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Before I Let Go

By Marieke Nijkamp
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Check link for latest rating. ( 9,921 ratings, 1,656 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp is a poignant tale about friendship and the mysteries of a remote, icy town. When Corey returns to Lost Creek to visit her friend Kyra, she discovers that everything has changed and Kyra is gone. As Corey tries to uncover the truth about Kyra's death, she learns about the community's secrets and struggles to reconcile her memories with reality. This haunting story explores themes of grief, belonging, and the bonds that tie us to our past.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate stories that delve into themes of friendship, mystery, and loss, all set in a hauntingly atmospheric small-town backdrop. The narrative explores the complexities of dealing with grief and the search for truth, making it compelling for those who like emotional and intriguing tales.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Is Where It Ends comes an intense story of loss and the quest for truth.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp (This Is Where It Ends) comes Before I Let Go, an emotional thriller about a suspicious death, a friend desperate for answers, and their small town's sinister secrets.

Best friends Corey and Kyra were inseparable in their tiny snow-covered town of Lost Creek, Alaska. But as Kyra starts to struggle with her bipolar disorder, Corey's family moves away. Worried about what might happen in her absence, Corey makes Kyra promise that she'll stay strong during the long, dark winter.

Then, just days before Corey is to visit, Kyra dies. Corey is devastated and confused because Kyra said she wouldn't hurt herself. The entire Lost community speaks in hushed tones, saying Kyra's death was meant to be. And they push Corey away like she's a stranger.

The further Corey investigates—and the more questions she asks—the greater her suspicion grows. Lost is keeping secrets—chilling secrets. Can she piece together the truth about Kyra's death and survive her visit?

Perfect for readers looking for:

  • Mystery books for teens
  • Bipolar teen characters
  • Asexual characters

Praise for Before I Let Go:

  • A New York Times Bestseller!
  • 2019 ALA Rainbow List
  • 2018 Teen Choice Book of the Year Nominee

"With exceptional handling of everything from mental illness to guilt and a riveting, magic realist narrative, this well wrought, haunting novel will stick with readers long after the final page." —Booklist STARRED REVIEW

"Compulsive readability... Intriguingly spooky" —Kirkus Reviews

"This sophomore novel from Nijkamp will haunt readers... The honest reflection of mental illness, suicide, friendship, and being an outsider provides ample topics for book discussion." —School Library Journal

"A reflective examination on love and returning home... Nijkamp has an uncommon talent for drawing readers deep into the psyches of her characters." —Publishers Weekly

Also by Marieke Nijkamp:

  • This Is Where It Ends
  • Even If We Break

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp is appreciated for its atmospheric and immersive quality, delving into themes of grief and mystery in a remote Alaskan town. The narrative is often noted for its emotional depth and its exploration of mental health issues. However, some reviews mention that the pacing can be slow at times, and the plot may feel somewhat disjointed. The character development and the depiction of friendships are generally highlighted positively.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781492672548

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 December 2017

Country: United States

Imprint: Sourcebooks, Inc

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 141.0mm

Height: 209.0mm

Weight: 346g

Pages: 368

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Marieke Nijkamp Penguin Books Young Adult

About the Author

MARIEKE NIJKAMP is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Is Where it Ends and Before I Let Go. She is a storyteller, dreamer, globe-trotter, geek. She holds degrees in philosophy, history, and medieval studies, has served as an executive member of We Need Diverse Books, and is the founder of DiversifYA. She lives in the Netherlands. Visit her at mariekenijkamp.com.

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