Welcome back to Breathe Chile! Today, we’re talking about books that touch our hearts and inspire us. The goal is 24 books in 2024, and today, we’re delving into the deep and emotional world of Kennedy Ryan in “Before I Let Go.” Stay tuned for a review of this impactful novel!
“Before I Let Go” by Kennedy Ryan is a captivating story about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The book explores the connections between people and shows how strong we can be.
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Overview
Yasmen and Josiah used to be married and faced many challenges. Now, they co-parent and run a successful restaurant together. Yasmen lost her baby and Josiah’s aunt, which led to her depression and strain on their marriage. After therapy, she struggles to move on when she sees Josiah dating someone new.
Josiah still loves Yasmen and realizes he wants her back when he sees her with another man. The book realistically portrays the characters’ raw emotions and struggles, making it a powerful and emotional read.
The story of Yasmen and Josiah’s grief, love, and second chances is told with great perspective and honesty. The intense emotions in the book make it a beautiful and heart-wrenching read.
Why I chose this book?
I’m putting effort into reading different genres of books this year. I want to read one fiction book and one non-fiction book each month to broaden my understanding of the world and human experiences. Fiction books are great for helping us understand a point through storytelling versus just explaining it, which can really drive the message home.
Books can help us learn about new perspectives, cultures, and ideas. Fiction books can take us to different worlds and immerse us in the lives of diverse characters. Through storytelling, complex ideas and emotions can be expressed in a way that’s easier to relate to and remember than just explanations.
“My therapist says sometimes the people who are always keeping things together are the least prepared when they actually fall apart.”
― Kennedy Ryan, Before I Let Go
This book deeply resonated with me because I experienced a period of grief. The sudden loss of my mother left me feeling completely shattered, especially because I had always been the one to hold everything together. For two long years, I found myself breaking down in tears every time I drove to and from work alone. Despite the overwhelming pain, I would mask my emotions as soon as I stepped out of the car, putting on a facade of strength while struggling with the turmoil within.
What does “Before I Let Go” teach us?
I feel like the main point of this book is it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to reach out for help. This message resonates because it addresses the important topic of mental health and emotional well-being.
By portraying characters who struggle and seek support, the book normalizes the experience of facing difficulties, seeking help, and reducing the stigma often associated with therapy. The narrative effectively conveys the message that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of courage and self-care.
If you’ve experienced depression, you may connect with Kennedy Ryan’s writing about mental health. Her words are moving, filled with powerful emotions and captivating descriptions, effectively depicting the challenges of grief, self-doubt, and loneliness.
However, “Before I Let Go” is not a sad book. It’s ultimately a story of hope and healing. The heart of the tale lies in Yasmen and Josiah, two soulmates deeply in love, who rebuild their lives after a tragedy. It’s emotional but also sensual, humorous, clever, and romantic. The book emphasizes the value of family bonds, strength, and open communication.
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I absolutely recommend reading “Before I Let Go” because it’s incredibly captivating and really sparks thoughtful reflection. It delves into themes of mental health, friendship, loyalty, and the complex nature of human relationships.
The author skillfully narrates the story, bringing the characters to life in a deeply relatable way. The vivid descriptions and imagery of Atlanta create a completely immersive reading experience. With its well-crafted plot and remarkable character development, “Before I Let Go” is a book that will leave a lasting impact on you.
The only problem I had with the book was that it did not go into depth about Yasmen’s best friends, Soledad and Hendrix. I really wanted to know more about these ladies. Luckily, this book is the first in a series, and the next one up is This Could Be Us, which is about Soledad and her sneaky-link husband. I can’t wait; stay tuned.
