Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin, 262 pages

I listened to Brooklyn as a playaway.  I saw the movie, which was very good and really wanted to read the book.  The audio was a great alternative when the book was checked out.  It was beautifully read with the Irish accents. Brooklyn follows young Irish immigrant Eilis Lacey as she makes her way from Ireland to Brooklyn in the 1950s for chance of a better life.  When she finds herself torn between her family in Ireland and her new life and love in Brooklyn, she is faced with a most difficult choice.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, 369 pages

I wanted to read this book when I saw the upcoming trailer for the movie coming out in June.  Me Before You is a very touching story about a young woman, Louisa Clark, who finds herself unemployed and needing to find a job to help support her family.  Louisa decides to take on a most challenging position when she becomes caregiver for Will Traynor.  Will was an active young man until he was hit by a motorbike and lost the use of his arms and legs.  Will has pretty much given up on life until he meets Louisa, who gives him new found adventures that may give Will hope to live.  The ending may shock you, but won't leave you dry eyed.