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quiteliterary's review against another edition
medium-paced
I first read this during the lockdown in 2020 and I remember liking it. But I’m rereading it now and realising how weird the writing is. A late 20-something woman messing around with a 19 year old as a comedic relief? And the random mention every time a character is a black person, when that doesn’t even happen with the white characters? FMC majored in psychology but fails to understand why her mother is the way she is, and wants her to shut up about it instead? I never realised how overly judgemental and hypocritical Daisy is until now.
lindab66reads's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure why I read sad books, but I was thankful for a realistic view of the death and grieving process from several angles. I also appreciated the closure of the storyline.
alisonlaw's review against another edition
How to live when you are dying: [b:Before I Go|20871704|Before I Go|Colleen Oakley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1397917357s/20871704.jpg|40210177] by Colleen Oakley: http://bit.ly/1DBB8E3
beccastaley's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe more of a 3.5 * ... The most interesting part of the book was the last three chapters where it really turned around.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator made the book unbearable to listen to and why it took so long for me to finish it.
I didn't like the complete lack of communication between the two main characters, although the extenuating circumstances for Daisy give her a little slack. Jack had no excuse and it made me angry to think that he would basically stop trying in their relationship when she was going through so much. I understand it's a two way street in a relationship but come on!
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator made the book unbearable to listen to and why it took so long for me to finish it.
I didn't like the complete lack of communication between the two main characters, although the extenuating circumstances for Daisy give her a little slack. Jack had no excuse and it made me angry to think that he would basically stop trying in their relationship when she was going through so much. I understand it's a two way street in a relationship but come on!
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, a really good book. I would not call it a tear-jerker like P.S. I Love You but still a good book. I was expecting to cry my eyes out. This did not happen. So when I got to the very last few pages, I was surprised when I did feel myself tear up some and shed tears. I was not expecting this. I mean I did like the story and the characters but I never got too emotional. In fact, at times I thought Daisy was mean spirited towards her husband. Although, I could understand her lashing out at him. I still did not feel like he deserved the anger. Jack was nothing but a sweet heart towards Daisy. This may have had a little to do with why I did not get so emotional reading this book. Daisy was human with the emotions she was experiencing but she kept herself at a distance some. Before I Go is a nice first showing for new author, Colleen Oakley.
mcoovert's review
4.0
Well, if you want to cry and think about your own mortality, give this book a read!
tiffanywang29's review against another edition
3.0
So the beginning was fairly good, the middle was dragging, but then at the end I just wanted to eat the book so I could read it faster. This is one of those books where I feel bad criticizing it because it's about cancer and dealing with dying, but I'm going to be honest and face the firing squad if necessary. The problem with this book was that the plot in general didn't set it up for 5-star success. This woman, Daisy, is diagnosed with massive cancer that she obviously won't beat. And then "before she goes" (aye clever) she has a list of these things she needs to do for her husband Jack, including finding him a new wife. And here's the problem: writing about a woman sitting around being sad about her cancer can be sad, but not necessarily a fascinating story unless you have flawless writing skills and are magically able to reach inside me and pull those emotions out of my soul. Soon, Oakley comes up with this brilliant idea of making Daisy try to find a new wife for Jack. The inherent problem in this is that finding love has no formula. It ends with Daisy just doing random things and then very occasionally encountering potential women that aren't really potential women because she rules them out immediately. The only emotion I get from the middle of this book is FRUSTRATION. She constantly pushes Jack away, at first because she wants to seem independent and not weak (I think?!?!) and then later because she thinks she actually has found the perfect woman. And then through the first person perspective you see that she really really wants to reach out to Jack and goes so far as to almost (thiiiissss close) telling him so, but then ends up doing something to kill the relationship again.
Regardless, at the end, probably the last 30 pages, she actually comes to some realizations rather than spinning around in circles. The story has a clear path to an ending and finally it's a story rather than a compilation of journal entries of many days. There is real movement in the story. It isn't until Daisy dies (yes, sorry, she does die) that the personalities of Jack, Kayleigh, and Daisy's mom really emerge. Obviously Daisy was caught up in her cancer and dying, but it sacrificed the character-building of everyone but herself. Even then I didn't feel like she became a 3D character to me, but rather a detached figure in a book.
One thing I do have to applaud Oakley for is the use of capital letters. It seems really random and weird, but I love her "Lots of Cancer." I don't want to venture and say that it makes it seem more humorous, per se, but something about that gives it more of a concrete state rather than some abstract idea of "cancer." There was the "Little Cancer," and then the "Lots of Cancer." It also gave Daisy a personality that I wasn't able to grasp with just descriptions of her actions or even her thoughts.
Overall, this book is a fairly quick read. It's not going to make you break down into tears, but it is a sweet yet somewhat heartbreaking story that I kind of wish didn't have to happen, but I guess that's the point of the story. :(
Regardless, at the end, probably the last 30 pages, she actually comes to some realizations rather than spinning around in circles. The story has a clear path to an ending and finally it's a story rather than a compilation of journal entries of many days. There is real movement in the story. It isn't until Daisy dies (yes, sorry, she does die) that the personalities of Jack, Kayleigh, and Daisy's mom really emerge. Obviously Daisy was caught up in her cancer and dying, but it sacrificed the character-building of everyone but herself. Even then I didn't feel like she became a 3D character to me, but rather a detached figure in a book.
One thing I do have to applaud Oakley for is the use of capital letters. It seems really random and weird, but I love her "Lots of Cancer." I don't want to venture and say that it makes it seem more humorous, per se, but something about that gives it more of a concrete state rather than some abstract idea of "cancer." There was the "Little Cancer," and then the "Lots of Cancer." It also gave Daisy a personality that I wasn't able to grasp with just descriptions of her actions or even her thoughts.
Overall, this book is a fairly quick read. It's not going to make you break down into tears, but it is a sweet yet somewhat heartbreaking story that I kind of wish didn't have to happen, but I guess that's the point of the story. :(
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
Delighted to discover this new Atlanta southern author, Colleen Oakley! If this is a debut, can't wait to see what is next.
BEFORE I GO is a poignant, novel of love and loss, mixed with humor and emotion, keeping you glued to the pages, to learn the fate of lovable Daisy.
Daisy Richmond is still in her twenties, and has had cancer before; she and her much-loved husband, Jack have gotten past the fear and each year they celebrate another year of cancer-free remission.
Jack is a veterinary student and will be graduating soon. The couple has big plans to create a family with dreams for the future, as most young married couples.
When Daisy receives the devastating news her cancer has returned, they will not be celebrating. She begins worrying how Jack will survive without her in his life, for the future. She is very organized and runs a tight household, and has always been there for Jack in every way.
She becomes obsessed with finding Jack his next wife. While she is going through her fears, and concerns, trying all sorts of trial drugs and therapy to extend her life; instead of enjoying her precious time with her husband, she is moody and withdrawn, while addicted to finding the perfect replacement wife. When things start looking like her plan is working, she gets afraid, jealous and possessive.
Colleen delivers a beautiful and emotional novel, with nice character development, characters you care about, and enough suspense to keep readers guessing what is up, with Jack. She creates the right amount of humor mixed with the tragedy and illness, told with compassion. I enjoyed the sassy and honest relationship with her best friend, Kayleigh-a nice touch; and a likable and supportive husband.
While personally understanding the emotions surrounding cancer, as my mom has been battling for a year with ups and down with chemo, treatment, side effects, complications, and not always receiving the hopeful and positive news from ongoing scans and tests. A thought-provoking takeaway for readers, to treasure time with loved ones, while we can.
A riveting and compelling debut, fans of The Replacement Wife, by Eileen Goudge, as well as authors, Jojo Moyes, Kaira Rouda, Jane Green, Elizabeth Hein, Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner, and Liane Moriarty will enjoy Oakley's unique style, with insights into today’s contemporary women, marriage, and relationships. Highly recommend, and look forward to reading more!
A special thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
BEFORE I GO is a poignant, novel of love and loss, mixed with humor and emotion, keeping you glued to the pages, to learn the fate of lovable Daisy.
Daisy Richmond is still in her twenties, and has had cancer before; she and her much-loved husband, Jack have gotten past the fear and each year they celebrate another year of cancer-free remission.
Jack is a veterinary student and will be graduating soon. The couple has big plans to create a family with dreams for the future, as most young married couples.
When Daisy receives the devastating news her cancer has returned, they will not be celebrating. She begins worrying how Jack will survive without her in his life, for the future. She is very organized and runs a tight household, and has always been there for Jack in every way.
She becomes obsessed with finding Jack his next wife. While she is going through her fears, and concerns, trying all sorts of trial drugs and therapy to extend her life; instead of enjoying her precious time with her husband, she is moody and withdrawn, while addicted to finding the perfect replacement wife. When things start looking like her plan is working, she gets afraid, jealous and possessive.
Colleen delivers a beautiful and emotional novel, with nice character development, characters you care about, and enough suspense to keep readers guessing what is up, with Jack. She creates the right amount of humor mixed with the tragedy and illness, told with compassion. I enjoyed the sassy and honest relationship with her best friend, Kayleigh-a nice touch; and a likable and supportive husband.
While personally understanding the emotions surrounding cancer, as my mom has been battling for a year with ups and down with chemo, treatment, side effects, complications, and not always receiving the hopeful and positive news from ongoing scans and tests. A thought-provoking takeaway for readers, to treasure time with loved ones, while we can.
A riveting and compelling debut, fans of The Replacement Wife, by Eileen Goudge, as well as authors, Jojo Moyes, Kaira Rouda, Jane Green, Elizabeth Hein, Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner, and Liane Moriarty will enjoy Oakley's unique style, with insights into today’s contemporary women, marriage, and relationships. Highly recommend, and look forward to reading more!
A special thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
mmc6661's review against another edition
4.0
A quick light read for a hard heavy subject. Daisy is a woman whose cancer has returned with a vengeance so she decides to find a replacement wife for her husband before she dies. This is a heartwarming, entertaining, sometimes sad, sometimes funny story that deals with marriage, love and death. You will feel like daisy is your friend by the end of the book. I will be on the lookout for future books by Oakley. Fast paced and easy to read.