I thought about how you’re shaped so much by the people who surround you, and how careful you have to be in choosing them for this exact reason, and then I thought, despite all that, in the end maybe you have to lose them all in order to truly find yourself.”

[Viri]

Esto es demasiado para mí pobre corazón.

Lo que es querer sacar más dinero. A mí, este libro me sobra... igual que El Segundo pero es MI OPINIÓN 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Myrn&#x1fa76; · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did Moyes decide to write another book in this series? Not sure. Is this the last one in the series? I have no idea. Regardless, Jojo is an excellent writer and a good storyteller and those qualities shine through in this one. I enjoyed reading Lou’s ups and downs and NYC adventures. Lou is charming and endearing! I wouldn’t mind a 4th book.

[Annie♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Después de leer:
Sinceramente me ha encantado! He visto a la Lou que amo; divertida, extravagante, con todas esas locuras... tan valiente y atrevida. Lanzándose al mundo, dando siempre lo mejor de sí misma. SIENDO ELLA MISMA. Es la protagonista que me conquistó en el primer libro. Jojo Moyes tiene un don para escribir, es maravillosa. ¡Qué historia tan preciosa!

"La clave consistía en asegurarse de que nadie a quien permitieras caminar a tu lado decidiera quién eras y te etiquetara, como a una mariposa en una caja. La clave era saber que siempre podías encontrar de algún modo la forma de volver a reivindicarte."

Lo terminé de leer hace más de un mes y aún estoy sopesando su contenido. Por primera vez siento que las palabras correctas no llegan a mí aunque me pase horas y horas pensándolas, que simplemente no podré describir este libro. Nunca.
Soy de las personas que creían que Yo antes de ti no merecía secuelas... ahora, con lo que la autora nos ha regalado, pienso que la historia de Lou sigue siendo maravillosa. Que cada libro es una luz de esperanza, y te deja con ganas de vivir al máximo...
Vive con osadía, Clark.


Antes de leer:
¿Han visto que portada más bonita?♡
Sí, no pega con los otros dos libros, pero está preciosa! Ya, no hay que juzgar por la portada, lo sé! Necesito saber cómo continúa y espero, de verdad espero que la autora de por terminada esta historia. Es suficiente!
Quiero saber con quién queda Lou, por Dios. No me importaría que fuera con Sam (me gusta mucho). ¿Por qué, Jojo? ¿Por qué tus personajes son tan hermosos? Y... ¿POR QUÉ OTRO PERSONAJE MASCULINO? Si es imposible no encariñarse con ellos!
Aunque las cosas como son: Will es y siempre será mi favorito ❤

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved this book! As much as (with slightly less tears) than Me Before You, and more than After You. I'm a sucker for a NYC setting anyway, and the plot was brilliantly written. I even enjoyed the interview at the end with the author. I highly recommend this trilogy!

[Isa Cantos (Crónicas de una Merodeadora) · Rating 2 out of 5]

“You had to seize the day. You had to embrace opportunities as they came. You had to be the kind of person who said yes”.

Tienen claro que mi posición con respecto a esta trilogía es que sólo debería haber existido el primer libro, ¿verdad? Sigo sin entender qué estaba pensando Jojo Moyes cuando decidió escribir el segundo y el tercero. No sólo desdibuja a Louisa como la protagonista fabulosa que conocimos en Yo Antes De Ti, sino que la vuelve una mujer que duda de cada paso que da, que pierde su identidad cada que está con un hombre y que, además, deja que las personas la pisoteen. ¡Esa no es la Lou que conocimos!

En fin, en Sigo Siendo Yo (que no...) nos encontramos con que Louisa por fin decidió aceptar el trabajo que le ofrecieron en Nueva York. Será ahora la acompañante de la esposa inmigrante de un hombre asquerosamente rico. El irse a la otra punta del mundo implica que Lou y Sam, el paramédico, tienen que lidiar con una relación a distancia.

Y creo que este fue uno de los puntos que más me molestó del libro. A pesar de que Lou le ruega a Sam que le escriba frecuentemente, él no lo hace, alega que siempre está ocupado y cansado. Pero Lou sigue allí, intentándolo por los dos. Y es sólamente cuando conoce a Josh, un hombre que se parece a Will físicamente, que Sam vuelve a interesarse en ella, en pedirle que no lo vea. Todo un desastre, vamos. Me parecía tristísimo ver a Louisa perder un poco de sí misma cuando estaba con alguno de estos dos hombres. ¡Cientos de páginas le costó entender que no debe cambiar nada de sí misma para encajar más en los estándares de las personas con las que sale!

Siento que lo único rescatable del libro fue la relación de amistad que surge entre Louisa y la mujer mayor que también adora la ropa vintage. Es uno de los pocos puntos positivos de todo el libro, pues al lado de esta anciana es donde la antigua Lou empieza a resurgir, donde empieza a entender todos los errores que ha cometido y lo poco que se ha valorado en ciertas situaciones. Amé a esa pobre señora y a su perro.

El final del libro me indignó a niveles estratosféricos. ¿POR QUÉ? ¡Todo lo que sucedió no se perdona con palabras bonitas y cartas que debieron haber existido desde el principio! Agh.

Reafirmo lo que dije alguna vez. Para mí, estas secuelas no existieron. Sólo existe Yo Antes de Ti.