Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
Previous BOMs - Authors; M - P
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Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes (Anything Goes BOM) ; Start Date May 2, 2015
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At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. We have a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book.
More info under spoiler
(view spoiler)
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Chapter Breakdown
Date Chapters Pages PPDQs(*)
02. May prologue - 3 1 - 49 Kelly (post 21)
03. May 4 - 6 50 - 94 Christina
04. May 7 - 10 95 - 143 Imke
05. May 11 - 13 144 - 191 Cristal
06. May *************** BREAK DAY ***************
07. May 14 - 16 192 - 236 Kelly (post 15)
08. May 17 - 19 237 - 280 Joi
09. May 20 - 23 282 - 336 Karrie
10. May 24 - End 337 - 385 Megan
Breakdown is based on this version of the book
Please use the chapter numbers rather than page numbers if you are using a different version
(*)PPDQs=Person Posting Discussion Questions
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Cristal
Christina
Imke
Sonia
Megan
Joi
Karrie
Kelly (post 15)
Kelly (post 21)
Randomizer under the (view spoiler)
I would like to volunteer for discussion questions.
I read this a couple of years ago. It was my first Jojo Moyes book and I loved it. I look forward to the discussion.
I'm really excited to read this! It will be my first Jojo Moyes book. I'll volunteer for DQ.
I have this book on my TBR pile for soooo long. In! And also for DQ's.
I loved this book. Can't wait to discuss it!
I will volunteer for questions if it is not too late.
I love this book, it was so hard for me to read this book. Very well written. May I ask why is everyone volunteering for questions?
I volunteer for DQs if it's not too late!
Mod
We divide our BOMs up each day and have someone post discussion question/comments for the day. More info on our BOMs is posted here
We *love* volunteers, and at the moment we also have some challenges where people get points for volunteering so it makes it a bit more popular ;)
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We'll allocate everyone 3 days before the start date (so, on April 29). If there are more volunteers than days we'll randomise everyone to decide who will be allocated
I've very sad this is the BotM. I will not re-read this book. I didn't like anything about it. I know the majority of everyone that does read it will love it but not me.When the DQs are posted I'll list my reasons why I can't stand this book. Or you can just read the Buddy Read section of Me Before You. Urgh. Even the title is horrible.
May 3rd is fine for me. I can get the questions up during the afternoon of my time zone (central).
RachelvlehcaR wrote: "I've very sad this is the BotM. I will not re-read this book. I didn't like anything about it. I know the majority of everyone that does read it will love it but not me.When the DQs are posted..."
Please do join in the discussion! I'm very curious now what you have to say. I really don't know too much about this book. I've heard quite a few people say they loved it, but I don't even know what the synopsis is. I wanted to go into the story blind.
I didn't enjoy the book the first time I tried to read it, but I'm willing to at least finish it this time around.Also, can I possibly switch to a day after the break? My finals aren't over until the 6th, so I'll probably be taking it slow until then.
Hi Joi I can switch my day with you. My Day is May 8th.
Imke wrote: "Hi Joi I can switch my day with you. My Day is May 8th."Thank you so much.!
Mod
Thanks - I've updated :)
How should we handle questions/comments that might be spoilers? Do they need to be marked as 'spoiler alert'?
I have already read this book, but I will follow the discussion. I loved this book until the ending and then ended up hating the ending. I am curious to see what everyone thinks of this one.
I really like this so far! I've never done a group read before so I'm already struggling to not read too far ahead - I just finished chapter 6. Looking forward to the first round of discussion questions!
Michelle wrote: "How should we handle questions/comments that might be spoilers? Do they need to be marked as 'spoiler alert'?"Yes please.
The first three chapters have been quite breezy, looking forward to the dq's
So far so good. This looks promising.
Questions should be up in an hour or so. Crazy day. Sorry for the delay.
Comments and Questions May 2Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
2. What did you think about the Prologue? Did you like the characters you met there?
3. What do you think about the various interactions with people’s family? The parent’s seem to have a lot of opinions on what their children should be doing.
4. What do you think happened with the girl we met in the prologue?
5. “You were just looking at my photographs. Wondering how awful it must be to live like that and then turn into a cripple.” What are your thoughts on how it must be for him? How would you handle something like that?
6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take?
Comments and Questions May 2Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read? Yes, I did. Quite a few of my friends have read this book and loved it.
2. What did you think about the Prologue? Did you like the characters you met there? I liked Will right away.
3. What do you think about the various interactions with people’s family? The parent’s seem to have a lot of opinions on what their children should be doing. It seems that Lou's family does not have much respect for her. I think they expect her to fail at whatever she does.
4. What do you think happened with the girl we met in the prologue? I have no idea yet
5. “You were just looking at my photographs. Wondering how awful it must be to live like that and then turn into a cripple.” What are your thoughts on how it must be for him? How would you handle something like that? I can't imagine how you would cope with being so active and such a risk taker and then need help with doing everything.
6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take? I think it will take a while but Lou will bring him out of it.
1. I had read One plus one recently and enjoyed that so I that helped in my decision.2. Yes, I liked Will, it was important to see what Will's life was like before the accident.
3.Lou family rely on her too much, they putting a lot of pressure on her.
4. I think she has left him.
5. It must be so hard for Will and those that surround him.
6. I think something is going to grow between Lou and Will.
Comments and Questions May 2Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
Yes I did read the synopsis, but to be honest the chance to earn bonus points for the wheel a thon made me want to join the read. But I usually try to read books when joining the book of the month that are not what I usually read and this is one of them so I'm curious to see if I like it.
2. What did you think about the Prologue? Did you like the characters you met there?
Don't really have an opinion of the characters of the prologue, it was to short for that. I have to say I don't really like the girlfriend, but I'm not sure we will see her in the rest of the book.
3. What do you think about the various interactions with people’s family? The parent’s seem to have a lot of opinions on what their children should be doing.
I don't like Lou's parents/family much, they seem to constantly bring her down. They don't have a high opinion of her and they don't really encourage her to do things like finding a better job or to make something of her life.
4. What do you think happened with the girl we met in the prologue?
She stopped being Will's girlfriend and couldn't handle what happened to him.
5. “You were just looking at my photographs. Wondering how awful it must be to live like that and then turn into a cripple.” What are your thoughts on how it must be for him? How would you handle something like that?
It must be awfully hard on him and extremely difficult to come to terms with if that is even possible. To be someone who is very active and then to be stuck to a wheelchair. I really don't know if I could handle something like that, I'd like to think I could and it really is a two way street. He is making it very hard for his parents and anybody who wants to help him.
6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take?
I'm not sure if she'll be able to and it would take a long time.
Megan wrote: "6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take?I do. Yes, it may take a while, but I do believe Lou has it in her to bring a new light to Will's life. They may even fall in love, who knows? "
I wonder how that's going to work with Patrick? It seems like he's the cozy familiar like interest. I wonder if he feels more strongly than she does.
Comments and Questions May 2Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
- Friend recommendation!
2. What did you think about the Prologue? Did you like the characters you met there?
-Not particularly. They seemed a bit self-absorbed.
6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take?
-Yes because otherwise this wouldn't be a contemporary romance. I think it'll happen fairly quickly.
Comments and Questions May 2
Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
Did not! The only thing I know about this book is that a lot of people love it and it makes people cry. As someone that loves to torture themselves, that’s a combination that I simply can’t pass up.
2. What did you think about the Prologue? Did you like the characters you met there?
Didn’t care for the girl, but I certainly didn’t like Will, the stereotypical young and attractive suit, always yelling into his Blackberry. Why do women like these sorts of Christian Grey-eque characters? Should I have put the book down right at the prologue? Am I setting myself up for disaster?
3. What do you think about the various interactions with people’s family? The parent’s seem to have a lot of opinions on what their children should be doing.
Lou’s family is hilarious. It’s like a living sitcom show. I’m certainly not a fan of their put-down based parenting style, but no one seems particularly hurt by the insults. It’s simply how this family conducts business. And considering the children are living at home and working minimum wage jobs, perhaps they deserve and occasional kick in the ass. They still haven’t figure out how to get on their feet.
4. What do you think happened with the girl we met in the prologue?
They had only started dating, correct? I’m pretty sure the girl bailed as soon as she realized her boyfriend was a cripple. They didn’t have much of a history yet. It take a very strong person to stick with a person with special needs, especially someone they had only just started to get to know.
5. “You were just looking at my photographs. Wondering how awful it must be to live like that and then turn into a cripple.” What are your thoughts on how it must be for him? How would you handle something like that?
I’m sure his life sucks. And I’m sure he’s only making it worse for himself by constantly feeling bad for himself. I’d have a hard time hanging around someone so negative. But since I was getting paid to do it, I would do my best to change his outlook on life around. Try to show him what he hasn’t lost. He’s still capable of so many things. No use in feeling bad about oneself.
6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take?
Half of this book will be Lou arguing with Will and getting completely frustrated by his negativity. The other half will be Will turning around and falling in love with Lou and her persistence on making him happy. Right?
Warm Desert Winds wrote: "Comments and Questions May 2
Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
Did not! The only thing I know about this book is ..."
I would say put down the book. I am biased. I loathe the book.
RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Warm Desert Winds wrote: "Comments and Questions May 2
Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
Did not! The only thing ..."
Hah. But I'm enjoying it so far! I'm willing to take the risk. :)
Comments and Questions May 2Prologue - 3
1. Did you read the synopsis before closing to read the book? What made you choose to join the read?
Nope I didn't read the synopsis. I know that it'll be out as a movie soon, and I always like to read books before I watch their movie adaptations. So as you see I'm getting in with no expectations, just the way I like it.
2. What did you think about the Prologue? Did you like the characters you met there?
I liked Will. Although not much given about him as a person, but I guess it was just a peek into his life before everything changed.
3. What do you think about the various interactions with people’s family? The parent’s seem to have a lot of opinions on what their children should be doing.
Yeah I guess it seems like Lou's parents put so much pressure on her and at the end her sister did too. On top of the fact that they don't think much of her life or potential compared to what they think of her sister, which is a shame. I hate when parents do that.
4. What do you think happened with the girl we met in the prologue?
Will's relationship with her probably didn't survive his accident.
5. “You were just looking at my photographs. Wondering how awful it must be to live like that and then turn into a cripple.” What are your thoughts on how it must be for him? How would you handle something like that?
It seems like she hit a nerve there, which is normal. I guess his tactic was to attack her and intimidate her as much as possible so she can quit. I guess I could just ask him to tell me about the photographs and get him talking, although I'm not sure how much that can work.
6. Do you think Lou will be able to bring Will out of his grumpiness? If so, how long do you think it will take?
I'm not sure how long that'll take. although I hope not too long, cause I don't wanna be stuck reading about grumpy stuff all through the end. But I think she'll find a way.
I share a few opinions with 'Warm Desert Winds'. Nothing about Will so far makes me like him; the prologue makes him seem to me like one of those people who thinks the value in life comes from being in a high-flying, high-stress job - always yelling into his Blackberry. Lou's family, on the other hand, is certainly struggling economically, and yes, if my child is living under my roof at the age of 26, I expect a financial contribution. There's a lot of good-natured ribbing, but you can tell that behind that, Lou's is a loving family and that her parents want her to be happy and successful. Lou herself has a flippant sort of humor, as seen in her interactions with her job counselor and when she is being interviewed by Mrs. Traynor. So far, I like Lou and the story. I'm sure she will be able to break through Will's shell.
Joining late! I'll try to catch up. Can't wait to read everyone's responses!
Comments and Question May 3Chapters 4-6
7.After his “friends” leave, Will goes to his room and breaks all of his picture frames. Lou walks into a room filled with glass shards everywhere. Her reaction is to ask Will, “Can that thing get a puncture?” Will is shocked by her reaction and even appears apologetic. Later on in the chapter she also finally calls him out on his rude behavior. After these two incidences Will gradually changes the way he interacts with Lou. Why?
8. Mrs. Traynor never says what she actually is feeling, and no one feels like they can be honest with her, either. She is going to do what she thinks is best for Will regardless of what he wants, too. Do you think her behavior, especially towards Will, contributes to Will’s rude and insolent behavior? Do you think she treated him this way before the accident, too?
9. While going with Will to his doctor’s appointment, Lou starts to notice for the first time little things that make a handicapped person’s life more difficult like cracked pavements or cars parked too close together for a wheelchair to get in between them. Has this ever happened to you before? If so, did looking through the eyes of a handicapped person change the way you saw the world afterward?
10. Where do you think the scars on Will’s wrist came from?
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Les Misérables (other topics)The Girl on the Train (other topics)
Me Before You (other topics)
This thread is to discuss Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes. Be prepared for spoilers.
Synopsis:
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.