Before I Go

by Joline Lim

In the wake of her brother's tragic car accident, Rory finds solace at the lake where they once shared laughter and dreams. A chance encounter introduces her to Walker, a mysterious boy who brings unexpected warmth to her grieving heart. Their connection grows, and the lake becomes a place of healing, echoing with shared laughter and whispered confessions. Walker mends Rory's shattered spirit, offering a bittersweet escape from grief. Just as she learns to navigate life with newfound hope, a revelation tests her strength. Reality's twists guide her toward an unexpected journey of forgiveness, teaching Rory that love, loss, and healing are intricate threads woven into the tapestry of life.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2024

Reviews

[D.A. Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like a poem.
From the very beginning, that prologue/ letter will grab your heart and will refuse to let go.

I found myself really feeling for Rory, and rooting for her was the only right thing to do. The lake, the library, the simple settings added the kind of quiet charm that I was hoping to find in this story. And just when I was beginning to think this was going to be a semi-predictable, feel-good, happy-clouds-and-rainbows novel, the author introduces one twist after another, all of them masterfully executed, to give such a satisfying ending. And there are two bonuses as well. One, her writing style is as smooth as warm butter being spread on soft white bread; the similes and metaphors she uses are just spot on poetic. The other bonus, well, I really shouldn't say. But it's good. Really good. I very highly recommend this for both the casual reader and the seasoned book worms!

[Leah May Lim-Atienza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in lyrical prose, Before I Go is a poignant story about a sister who had to come in terms with her loss and grief. It is a tale of forgiveness and acceptance, of love and friendship.

This quick read comes with twists and revelations that come at you one after the other, leaving you reeling and heartbroken. But, in the end, it will make you remember that people will come to change the trajectory of your life. It is up to you how you’d let them affect you and the path you choose to take.

[Bibliophilic Richard]

I enjoyed reading this book because of how easy the writing style makes the story seem despite its heavy and nuanced subject matter. The story is straightforward but I felt it too short, as with every good story. I think this book needs more fleshing out of details (more on adding more backstory) in order for the reader to immerse themselves more into the shoes of Rory and the surrounding characters. I like the imagery the lake gives off and how crucial it is to the story. While I enjoyed the story, I do need to point out that the book deserves additional tweaking to achieve that emotional impact Rory's story innately has. As a debut, this book is a solid and given how the author touched base into contemporary and fantasy, I'm sure the next releases will be just as easy to read, diverse, and colorful.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This one’s a quick read but the “feels” just lingers. 💓

This is my first book from the author and I love how she writes. The way she describes every detail or an emotion is like a “subtle” poem — it gently caress my soul. 💓

I love the twist! It gave me goosebumps. The good ones!💓

Looking forward for Joline’s coming books. 💓

[Juls ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 ⭐
First and foremost, I am so happy that I received an ARC of this book from the author herself. Such an honor to get one! Let me just say how proud and elated I am for Jols. She deserves to have this moment. Congratulations on your first publication! <3

Now for my review, I read this in one sitting, in under 2 hours. So that's telling something haha. It's a quick read that will make your heart swoon and throb. If you like the vibes from TFIOS and You've Reached Sam, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!

It's under the YA genre and it touches on grief, loss, love, and life. You can feel the emotions that the author wants you to experience through her writing. It's amazing that this is her debut novel but she's able to reach that kind of depth with her words.

For someone who is a die hard Romance reader, I'm quite shocked that my favorite Chapter wasn't between Rory and Walker, but instead between Rory and Harper (her brother). Yes, I'm talking about you Chapter 4! I thoroughly enjoyed how the book portrayed the reality of grief. That it's messy and hard and never linear. The book also describes in detail each scene so you can really notice how the author put effort into making it as vivid as possible.

Overall, it's a wholesome read that you will hopefully enjoy!

PS: Walker's POV is *chef's kiss* and the book cover!!! Red string of fate, I see what you did there ;)

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I Go, by Joline Lim, tells the poignant story of Rory, a teenager grappling with the profound loss of her brother, Harper. Rory feels lost and alone, burdened by guilt and the apparent emotional distance from her parents. The question looms: Will she ever be able to move on? Rory's journey takes a turn when she meets Walker, a mysterious figure with secrets of his own. Their connection offers a glimmer of hope, but Rory fears that she might lose him too. As the story unfolds, Rory learns that letting go and moving on is far from simple.

Rory, the lead character, is relatable and sympathetic, making it easy for readers to connect with her. The story vividly portrays the heartache of losing a family member, a theme that resonates deeply. Walker's intriguing presence propels the narrative, while secondary characters like Rory's co-worker, the librarian, and her parents, add depth and richness to the story. These well-described, memorable characters enhance the emotional landscape of the novel.

The tone of Before I Go oscillates between dark and light, reflecting Rory's internal struggle and moments of hope. The beautifully described setting complements the story, with vivid worldbuilding that is both stunning and moving. The narrative skillfully toys with the reader's emotions, with scenes ranging from the uplifting (Rory meeting Walker) to the heartbreaking (Rory discovering a shocking revelation from her parents). While the story's pacing allows for deep emotional exploration, it provides readers ample time to connect with the characters and their journeys. Though more action could enhance certain moments, the book remains a dark yet entertaining read, drawing readers in with its profound emotional depth and compelling characters.

Before I Go, by Joline Lim, is a moving and gritty tale that captivates despite its somber theme. It offers a touching exploration of loss, guilt, and the challenging path to healing, making it a worthwhile read for those who appreciate emotionally charged stories.

[Chloe Hor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went looking for tragedy and Before I Go certainly delivers on that!

What I Loved
Rory's headspace was explored very well. She felt like a really real character with genuine emotions.
I like how Joline explored grief in this novella. The descriptions of Rory's tumultuous inner world definitely brought out the sadness and guilt that comes hand in hand with grief over a lost loved one.
Joline has a very strong command of purplish prose. You can see that in the great number of metaphors and vivid imagery that she weaves into the story.
The characters, even the side characters, were given a breath of life. They started off being a bit one-dimensional, but evolved into more complex versions of themsevles, which is hard to achieve in a short novel.

What I Struggled With
The love story felt a little rushed to me, even if the hurt comfort relationship was warm and heartfelt.
I think certain descriptions could be edited down. The language was at times super beautiful, and I actually highlighted several parts. But in certain parts, there was just too much purple prose and too much dwelling on a single moment in the main character's head. Rory's endless interpretations of how she felt also didn't always sit well with me. The setting could also have been explored a bit better, as it felt like a lot of it happened in a vacuum.

All in All
All that said, the story still packed a punch from an emotional standpoint even with its short length. I enjoy Joline's poetic voice. I'll definitely look out for more of her books because I think she'll only get better from here.

Favorite Quote:
"He respected the boundaries of my grief, and in that unspoken understanding, I found solace."

[Ceejay Barangan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I strongly agree with one review on Goodreads, which says that this book reads like a poem. Because it definitely was like a poem, to be honest. From the beginning until the end of the story, each word felt like serenading my ears, complimenting the emotion as the narration and dialogue went deep.

Before I Go began with an emotional ride, followed by finding calm after the storm to a young man named Walker, and ended with an unexpected twist of events and, of course, acceptance. While reading the story, I found a deep connection with Rory as I read through her sentiments in life. I, who also lost my loved ones, especially my father, and blamed myself for his death. Believe me, coping with the situation, finding solace, and seeking forgiveness wasn't easy. None of them were. It was a long and painful journey. Therefore, I would like to commend Jo for being able to connect with my emotions buried deep inside me and for making me cry most of the time. Yes, I cried a lot, revelation after revelation. Also, readers can finish reading the novella in one sitting position while admiring the smoothness and cleanliness of the narrative. The way Jo described the events in the story made it feel like she brought me into Rory and Walker's world. But what made this book amazing? It felt like I was part of the book.

[Hallel (storytimewithalice) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book of the author, and it was an emotional read. I had to take a pause every heartbreaking page, just to keep my tears in check.

Before I Go is a different kind of book, a first for me to read such book with a poetic array of lines, thought-provoking analogies that pulled me into the depth of what the characters were experiencing. It was such a literary experience that it made me appreciate the author's gentle portrayal of grief and forgiveness through Rory's life.

I may not have lost physically a loved one recently, but I did lose my cat, whom I considered my soulmate last year. And grief for me, transcends beyond physical human loss, but also encompass pets crossing the 🌈 bridge, and even loss of friends that made a lasting impact. For a person who deals with goodbye the hardest, this book was like a warm hug, reminding me that it's okay to let go, to see farewell as a beautiful sunset, so I can meet a new morning with a lighter heart.

It's that kind of book that lingers for a while in your system, like you're in that moment of reflecting what you have just read. But seriously, I hurt for Rory having to encounter such losses, but so happy for her growth.

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

You should be careful reading this especially when you are dealing with loss/grief. It is a warning I won't forget to tell you before I put my thoughts here.

I've read one of Joline's books (HOTMG) first. Upon devouring this short story, I am impressed with how different this book is. The writing style is very poetic and captivating.

Start of the story, I already knew how in love I'll be with Rory. It is just that I see myself in her: loves books, loves spending time alone, meets solace and peace within chapters and pages..... I just knew that she's my girl.

Dealing with loss is something heartbreaking because I know that most of the time, grief follows. We can't let go of the fact that we can't accept that our loved ones' lives came to an end but as we remember the people we love during this season, may we not forget to show some love with ourselves too. Let us know that the people we love are all rooting for our happiness here even when we are not with them anymore.

I just had a perfect time to reflect and pray for my loved ones because of this book. It's really a perfect timing after all.

[bookiishreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I Go by Joline Lim — ★ ★ ★.5

“The journey toward healing, it seemed, demanded not just the acknowledgement of pain but also the confrontation of the shadows that lingered within.” — Rory

Rory’s brother Harper passed away in a car accident, and ever since, she’s been finding comfort at the lake where they used to laugh and dream together. There, she meets Walker, a mysterious guy who brings a warmth she didn’t expect but really needs.

Lost, alone, and feeling guilty about Harper’s death, Rory slowly starts to forgive herself through her friendship with Walker. He brings her a sense of hope, helping her to finally start moving on. But then she learns there’s more to the story than she thought, and though it’s painful, it pushes her towards healing and forgiveness.

The story moves quickly, and Joline’s writing has this poetic flow that I really enjoyed. Some words felt a bit repetitive, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the heart of it all—the journey through grief, healing, and forgiveness. ❤️‍🩹

I’d definitely recommend this if you’re looking for something short but heartfelt.

Thank you so much, Joline, for such a beautiful book! 🫶🏻✨

[A.J. Apolaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first four chapters of this book brought back memories of dealing with the grief of losing my father, as Rory, the main character, mourns the death of her brother due to a car accident and endlessly blames herself. The book easily captures my heart because it is so easy to read and draws you closer to the characters, making you feel as if you are living with them. Initially, I had questions when Walker was introduced, as he seemed too good to be true, almost unrealistic. However, my doubts were shockingly answered in the following chapters.

I thought it was a lighthearted read, but numerous surprises left me in awe of the author’s skill in pacing and storytelling. Without giving away too much of the plot, I can say that this book made me sob, smile, laugh, feel pain, and ultimately feel inspired and filled with hope. It delves into how people deal with loss and grief, highlighting that everyone's journey is unique. It also addresses the theme of forgiveness, not just towards others, but towards oneself, which is essential for growth and healing.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5. Beautifully crafted, it healed me somehow.

[Tri✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Before I go" by Joline Lim, is such an emotional rollercoaster that it left me feeling a tremendous amount of empathy for the protagonist.🌟 The lake setting is so picturesque, and you can almost feel the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze on your skin as you read. The characters, especially Harper, Rory and Walker, are beautifully written and their connection is so heartfelt. 📚💕 

The author's descriptive writing style really brings the story to life, making it easy to get lost in the pages. It's a heartwarming story of love, loss, and healing that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for life's twists and turns. ✨ 

[glad reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. First of all, the twist caught me off guard. I didn't anticipate any plot twists; I was simply going with the flow of the story. That was good. This book, incidentally, is among the ones that helped me get out of a reading slump. It was brief and easy to read. It connects with me, especially the death of a brother. Letting go is difficult, but it's needed. Letting go is offering hope to those of us who are still here on Earth to live and survive in memory of the ones we love who have departed; it does not mean forgetting them. It's worth it, even though it's not simple. Together, let's make the most of life.

[Sef · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an emotional read that explores the profound depths of grief and the path to healing. LIKE IT'S VERY EMOTIONAL FOR ME. The author's evocative prose and nuanced portrayal of loss are reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks' novels, delivering a heartfelt and resonant story. However, it leaves one wishing it was a full-length novel. And I would have appreciated more of Walker's perspective to enrich the emotional depth and understanding of his character.
Nonetheless, it remains a compelling and emotional read. Great great book

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author herself and I am so proud of her. FYI, in no way this affected my review of the book. As this is her debut book, it surpassed my expectations.

In just a short amount of time, the book made me feel all emotions ranging from empathy, joy to getting my heart broken. I rarely cry over a book but this one made me sob hysterically, in a good way, because I really felt Rory's pain and grief.

[Inah · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN UNDERRATED MASTERPIECE AND AN EASY 4 HOUR READ

All I can say is, wow. This is such an amazing book. I love how this book gave me a feeling of seeing the story unfold right before my eyes. Everything was well written. The opening perfectly captured how difficult is to lose a loved one. I loved the detailed description of Rory’s grief and how her surroundings made her feel.

THE PLOT TWISTS though. Amazing.

[Lorielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the wholesomeness of the story.It tells us how grief is tackled and how it affects us all, we don’t really get over it we just live with it. It was just a short story but I was able to feel a lot of emotions. Can’t wait of more books from the author :)

Lastly, congrats Joline so proud of you!! 🥳🥳

[Cyrill Bagos · Rating 5 out of 5]

At some point in our life, we encountered losing someone and the grief that comes with it. This book is like the lump in your throat that slowly turns into a sigh of relief. It makes me want to read more books like this!!

[eureka]

for a book centered on grief, this sadly didn't move me. most of it is because of the writing style and how much purple prose was embedded in it, which made it hard for me to resonate with rory's character. there were moments that should have felt cathartic that just didn't hit right where they should for me, which was a bummer because i really wanted to like and be emotionally invested in this one.

also, i think some parts of the book could have used a bit of editing, or perhaps more depth to flesh out the characters and the emotions on the page further. i mean, some big pointers could have used a build up instead of being just dropped on the page like that, only to then move on to the next pointer like it was nothing (looking at rory's backstory with her mother). in my opinion, i think this book leaned more towards telling rather than showing, which is what kind of threw me off in the first place because i was hoping for this story to move me, but it just didn't tug on my heartstrings.

anyway, this was a fast and easy read. while i love the use of purple prose in fiction, i don't think i vibed with it at all in this book. it was... a bit much.

[Patrick Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lim has impeccably showcased her magnificent writing style through a simple yet relatable story of love, friendship, and loss by her main characters, Rory and Walter. As an avid fan of the young adult genre, this novel filled my brain with wonders, melted my heart with loneliness and innocent love, and inspired my soul to love myself even more. What I loved about this novel is that you could tell that each character played a vital role that would create a one-of-a-kind story of a teenage girl struggling with sibling loss and finding her way to inspire herself to move forward with her life after a tragic loss of a loved one. Congratulations, Joline! I have high hopes for you and your next novels to come.