Waiting On Wednesday ... Still Me

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Jojo Moyes

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

From the sensational #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She is thrown into the world of the superrich Gopniks: Leonard and his much younger second wife, Agnes, and a never-ending array of household staff and hangers-on. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her job and New York life within this privileged world.

Before she knows what's happening, Lou is mixing in New York high society, where she meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. In Still Me, as Lou tries to keep the two sides of her world together, she finds herself carrying secrets--not all her own--that cause a catastrophic change in her circumstances. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

I did not expect a third book about Louisa Clark, but it makes sense to end her story on a different note than the one After You left her on. I had issues connecting with After You, and wonder if those same issues will present themselves in Still Me, but I am excited to see what is next for Louisa.

The wait for this one is not too long as it comes out in late Jan. It'll be a perfect way to spend those holiday gift cards!

Expected release date - January 23, 2018

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are a few things that I found exciting this week!

BOOK

Cover of Jojo Moyes' Still Me (goodreads)

I have mixed feelings about another book in the Me Before You series. I loved Me Before You so much, but did not love After You as much. What made Me Before You special for me was missing from After You and it was noticeable. Still Me's synopsis has me hopeful, but I am also prepared for it to be missing some of the spark. I am excited to see what is next for Lou in her journey, and will totally pre-order this one as soon as I can though.

TV/MOVIE

Shameless

I started watching this because a podcast I listen to mentions it quite a bit. I am hooked after just a few episodes and already love some of the chracters. Fiona and Steve are super cute right now, and I love Ian. I have a feeling I am going to love Ian and Mickey together (I just meet Mickey and his sister in the last episode I watched). I am not sure why I resisted this show for so long, but I am glad to be watching it now.

Mr Mercedes

I have gotten to watch the first two episodes of this series and am hooked. It's darker than I anticiapted, and at times hard to watch (especially the opening sequence). The acting in it is incredible with Harry Treadaway impressing me once again. I cannot wait to watch the rest of the episodes and wish I didn't have to watch week to week. 

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A small Weekly Obsessions but one filled with some pretty amazing things!

BOOK

Cover Of A Line In The Dark By Malinda Lo (goodreads)

The darkness of this cover compliments the darkness hinted at in the synopsis perfectly. There is something vivid and striking about this cover. It stands out and makes you want to take a closer look.

The title almost looks like it is carved into the skin in a way (or like veins). This novel sounds incredible as well so the pretty cover is a bonus.

Third Book In The Me Before You Series 

It was announced this week that Jojo Moyes will be releasing another book about Louisa Clark to make the Me Before You series a trilogy. I had mixed views about After You, and I have mixed opinions about another book about Lou but I will totally read it. I adore Lou and want to continue her story even if it crushes my heart with the looming absence of what made these books special (ie the bond between Will and Lou).

TV/MOVIE

Beauty And The Beast

IT IS SO SOON!! I am going this upcoming Thursday and I already have tickets. I am beyond excited and hope it is as good as I anticipate it being. They released the official soundtrack yesterday and I spent most of the day listening to the songs on repeat!

Mr Robot Season Three Announcement

Mr Robot is moving from its usual summer time slot for season three. It will instead have an Oct premiere date which basically ensures Oct is going to be an epic month for television. As part of the announcement they revealed that BD Wong will be promoted to series regular which is very exciting. I, however, just want more Tyrell Wellick in my life (and on my TV screen) so I am curious about Martin Wallström's presence in the third season. It is going to be a really long wait, but something tells me it will be more than worth it.

What are you obsessed with this week?

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

It has been a crazy but awesome week in bookish mail.

First up is a prize pack I won from the Raincoast Fall Blogger Preview event. I am so excited to put together the puzzle with my nieces. The candle smells amazing, and the tote bag is super cute! I am looking forward to reading Labyrinth Lost at some point as well.

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova (goodreads)

Next, I received a book that I have been really curious about since I first saw the announcement. It sounds like it might be a dark, but fascinating read. A huge thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending it for me to review.

The Girls by Emma Cline (goodreads)

My friend Kim gave me a finished copy of a Peter Pan inspired book that I read and loved. She also gave me this amazing J.M. Barrie print that is below. Thank you so much, Kim. I love them (obviously, because Peter Pan).

Everland by Wendy Spinale (goodreads)

Lastly, this is a book I owned but had my friend Amanda get signed for me. She was gracious enough to go to the Jojo Moyes signing in Toronto to get this signed for me. I am insanely excited to have one of my favourite books signed. Me Before You is such an incredible story.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (goodreads)

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

After You by Jojo Moyes

After You by Jojo Moyes
Release Date - September 29, 2015
Publisher Website - Penguin Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  368 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for honest review from the publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR ME BEFORE YOU**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

How do you move on after losing the person you loved? How do you build a life worth living?

Louisa Clark is no longer just an ordinary girl living an ordinary life. After the transformative six months spent with Will Traynor, she is struggling without him. When an extraordinary accident forces Lou to return home to her family, she can’t help but feel she’s right back where she started.

Her body heals, but Lou herself knows that she needs to be kick-started back to life. Which is how she ends up in a church basement with the members of the Moving On support group, who share insights, laughter, frustrations, and terrible cookies. They will also lead her to the strong, capable Sam Fielding—the paramedic, whose business is life and death, and the one man who might be able to understand her. Then a figure from Will’s past appears and hijacks all her plans, propelling her into a very different future. . . .

For Lou Clark, life after Will Traynor means learning to fall in love again, with all the risks that brings. But here Jojo Moyes gives us two families, as real as our own, whose joys and sorrows will touch you deeply, and where both changes and surprises await.

After You is quintessential Jojo Moyes—a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and rejoice at being back in the world she creates. Here she does what few novelists can do—revisits beloved characters and takes them to places neither they nor we ever expected.

When After You was first announced I was both overjoyed and hesitant. I fell in deep book love with Me Before You and fell hard. It is one of my most favourite books, and the love story within it's pages is truly iconic. I didn't want anything to taint that experience for me. While those who love Lou, her family, and the Traynors will delight in returning to their story, this novel perhaps works better if viewed as a separate story from Me Before You.

This novel feels like catching up with old friends. There is an ease and familiarity in coming back to their story. The connection is already formed, and you instantly remember how much you loved them. I missed these characters and didn't quite realize how much until I was reading the next chapter in their journey. I am not sure this sequel was necessary to their story but it ends up becoming entirely welcome. As soon as you're immersed back into Lou's world, you'll immediately be thankful you get to read these next chapter in her story.

Lou is barely keeping it together when we first see her. That feeling she had in Paris, the one of possibilities about the future has been snuffed out by grief. She was going to go and follow Will's wishes and live her life to the fullest, but grief has weighted down that buoyant hope. This is the story of Lou working her way through that grief. It's a story of her learning to live with the loss of Will while not being crippled by it. It's a very bittersweet story and Lou's journey spans anger, sadness, guilt, and even moments of happiness. Jojo Moyes perfectly captures the vast array of emotions grief can instil in someone. It's one of the most poignant parts of the novel.

Will feels both everywhere and nowhere within these pages. It creates this gaping hole that never quite felt like it was filled by the end of the novel. The spark that was so evident in Me Before You felt like it was missing from After You. That spark was Will. That spark was Will and Lou. That lightening in a bottle type of magic just wasn't here for me. The magic of Me Before You was the relationship between Will and Lou, and that was all the more evident in reading this follow up. The most touching moments, the moments that made the most impact, were the moments involving Will and Lou and their love. Nothing else in this novel came close to that emotional impact for me, particularly not the new romance. While I rooted for Lou's happiness, I never became invested in the new man in her life. I found him underdeveloped and almost an afterthought to her story.

This may sound like a mostly sad read, but there are moments of humour that stand out as bright spots in the novel. There are some side plots that allow for some delightfully funny moments that offset the sadness that encompasses everything else. There are plenty of cameos of people from Me Before You, particularly a fantastic scene involving Patrick, that showcase Jojo Moyes comedic skills to their fullest.

After You, as a stand alone novel, is every bit as wonderful as you would expect it to be. However, for me at least, I am not sure it works as a follow up to Me Before You. It's a bittersweet novel filled with grief, moving on, and opening yourself up again and one that is filled with the trademark heart, humour and nuance you would expect from Jojo Moyes.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

This week I had one of my most anticipated books of the fall be released! Pretty sure you'll see it a lot in book hauls from this week!

It'll most likely surprise nobody that I got Queen of Shadows this week!

Queen Of Shadows by Sarah J Maas (goodreads)

I had to snag a signed copy from my local Chapters via pre-order. I haven't had a chance to read it yet but it is happening soon!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is one of my most favourite books. I fell in love with Lou, Will and their story. I was both ecstatic and apprehensive when it was announced that a follow up would be released. Of course I am beyond excited to read it even if I am scared for the status of my heart after finishing it.

After You by Jojo Moyes (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Viking/Penguin for the chance to read this early. It's next up on my reading list!

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday ................. After You

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is After You by Jojo Moyes

**spoilers for Me Before You**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Coming September 29th: After You, the sequel to the beloved New York Times million-copy bestseller, Me Before You

A NOTE FROM JOJO MOYES ABOUT HER EXCITING NEW NOVEL, AFTER YOU:

Dear Reader,

I wasn't going to write a sequel to Me Before You. But for years, readers kept asking and I kept wondering what Lou did with her life. In the end the idea came, as they sometimes do, at 5:30 in the morning, leaving me sitting bolt upright in my bed and scrambling for my pen.

It has been such a pleasure revisiting Lou and her family, and the Traynors, and confronting them with a whole new set of issues. As ever, they have made me laugh, and cry. I hope readers feel the same way at meeting them—especially Lou—again. And I'm hoping that those who love Will will find plenty to enjoy.

There is not  really a synopsis for this novel because the plot is so shrouded in secrecy. After the heartbreaking events of Me Before You I am both excited to return to Lou's story, and hesitant. I am curious to see what direction Jojo Moyes takes this, and have faith that if anyone can pull off writing a novel like this, it's her.

Expected release date - September 29, 2015

Summer Reading

It's a proven fact that summer and reading are meant for each other. There's nothing better than a great mystery while by the pool, spending a lazy day lost in a fantastic contemporary or devouring a fantasy while also devouring ice cream.

I am going to let you know what will be in my beach tote this summer, and offer up a few suggestions if you're looking for books to stash in yours!

MY PICKS FOR SUMMER READS

Here are some books you should check out if you haven't already read them! I loved all of them and any of them would make great summer reads.

1 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This is a perfect mystery/thriller that will keep you guessing. It's totally the type of book that is pretty much a sunburn waiting to happen. You'll becomes obsessed with Nick, Amy, and what really happened. Afterwards, be sure to check out the movie! One of my favourite book to movie adaptations ever.

2 Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

A sweet, fun read that has a lot of depth. This one will make you want to create some lists of your own for your friends. I totally made a "How To Have The Best Summer Ever" list for one of my friends after reading this one. You'll fall for the characters, the soundtrack (that can totally be the music of your summer) and Morgan's writing. Her other novels are just as amazing if you're looking for more after finishing this one.

3 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

The entire Royal Circle 'series' should be on this list. Tarnish just happens to be my favourite as I adore Anne Boleyn and Katherine's portrayal of Anne is one of my favourites (EVER). Her writing is beautiful, and fans of Reign will love the Tudor court drama and romance that graces these pages.

4 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

This book will never not be on a list like this from me. It's one of my most favourite books, and one I tell everyone to read. The letter style format works wonderfully for this story of a girl writing to her kidnapper. It's a clever, well written look at what might be Stockholm Syndrome (or what could be something else entirely). One thing is for sure however, you'll never forget Gemma and Ty's story.

5 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I feel like this should come with a warning - you will need tissues to make it through this one. The beautiful story of Will and Lou. A young man who feels he has nothing left to live for after an accident leaves him paralysed and the young woman hired to help him. It's a story that poses many thought provoking questions and is the perfect book for when you're looking for something a little different than the usual beach read.

6 The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan 

If you're obsessed with all things relating to the royal family, you'll want to devour this book. It's fun, charming, and has just the right amount of romance and drama. An often funny, but touching, love story filled with some unforgettable characters. You'll close this one praying for a companion novel that focuses on Freddie as you'll be dying to enter this world again.

7 The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

I could easily also recommend Open Road Summer by Emery Lord (so totally read both). The Start Of Me And You earns bonus points for it's clever nod to Pride and Prejudice, and the most adorable romance I've read in a while. It's a feel good read that will leave you feeling happy, and ready to try a few new things yourself.

8 Just One Day/Just One Year by Gayle Forman

This will make you want to pack your bags and head to Europe on a summer vacation. It's a lighter read mixed in with some pretty deep topics and all with the classic Gayle Forman romance. A story of a girl who agrees to spend one day in Paris with a cute guy she just meets ends up being about much more than the romance. Fall in love with Europe, and these characters as you follow first Allyson and then Willem on their journeys to where they are supposed to be.

9 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This novel is seriously on fire. It is the next big thing in YA as evident by it's impressive debut on the New York Time's bestseller lists at number one. It's got a movie in the works, and it honestly could be the next big YA series adaptations. A novel that promises that anyone can betray anyone will leave you turning the pages (and most likely sunburned in the process) as you become engrossed in Mare's world.

10 Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Another novel that will always be on these kinds of list for me. A beautifully written take on the Peter Pan tale that asks what if before Wendy entered the picture, Peter was in love with the girl with the crow feathers in her hair (that would be Tiger Lily). An often heartbreaking story that touched me, and remains one of my favourite Peter Pan retellings ever.


WHAT I AM READING

Here are the books I am going to be enjoying in the summer sun! So excited about all of these!

1 Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Pretty much every person I know that has read this has gushed. Not just a little, but A LOT. I am hoping to get to it ASAP because I am not sure I can wait much longer.

2 Tonight The Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

I am extremely curious about this one, and I am a sucker for the whole 'one magical night' aspect of the storyline, and am even more intrigued that this one seems to have a twist that perhaps it's not what it first appears. I am sure it'll be fantastic as I've heard nothing by raves about her first novel.

3 The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Described as Buffy The Vampire Slayer but from the perspective of the 'non chosen' students. It's basically the story of the kids who just want to go to prom without their school being attacked by vampires (or similar) and I think it sounds hilarious. I've never read anything by Patrick Ness before but he made me want to bump this one up during his panel at Book Con this year.

4 The Young Elites by Marie Lu

I have had this one on my list for a long time now, and I keep hearing how amazing it is. I am finally going to read it this summer. I've been told to have wine ready (and possibly chocolate) so I am going to be sure to stock up before diving in.

5 Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

I've been told I have to read this from Emilie and Katie. It sounds sexy, fun and a great beach book. I am considering binging all the books that are out right now in time for the next one.

Have you read any of the books I've mentioned? What is on your summer reading list? Read something that I simply must make time to read this summer? Let me know in the comments! I would love some suggestions.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Release Date - December 31, 2012
Publisher Website - Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 369 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**borrowed from library**

**POTENTIAL SPOILERS**

Here is the Goodreads 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.

After closing the final pages of Me Before You I knew it was going to be one of the hardest reviews I had ever written. How to convey what this book made me feel adequately when I was barely able to be coherent after. Me Before You is a love story. It is also so much more than that. It's smart, unrelenting, and shines a bright light on the quality of life for disabled people in the process. A story that stole my heart, and left me an ugly sobbing mess in it's wake, but also infused with me an appreciation for this life I get to live.

This is the first novel I've read by Jojo Moyes and it certainly will not be my last. Her talent is in creating characters, and crafting emotions with her words. She makes you fall effortlessly in love with her characters, and in a novel of this nature, that is key. Even her secondary characters are written as incredibly life like and complex.

The moments of humour are so wonderfully woven into this plot. They are bright lights in an otherwise murky setting. They contrast the darker moments and create a realistic balanced portrayal that really brings the characters to life. You are thankful for these happy moments because they allow you to breathe in between the moments of crushing sadness. They are timed perfect, and add to the novel's pacing.

The romance in this was a lot like John Green's classic line of falling slowly and then all at once for me. I fell for Will and Lou slowly, but when it happened it was all consuming. I was enthralled by their connection and love story. They are the type of couple that becomes iconic because you feel their chemistry through the pages. Their little moments show that a romantic, swoon worthy connection can be effectively capture with minimal physical interaction. It's their words, banter, and actions that define and create their love story.

This novel deals with how the disabled are treated, their role in society and the hot button issue of assisted suicide. The author doesn't take a strong stance but instead, through the characters, lets you see all sides of this complex issue. She allows you to sympathize with those who are in Will's position, while still feeling for those who care about them. While she doesn't tackle the political and legal aspects with as much depth, she chooses to focus on the personal elements. The novel wants you to see a view point that is perhaps not your own. It will encourage conversation, and that is perhaps this novel's greatest achievement.

A novel that makes you see things in many different aways. A story that embraces the many complexities around the issue of assisted suicide, and shouts the notion of living your life to it's fullest from every page. A romantic, heart crushing, inspiring story I will not soon forget. It's one with an important message at it's heart, and it just so happens it'll also leave you feeling everything all at once.