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Before I Let Go

Marieke Nijkamp

Ages 14–18

Readers rate it 2.6 (8 on Hardcover)

296 pages · Released Jan 2, 2018

Content report card

Before I Let Go parent’s guide: what’s inside

High confidence

Sexual content

Substance use

What it offers

A note for parents

This is a YA mystery thriller centered on investigating a friend's death in suspicious circumstances, with themes of bipolar disorder, mental illness, and suicide at its core. The story handles these mature topics with care and nuance, but the emotional weight and exploration of suicide, guilt, and a small town's dark secrets make it best suited for older teens. The book offers thoughtful representation of mental illness and LGBTQ+ characters, along with messages about friendship and seeking truth.

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From the publisher

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, Al... 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

Shelved under

  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Young Adult
  • LGBTQ
  • Alaska
  • Fiction
  • Friendship

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ISBN 9781492642299 · Sourcebooks, Inc.

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