“When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.” – Maya Angelou
My wife is an avid reader, passionately immersed in a wide range of literary themes and celebrated authors.
For anyone who loves literature, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as sharing a powerful story or a profound piece of writing, all in the hopes of sparking inspiration and a love for reading in others.
I feel incredibly lucky to benefit from my wife’s insatiable love for books. She frequently recommends titles that she believes I will thoroughly enjoy, and we eagerly dive into discussions once I’ve finished my reading.
Although I may not always possess her level of enthusiasm for reading, I can confidently say that every book she has suggested has not only met but has truly exceeded my expectations, delivering the inspiration and enjoyment that a good book should always provide.
About a year ago, she introduced me to a captivating romance novel by Jojo Moyes. “Me Before You,” published in 2012, quickly became a phenomenon among readers, leading to its adaptation into a full-length film just a few years later.
The story follows the caregiving relationship between a quirky young woman and the wealthy man she cares for after he was left quadriplegic after an accident.
As I said, the book has been on my list for a year now, and I dismissed it as nothing more than another cliched romance novel, overly sappy and unrealistic in its themes and situations.
With several books still on hold from the library, I found myself with nothing to read during the holiday break. All I had to do was say that in the vicinity of my wife, and off she was online to try and find me a book I would enjoy.
The first book on that list was “Me Before You.”
I realized it was no use putting off reading the novel at this point, as she would keep pushing it to the top of my list until I finally succumbed to her urging.
I sat down to read the book in the early afternoon of December 27, 2025. By the next morning, I had finished the book, praising this powerful narrative, which left a lasting impact on me and showcased just how transformative a well-crafted story can be.
The power of literature
This story is undeniably a love story, yet it boldly challenges conventional expectations. Instead of relying on sentimental clichés and unrealistic scenarios, it offers a profound perspective on love through the power of literature.
The novel artfully illustrates that love transcends mere physical attraction, highlighting the profound, unconditional care one can have for another.
It serves as a vital reminder that love should never hinge solely on appearances; relationships based on superficiality are destined to falter rather than flourish, often neglecting the deeper connection that truly matters.
It’s all too easy to struggle with growing alongside our partners as they age, both in body and mind. This can obscure our ability to appreciate the beautiful soul that continues to exist within them.
However, the film brilliantly reminds us that in a society fixated on physical beauty and superficial values, authentic love is grounded in inner beauty. It invites us to cherish this invaluable treasure rather than be seduced by the fleeting nature of youth.
While the love story was certainly at the center of this book, the power of literature was brilliantly showcased through many other themes cleverly woven into the narrative.
Often, friendships only thrive during good times
Before the life-altering accident that left him quadriplegic, the male character in this book thrived in a world filled with adventure and connection.
He was a devoted traveler and a passionate mountaineer, always seeking the next thrill and creating unforgettable experiences for his friends and family.
His charm and magnetic personality made him a sought-after companion, fostering a rich tapestry of friendships and romantic relationships.
Everyone was drawn to his dynamic energy and the extraordinary lifestyle he embodied.
However, after the accident confined him to a wheelchair and took away the active life he cherished, all of his relationships with those he considered true friends or romantic partners quickly faded.
No one came to see him, often using their discomfort with his condition as an excuse for their absence.
I have witnessed this firsthand with members of my own family who have fallen ill and were unable to maintain the vibrant lives they once led.
The excuse of family and friends was always the same: “I just can’t bear to be in their company; it’s too painful to see them like that.”
Let me be blunt here: too bad!
If you love and respect someone, that should never be conditional based on their health or viability. Their health should not be used as an excuse to abandon someone who can no longer provide a benefit to you.
Let’s face it—such excuses often reveal the underlying truth: when we no longer perceive a benefit from another person, our relationships suddenly feel less convenient or meaningful.
This realization often leads me to question whether those relationships ever held genuine significance in the first place.
I’m not claiming that all friendships and relationships have contingencies. However, I have seen time and again that many relationships only endure when the benefits are mutual.
Overplanning your life can make it difficult to adapt
In my opinion, the book’s final theme powerfully emphasizes a struggle that resonates deeply with many of us, especially as we navigate the later stages of life: the challenge of letting go of the dreams and visions we once held for ourselves.
One of the greatest challenges faced by the male character in this book was realizing that the life he had envisioned for himself would no longer exist.
The life of adventure and excitement, where spontaneity often guided his decisions from one moment to the next, was gone. Now, unable to move most of his body, he relied on others to assist him with the simplest tasks, facing limited opportunities for privacy or choice.
There is a moment in the book when an older woman tells the male character that the younger generation doesn’t know how to pivot when life doesn’t go as planned.
I thought this was a profound moment in the story, an all-too-common reality that leads to denial and often mental struggles, as we cannot accept that our lives did not turn out as we dreamed.
I agree with the comment that the younger generation struggles to pivot. I was raised with the concept of resilience, the ability to find a way to push forward and recover, regardless of struggles or setbacks.
But today, far too many children and young people lack resilience because their parents have shielded them from experiencing failure in any part of their lives.
This approach doesn’t build resilience and strength; it breeds entitlement and an inability to adapt when life doesn’t deal us the hand we want.
What is the power of literature?
In closing, the real power of literature lies in its ability to inspire, connect, and educate readers, prompting them to discover new ideas and reconsider old ones that may need refreshing.
Learning should never stop in life; unfortunately, many people are too content to remain within the narrow yet comfortable confines of their surroundings.
The power of literature enables us to expand our minds and open our hearts in ways we may never have considered, as long as we are willing to listen.
If more of us tapped into this power of literature, perhaps instead of leading with hate, we would extend more compassion. Imagine that.