Before I Go made me ugly cry and a dog didn’t even die.

What I adore about this novel is that all of the characters have flaws, and therefore act in imperfect ways. When presented with a grim diagnosis, one does not imminently become angelic and perfect and can do no wrong. Our protagonist reacts in such a human way, and her therapist’s mindset is as much a troublemaker as it is helpful. She feels real, unique, and like someone you’d befriend while standing in line that would make standing in line less boring.

Her world is carefully crafted; the insight her flashbacks provide and how that influences each decision she makes is elegantly crafted.

I loved getting to know these characters and learning from them. Once again, Colleen Oakley has given a fresh perspective and made me want to befriend these imaginary people.