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

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-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

Y’all. 

Seriously, y’all. 

The last book that had me this wrecked was Seven Days in June and while I loved that book, this one might have emerged as a new favorite. I will always be here for books that celebrate Black love and the love between Yasmen and Josiah gives us that and so much more. 

What makes this book different? 

The centering of mental health and specifically the negative mindset that exists in the Black community (sometimes more with Black men) about what it means to seek out therapy—and most importantly, how grief and loss take up so much space in the will to LIVE that it ends up making us LOSE in the end…but only if we let it.

I’m not one to spoil a book, but when I tell you to go read it, don’t hesitate, go. Now. 

Until then, I will leave you with a quote that will probably sit with me for a long time. 

“…love happens in the fragile context of our mortality. That love and life occur just behind the reach of our control. There is only one letter of difference between love and lose and somewhere along the way, for me they became synonymous.” 

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