Reviews

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

astridowen's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Miscarriage

twin2's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

4.9 stars

I will read anything Kennedy Ryan writes after reading this book. It was so emotionally gripping and raw. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how this book promotes therapy.  

One part of this book the I shook my head "no" on is when Josiah is reflecting on all the chaos of his life and how "There can be hope growing inside of the woman you love more than life itself, and in a moment, that hope can be lost." The hope of a woman is not lost in a moment. It is lost in multiple moments. It is lost when her multiple cries for help fall on deaf ears. Her hope is lost when her pleading is ignored. Her hope is lost when, in trying to hold on to someone who isn't trying to hold on to her, it causes her to lose herself. Hope isn't lost in a moment. It takes time.

TW: Parental death, stillbirth, divorce.

shianncupples's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

letsyg's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

guylikenimi's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

spookyghoulreads's review against another edition

5.0

Such a beautiful story! Loved every bit of it, fuck Vashti btw

jenrosedon's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

counterj90's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

virginiat25's review against another edition

emotional

4.0

amerikamade's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wow. I didn't want to read this book at first. I thought it was going to be just another BookTok hype that lacked luster. I was hopeful because this is a really good black author (so I hear this is my first read of hers). I am pleased to share that my skepticism has been put to rest. This book was very much focused on mental health but also second chance romance, and it was done seamlessly. I enjoyed the characters more, so toward the end, I really enjoyed their personalities shining through, not tainted by their mental and emotional battles.  I relate to this story personally as a divorced single mother of two who co-parents to the once love of my life. (Not like this book though, no romance lol) This book, at first, was very triggering for me, but after I assessed my own scars, I was able to just really enjoy the story. It was very real toward divorce and living with the emotions of having to interact with an ex and co-parent and finding your place after for me. So, it's a good read. I highly recommend it.