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A review by lady_wira
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
4.0
First page and I exclaimed, “Not another boy meets girl story!” Yasmen and Josiah Wade (the protagonists) on page one are #couplegoals. The black couple that has it together, the envy of all their friends and the gold standard of the community.
I was a bit sceptical. Who wants to read another Cinderella story? On page two, sure as fiction is still based on certain realities the other shoe dropped..
Yasmen and Josiah are in marriage hell, coupled with the loss of their unborn son and the passing of Aunt Bird, depression lays its nasty claws on the once happy home. What follows are chapters about how they coped with the losses and their implications on the family unit.
Their two seemingly happy children- Deja (13 years old) and Kassim( 10 years old) take the divorce hard. Deja holds a lot of anger towards her mother, while Kassim is always optimistic dad will come home. This makes parenting difficult for Yasmen and she seeks the help of a therapist to help navigate the treacherous waters she finds herself in.
On the other hand, Josiah tries his level best to be a present co-parent and the primary Lead in their company. He does not believe in therapy and pushes everything down.
As the narrative progresses we see the two attempt to be cordial with each other, co-parent, run the business and maintain worthwhile friendships. Then Josiah falls for one of their employees, and this triggers Yasmen, is she really ready to let it go? Did she make a mistake? Is there any chance they can get back together?
She fights these thoughts but they hold her hostage. She confides in her girlfriends and resolves to get her man back.
Josiah fell in love at first sight, the very sight of Yasmen, any possible opportunity to get his family back he undoubtedly considers as answered prayer. The two get into a steamy, hot, secret bond. Together they remind each other what love feels like, what being soulmates means and oh my! What it means to really know your partner's body.
Before I Let Go is an enjoyable read. The girls’ friendship conversations are on careers, relationships, marriage, stillbirths, depression and finding peace. They are the indication that everyone deserves space to be unfiltered. Yasmen and Josiah’s path back to each other is fueled by the acceptance of therapy, their own flaws and the power of forgiveness.
Before I Let Go is divided into chapters, narrated from the view of Josiah and Yasmen. It gives a clear look into what individually they are struggling with and as a reader, you get to be part of their thought process.
It is heartbreaking yet still hopeful, it is gut-wrenching then still full of joy. A book that is unafraid to show the gory side of death, depression, and divorce while also showing that hope and joy are always within reach.
I was a bit sceptical. Who wants to read another Cinderella story? On page two, sure as fiction is still based on certain realities the other shoe dropped..
Yasmen and Josiah are in marriage hell, coupled with the loss of their unborn son and the passing of Aunt Bird, depression lays its nasty claws on the once happy home. What follows are chapters about how they coped with the losses and their implications on the family unit.
Their two seemingly happy children- Deja (13 years old) and Kassim( 10 years old) take the divorce hard. Deja holds a lot of anger towards her mother, while Kassim is always optimistic dad will come home. This makes parenting difficult for Yasmen and she seeks the help of a therapist to help navigate the treacherous waters she finds herself in.
On the other hand, Josiah tries his level best to be a present co-parent and the primary Lead in their company. He does not believe in therapy and pushes everything down.
As the narrative progresses we see the two attempt to be cordial with each other, co-parent, run the business and maintain worthwhile friendships. Then Josiah falls for one of their employees, and this triggers Yasmen, is she really ready to let it go? Did she make a mistake? Is there any chance they can get back together?
She fights these thoughts but they hold her hostage. She confides in her girlfriends and resolves to get her man back.
Josiah fell in love at first sight, the very sight of Yasmen, any possible opportunity to get his family back he undoubtedly considers as answered prayer. The two get into a steamy, hot, secret bond. Together they remind each other what love feels like, what being soulmates means and oh my! What it means to really know your partner's body.
Before I Let Go is an enjoyable read. The girls’ friendship conversations are on careers, relationships, marriage, stillbirths, depression and finding peace. They are the indication that everyone deserves space to be unfiltered. Yasmen and Josiah’s path back to each other is fueled by the acceptance of therapy, their own flaws and the power of forgiveness.
Before I Let Go is divided into chapters, narrated from the view of Josiah and Yasmen. It gives a clear look into what individually they are struggling with and as a reader, you get to be part of their thought process.
It is heartbreaking yet still hopeful, it is gut-wrenching then still full of joy. A book that is unafraid to show the gory side of death, depression, and divorce while also showing that hope and joy are always within reach.