Books Before I Let Go - Marieke Nijkamp

"Before I Let Go" by Marieke Nijkamp is a haunting young adult novel set in the isolated, snow-covered town of Lost Creek, Alaska. The story centers on best friends Corey and Kyra, who were inseparable until Corey moved away. Before leaving, Corey makes Kyra promise to stay strong through the long winter and wait for her return. Tragically, just days before Corey is to visit, Kyra dies under mysterious circumstances.

Devastated and confused, Corey returns to Lost Creek only to find the community whispering that Kyra’s death was inevitable and pushing Corey away as an outsider. Determined to uncover the truth, Corey suspects the town is hiding chilling secrets about what really happened to Kyra. The narrative explores themes of mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder, and challenges the trope of romanticizing suicidal teens by presenting a raw and realistic portrayal of mental health struggles.

Told through a mix of present-day investigation and flashbacks, the novel delves into Corey’s grief, guilt, and growing suspicion, while also highlighting Kyra’s vibrant but troubled life as expressed through her art. The story addresses stigma, community silence, and the impact of loss, with a magic realist tone that deepens the emotional resonance.

Critics praise the book for its intense emotional depth, sensitive handling of mental illness, and its critique of harmful stereotypes. "Before I Let Go" is a powerful, unsettling exploration of friendship, trauma, and the search for truth in a small town that would rather forget

1 BOOK