A review by rachels_booknook
Before I Let Go, by Kennedy Ryan

4.0

 
In the author’s note at the beginning of this book, Kennedy Ryan writes, “Before I Let Go is a story of joy, healing, and recovery. Consequently, it is also a story, at least in part, about loss.”
I want to start by acknowledging the trigger warnings in this book as described by Kennedy Ryan – “a stillbirth, loss of a loved one (past/off-page), discussion of complicated grief, depression, and passive suicidal ideation (no attempt)”. I appreciate that she sets these out right at the beginning in the author’s note and acknowledges that she consulted with many individuals – both with lived experience and professional counselors/therapists – during the writing process.
I’m honestly not entirely sure why I picked up this book. I even won a few books from Forever and I chose this as one of my books because I saw so much praise for it. I usually try to stay away from pregnancy loss trigger warnings. But I decided to read it anyway. Usually I love getting background details in a book, but this time I was glad that the author was a bit more reserved. Some parts were definitely hard for me to read though, emotionally.
I honestly wouldn’t call this book a romance. At least it’s not really what a romance means to me. This book is about mental health, grief, depression and how people deal with loss. Therapy plays a large role in this book which I thought was great – especially seeing the kids and Josiah learn to embrace therapy. The book acknowledges that there can be a stigma around therapy – especially amongst Black men. Seeing Josiah become comfortable with therapy and letting it actually help him, I thought was one of the best parts of the book.
I also loved the friendship between Yasmen, Soledad and Hendrix. I’m excited to read Soledad’s story, coming out next year.
Also I have to mention the cover – it’s stunning! 
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