I tried to write this review immediately upon finishing the book but it proved to be impossible, since my feeling were all over the place. Even though I finished the book in the morning and waited for the whole day to process it, I'm still finding it extremely hard to gather my thoughts in a (probably doomed) attempt to write anything semi coherent. 
 Bear in mind that I have read this back in 2013 and that this was a reread, and yet the book devastated me despite knowing the story. Those who haven't read it yet, you were warned. 
 Despite the emotional havoc that the author wreaks on the readers, I truly recommend this book (or perhaps exactly for that reason!). 
 The pace is a bit slower than with the usual contemporaries and most importantly, the label ''romance'' is utterly misguided. If you read it because you want a beautiful romantic story, this isn't it. It mostly focuses on family and friendship so some readers may be disappointed. Still, it has a pleasant flow that pulls you into story and I couldn't help but feel for all the characters, with their strenghts and weaknesses. 
 As for the characters, I truly love every single one of them. They may be maddening, at times insecure, selfish or worse, but it just helped to make them more human. I loved the working class family dynamics of Lou's home and all the complex family relationships, especially with her sister. The banter between Will and Lou was hilarious and I always enjoyed those scenes the most. 
 It's no secret that I have a soft spot for characters with affinity to crazy clothes, like Effie Trinket of The Hunger Games or Lola from Lola and the Boy Next Door, so it should come as no surprise that I loved Lou and her bee-like tights or green ''leprechaun drag queen'' choice of footwear. She is often criticized for her ignorance because she has no seeming ambitions in life, but I liked that about her, how we see her grow and come out of her shell bit by bit. She is hardworking, devoted to her family, honest and outspoken. 
 Will was another great lead, he broke my heart and was so hilarious and sarcastic. I loved him and at the same time wanted to shake some sense into him, he drove me nuts sometimes! He was a successful and rich man that had had a tragic accident and was doomed to a life on a wheelchair as a quadriplegic and couldn't accept that fate. I can not begin to comprehend what it must be like to be bound to a chair or bed for the rest of your life and dependent on the constant care of others, but I was really bothered by his attitude. Yes, what has happened to him was awful and unfair, but he had a family that cared for him, all the carers and medical care he could possibly get and the financial means to live in luxury. How many people don't have that and they still persevere? 
 All in all it is a beautiful story of family, friendship and growth that I couldn't recommend enough. Have your tissues at hand and be prepared to laugh, cry and rage for days.