Me Before You

Synopsis

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.

Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.

The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.

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Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.


When Lou Clark loses her job at a café, she is given a job caring for Will Traynor. Will was disabled in a motorbike accident. Lou knows she needs the money. Will knows that his accident took away his love of life. Neither of them know that they're going to change each other's lives forever.

Summary

Chapter 1

Summary:
Louisa "Lou" Clark applies for a caregiver position to Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident two years prior. Due to the nature of his injury, Will has become depressed and suicidal.

Real Example:
"Lou sensed he'd given up on life. Some people did that, she knew. It was like they'd boarded the wrong bus, ended up in the wrong place, at the wrong time. And there was no bus stop to get off at. Nowhere to disembark, turn back, start over."

Chapter 2

Summary:
Lou meets Will for the first time and is immediately struck by his sharpness and wit. Despite his condition, Will has a cynical outlook on life and pushes Lou away with cutting remarks.

Real Example:
"He held her gaze. It wasn't what she'd expected. She'd imagined someone unreachable, looking through her. But his eyes were sharp. His mind was quick. He was alive, very alive; a caged animal, but alive."

Chapter 3

Summary:
Lou realizes that Will's parents are worried about his mental state and want him to be happy. However, Will refuses to attend therapy or engage with others.

Real Example:
"Will's mother hugged her. 'Thank you, darling. I'm so glad he's got you. He's been so much more talkative since you came.' Lou didn't know what to say to that. She didn't talk to him any more than she would if he were a coma patient."

Chapter 4

Summary:
Lou learns about Will's adventurous past and how he used to love traveling and extreme sports. She begins to take him outside in his wheelchair, despite his initial resistance.

Real Example:
"She wheeled him up to the window and they looked out. Lou expected him to be angry. When the accident happened, Will had been on his way to a flight to Switzerland to go skiing. But he wasn't angry. He just stared out of the window."

Chapter 5

Summary:
Will challenges Lou to play Scrabble with him, an activity he used to enjoy. As they play, they slowly develop a friendship. Lou begins to understand Will's reasons for wanting to end his life.

Real Example:
"He made no move to pick up the tiles. 'I used to do the Times cryptic crossword every day.' Lou blinked. 'Right. Okay.' She set up the game. She didn't want to talk. Not now. They settled into a companionable silence, broken only by the clink of the tiles."