Reviews

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

grace_muriithi's review

3.0

This book HURT to read- wow. There are a lot of sensitive topics covered, and the characters were so painfully human that I couldn't help but root for them. However...I did have a few issues with the book that a lot of other people have talked about in their reviews, so I won't go into too much here. For one, Deja really got on my nerves. As the story progressed, I found out why she was acting the way she was, but at the same time, the utter lack of respect for her mom who had been through so much was really painful to read. Also, for a book set in Atlanta...it didn't feel like a Black romance to me in the way I was expecting. Like, it honestly felt as though it could have taken place in my white hometown and none would've been the wiser. Kassim was the only reason I kept reading tbh- that sweet boy was my favorite character. Overall, I would give this book a ~3.5/5 stars.

corinza's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

3.5

busolarrr's review

emotional reflective 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

4.0

christines_booked's review

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

miaomoh's review

emotional hopeful sad slow-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

4.5

a2001ya's review

4.0

4.5 ⭐️

alexdicanio's review against another edition

emotional 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

3.75

itsjustjayhooray's review

challenging emotional hopeful 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

i read this book when i was going through a pretty difficult time in my life and it made me actually sit back and reflect on my relationship and friendships. I wish i had a friend group who was as attentive, confident, and always there for you like Yasmen's friends. This book made me realize that it's completely okay to take a step back and re-evaluate where you are and how you got there, that therapy is 100% okay, and sometimes you need to take a step back in your relationship before you can move forward.  

kevinmccarrick's review

emotional hopeful 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

5.0

joylynn06's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad fast-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

4.0