Before I Let Go Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp :: ★★★/5

I understand this is a YA book and therefore strives to be "all inclusive". The references to Corey's "asexuality" and Kyra's "pansexuality" as well as two of the male characters being homosexual (Sam and Roshan) are pointless to the story since none of it is explored or even really mentioned beyond the initial "so and so is asexual/pansexual/homosexual". It simply didn't add anything to the story. I feel like I didn't know any of the characters other than Kyra, and she's not even an active character. Even the main character lacked depth, and the supporting characters were even more shallow. I didn't care about any of the characters but the dead one, and I still had no real idea how she felt in this book.

The play-script chapters were annoying.

I feel like so many things in this book should have been elaborated on. It just lacked detail and personalization of the characters. I didn't feel emotionally invested in any of them other than the fact that I also found it incredibly depressing.

The writing is very easy to read, flows nicely, is very descriptive. I liked the portrayal of bipolar disorder, how Kyra was humanized and Corey's response (or lack thereof) to Kyra after she moved was very realistic (out of sight, out of mind). The setting description at times, made me feel as if I were actually there.

Once I started it, I wanted to finish it. Unfortunately, unlike really good books I was happy just to see it to end.

Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp ★★★

(10/6/2018)