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Letters Written in White
What's worse, living when you want to die or dying while you're fighting to live?
I’m dead.
I’m cold and alone and I’m dead. There’s no air in my lungs. My chest is as cold and hollow as a cave on a snowcapped mountain side. My heart no longer beats there.
Frigid winds whistle through my ribs and the sadness inside me weeps like my favorite tree.
Days ago, I met with death face to face.
The mirror, our meeting place. My two darkened green eyes stared deeply into hers.
I tilted my head to the side. She did too.
“It’s time,” I whispered. “It’s time,” she whispered.
And with that I turned away from her, the woman in the mirror who knew all of my secrets and all of my pain. I walked away from her and yet we’d never been closer than we were in that moment.
The inner struggle was over.
No more arguing with the woman in the mirror.
No more arguing with myself.
The choice was made.
She was the victor. Or was I?
That was the day Riah Winter died.
I’m dead.
I’m cold and alone and I’m dead. There’s no air in my lungs. My chest is as cold and hollow as a cave on a snowcapped mountain side. My heart no longer beats there.
Frigid winds whistle through my ribs and the sadness inside me weeps like my favorite tree.
Days ago, I met with death face to face.
The mirror, our meeting place. My two darkened green eyes stared deeply into hers.
I tilted my head to the side. She did too.
“It’s time,” I whispered. “It’s time,” she whispered.
And with that I turned away from her, the woman in the mirror who knew all of my secrets and all of my pain. I walked away from her and yet we’d never been closer than we were in that moment.
The inner struggle was over.
No more arguing with the woman in the mirror.
No more arguing with myself.
The choice was made.
She was the victor. Or was I?
That was the day Riah Winter died.
330 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2015
49 people are currently reading
1348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
November 28, 2015
5 stars
Some books you read change you, they move you, they’re powerful and all consuming. This was one of those books for me. I stayed up all night reading it. I read it from cover to cover not stopping once, tears were running down my face most of the time but I couldn't stop. Any one who has suffered from depression or had someone they love suffer from depression can relate to Riah and her story. It’s not an easy story to read, in fact, it was incredibly difficult for me to read, but it’s worth it.
Riah is severely depressed. So depressed that living doesn’t seem like an option for her anymore. She can’t pull it together. Not for her kids, not for her husband, and not for herself. Her marriage that used to be so full of love and desire has dwindled away since the depression came in full force. Her husband, Grayson, loves her- but he doesn’t understand her. No one understands how Riah feels. More often than not, Riah doesn’t understand how she feels.
I wasn’t sure I would, but I connected so strongly to parts of Riah. I don’t want to talk too much about her story or her journey, because I want you to experience it yourself. Think about it. It will make you think about your life, about your choices, about the struggles you have and others have.
This story is stunning, emotional, and heartbreaking. It devastated me. It’s one of those books that makes you think and feel. Kathryn’s writing is beautiful, it’s poetic and it’s brave. This story is epic. Putting a story like this out there couldn’t have been easy, but I’m so glad Perez decided to do it. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read. If you’re looking to read an unconventional story that’s heart wrenching, real and exceptional, this is one I very highly recommend.
Some books you read change you, they move you, they’re powerful and all consuming. This was one of those books for me. I stayed up all night reading it. I read it from cover to cover not stopping once, tears were running down my face most of the time but I couldn't stop. Any one who has suffered from depression or had someone they love suffer from depression can relate to Riah and her story. It’s not an easy story to read, in fact, it was incredibly difficult for me to read, but it’s worth it.
Riah is severely depressed. So depressed that living doesn’t seem like an option for her anymore. She can’t pull it together. Not for her kids, not for her husband, and not for herself. Her marriage that used to be so full of love and desire has dwindled away since the depression came in full force. Her husband, Grayson, loves her- but he doesn’t understand her. No one understands how Riah feels. More often than not, Riah doesn’t understand how she feels.
There’s so much loss between us it’s almost as if we’ve built a graveyard with all the pieces of what was once our marriage. So much is gone and buried.
The true murderer of our love was life. We stopped living in our love and started dying in the mundane aspects of every day life.
I wasn’t sure I would, but I connected so strongly to parts of Riah. I don’t want to talk too much about her story or her journey, because I want you to experience it yourself. Think about it. It will make you think about your life, about your choices, about the struggles you have and others have.
“Regret is a painful thing. Few people understand that there are three important things that leave us and can never return. Words. Time. Opportunity. These are things we can never get back.”
This story is stunning, emotional, and heartbreaking. It devastated me. It’s one of those books that makes you think and feel. Kathryn’s writing is beautiful, it’s poetic and it’s brave. This story is epic. Putting a story like this out there couldn’t have been easy, but I’m so glad Perez decided to do it. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read. If you’re looking to read an unconventional story that’s heart wrenching, real and exceptional, this is one I very highly recommend.
December 2, 2015
4.5 Stars
I have 53 books on my “Cry Baby Shelf” out of 1,234 books in total. This calculation alone should give a glimpse of how much I really don’t jump into these types of stories and the frequency of which I seek them out. They’re just so darn painful and this one is so very real and power. I’ll probably never forget it.
This story is short but packs a hell of a punch from beginning to end. I had to take several breaks through out. The optimist in me just kept hoping that there would be a magically fix. As the story progresses so does the heroine's depression, pain and suicidal thoughts. Perhaps it’s because I have several close family members who suffer from depression, or the fact that I’m a mom of two and have been married well past the honeymoon stage, but this book definitely left its mark on me.
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Did I like it and/or will reread this story again? Nope, I will never read this book again. Once is more than enough for this reader. I’m not a big crier and this book was brutal for me to read. The book that made this non-crier bawl like a baby (and not happy tears ~ Ride Steady) winner of 2015 goes to Kathryn Perez.
The author sure delivered just make sure you are in the mood to handle what is presented. The story deals with depression and suicide so make sure you’re in the right head space to go in. I wished that events went differently but it is in fact realistically written. I did like the author’s ideas of what comes next and all the steps and lessons taught.
I took so many lessons and things to ponder from reading this very well written story. I’m positive that I will be contemplating all the perspectives and hell, life in general for days to come.
I have 53 books on my “Cry Baby Shelf” out of 1,234 books in total. This calculation alone should give a glimpse of how much I really don’t jump into these types of stories and the frequency of which I seek them out. They’re just so darn painful and this one is so very real and power. I’ll probably never forget it.
This story is short but packs a hell of a punch from beginning to end. I had to take several breaks through out. The optimist in me just kept hoping that there would be a magically fix. As the story progresses so does the heroine's depression, pain and suicidal thoughts. Perhaps it’s because I have several close family members who suffer from depression, or the fact that I’m a mom of two and have been married well past the honeymoon stage, but this book definitely left its mark on me.
[image error]
Did I like it and/or will reread this story again? Nope, I will never read this book again. Once is more than enough for this reader. I’m not a big crier and this book was brutal for me to read. The book that made this non-crier bawl like a baby (and not happy tears ~ Ride Steady) winner of 2015 goes to Kathryn Perez.
The author sure delivered just make sure you are in the mood to handle what is presented. The story deals with depression and suicide so make sure you’re in the right head space to go in. I wished that events went differently but it is in fact realistically written. I did like the author’s ideas of what comes next and all the steps and lessons taught.
I took so many lessons and things to ponder from reading this very well written story. I’m positive that I will be contemplating all the perspectives and hell, life in general for days to come.
December 8, 2015
4.5 Stars!!
“Letters Written in White” was one of the most emotional books I have ever read. With a unique premise, this book was very different from what I expected and from I have read so far. It was powerful, consuming, thought provoking, sad, raw and moved me to tears. Reading this story wasn’t easy. I actually had to stop a couple of times because I was feeling too much. Kathryn Perez delivered such a beautifully realistic written story, but trust me when I say it was very tough to read. Honestly I didn’t enjoy this book, but I loved every minute of it.
Riah lost the battle with depression. She’s worse with each and every day. She thinks about dying, she actually craves death because for her dying is easier than living. She developed a coping mechanism that allows her to put on a façade for her family and friends. Trying to pull herself together not only for herself, but also for her family, for her husband and two young children is impossible for Riah. She’s in such a bad place she resent them all. All she wants is to be left alone, to sleep for a while or maybe to sleep forever and never wake up.
Riah’s husband, Grayson loves her but he doesn’t understands her. How can he help her when she doesn’t want to be helped?
*sigh* Even know writing this review I feel my stomach tied up in knots. This book was gut-wrenching and so realistic and honest. My heart broke into a million pieces reading Riah’s story. This book was not only emotional, it was also eye-opening. I think many readers will relate with Riah and/or her story. Not only those who suffered or are still suffering from this mental illness called depression, but also those who lost hope at some point in their lives, those who forgot how to forgive/learn how to forgive, those who lost their self-esteem, who lost themselves. Why? Because Riah can be anyone of us.
I felt so, so much for Riah and in some way I felt so connected with her, but I also felt for her husband and her children. Mrs. Perez is a great storyteller. From the very first page I was so engrossed in this story. I just needed to read it. This author’s words were so poetic, so powerful, so honest and so damn touching at times. I loved her idea of what happens after we die. It wa a very interesting idea to sat the least and like the entire book it made me think.
All in all, “Letters Written in White” was an emotional, heart-breaking read that will touch your heart and soul, make you feel and reflect.
“We’re all liars. We’re just pawning our souls to different devils.”
“Letters Written in White” was one of the most emotional books I have ever read. With a unique premise, this book was very different from what I expected and from I have read so far. It was powerful, consuming, thought provoking, sad, raw and moved me to tears. Reading this story wasn’t easy. I actually had to stop a couple of times because I was feeling too much. Kathryn Perez delivered such a beautifully realistic written story, but trust me when I say it was very tough to read. Honestly I didn’t enjoy this book, but I loved every minute of it.
“What’s worse, living when you want to die or dying while you’re fighting to live?”
Riah lost the battle with depression. She’s worse with each and every day. She thinks about dying, she actually craves death because for her dying is easier than living. She developed a coping mechanism that allows her to put on a façade for her family and friends. Trying to pull herself together not only for herself, but also for her family, for her husband and two young children is impossible for Riah. She’s in such a bad place she resent them all. All she wants is to be left alone, to sleep for a while or maybe to sleep forever and never wake up.
“Is it possible to love someone so much you hate them?”
Riah’s husband, Grayson loves her but he doesn’t understands her. How can he help her when she doesn’t want to be helped?
*sigh* Even know writing this review I feel my stomach tied up in knots. This book was gut-wrenching and so realistic and honest. My heart broke into a million pieces reading Riah’s story. This book was not only emotional, it was also eye-opening. I think many readers will relate with Riah and/or her story. Not only those who suffered or are still suffering from this mental illness called depression, but also those who lost hope at some point in their lives, those who forgot how to forgive/learn how to forgive, those who lost their self-esteem, who lost themselves. Why? Because Riah can be anyone of us.
"Sadness seeped into my veins, and it became a drug I would forever be a slave to."
I felt so, so much for Riah and in some way I felt so connected with her, but I also felt for her husband and her children. Mrs. Perez is a great storyteller. From the very first page I was so engrossed in this story. I just needed to read it. This author’s words were so poetic, so powerful, so honest and so damn touching at times. I loved her idea of what happens after we die. It wa a very interesting idea to sat the least and like the entire book it made me think.
All in all, “Letters Written in White” was an emotional, heart-breaking read that will touch your heart and soul, make you feel and reflect.
“There’s nothing temporary about suicide.”
December 17, 2015
Genre: General Fiction
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Partly Dual
Rating:
Riah Winter was tired. Tired of life and everything around her. Days of happiness seemed long gone. With a husband Grayson, who didn’t understand her and two children who grated her nerves, every day became a struggle to hold on. Some days she found pockets of sunshine but most days the darkness consumed her until there wasn’t any more light.
This book was hard to read. And if you know me well enough, you’d know I don’t say that lightly. I seek sad, depressing books on a daily basis, but after this one, I might lay low for a few days lol!
Riah had been suffering from depression for a long time. Moments that were supposed to be joyful filled her with dread. There was only so much she could fake, and it had reached to the point she didn’t even bother to fake it anymore.
It didn’t help that Grayson never understood the depth of her issue. But as her husband, he also suffered from her illness. And so did her innocent young children.
Whenever someone asked me why I gravitate towards dark/depressing books, my answer is simple – it’s real life. That’s what real life is. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Beyond the fluff, it’s also cold and ugly – things that many people refused to acknowledge. But we need to realize that sometimes the ugliness could teach us a lot more than the beautiful things could.
And this is what this book is all about. The author didn’t sugarcoat the issue. Riah was relatable. Everywhere around the world, millions of people suffered from various degrees of depression and sometimes the sufferers never realize how much their choices could impact the people around them for years to come.
The moral of this book is death could be as punishing as living. A lot of times, you have to look life on a different perspective to understand that you’re not alone in your pain.
Letters Written In White is a raw, powerful look at the ripple effects of depression. This book contain triggers that not everyone could handle, but if you could, consider reading this one because it might just make you appreciate your life a little better.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Partly Dual
Rating:
Riah Winter was tired. Tired of life and everything around her. Days of happiness seemed long gone. With a husband Grayson, who didn’t understand her and two children who grated her nerves, every day became a struggle to hold on. Some days she found pockets of sunshine but most days the darkness consumed her until there wasn’t any more light.
This book was hard to read. And if you know me well enough, you’d know I don’t say that lightly. I seek sad, depressing books on a daily basis, but after this one, I might lay low for a few days lol!
“What’s worse, living when you want to die or dying while you’re fighting to live?”
Riah had been suffering from depression for a long time. Moments that were supposed to be joyful filled her with dread. There was only so much she could fake, and it had reached to the point she didn’t even bother to fake it anymore.
The true murderer of our love was life.
It didn’t help that Grayson never understood the depth of her issue. But as her husband, he also suffered from her illness. And so did her innocent young children.
Whenever someone asked me why I gravitate towards dark/depressing books, my answer is simple – it’s real life. That’s what real life is. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Beyond the fluff, it’s also cold and ugly – things that many people refused to acknowledge. But we need to realize that sometimes the ugliness could teach us a lot more than the beautiful things could.
My eyes are superglued shut with regret and fear. My body is dead. My soul is dying. Nothing can save me now.
And this is what this book is all about. The author didn’t sugarcoat the issue. Riah was relatable. Everywhere around the world, millions of people suffered from various degrees of depression and sometimes the sufferers never realize how much their choices could impact the people around them for years to come.
"In life we never know the battles others are facing. We don’t know the demons they are hiding. Everyone you have ever met is fighting something."
The moral of this book is death could be as punishing as living. A lot of times, you have to look life on a different perspective to understand that you’re not alone in your pain.
Letters Written In White is a raw, powerful look at the ripple effects of depression. This book contain triggers that not everyone could handle, but if you could, consider reading this one because it might just make you appreciate your life a little better.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
March 10, 2021
Book: Letters Written in White
Author: Kathryn Perez
Type: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
POV: First Person - Riah
Rating: 5 Hearts!
Name/Age: Riah Winter : 34?
Published: November 30, 2015
Date Read: March 10, 2021
Welp. I'll be over in a corner rocking back and forth, sobbing for the foreseeable future. Shit hurts.
I don't know what I'm thinking right now. I'm definitely kind of numb. Letters Written in White is one of those reads that stays with you long after the last page is flipped. It is a unique, extraordinary story of a woman's journey of being depressed, broken, and not finding herself worthy. It’s beautifully flawless, defining and then redefining. It's real, it's raw and it's absolutely amazing. It will open your eyes to the world of people who suffer with invisible illnesses. I'm warning you right now, I know for a fact my review will not do this book justice.
You're only as sick as your secrets. I don't know how much longer I can keep mine.
↳ RIAH WINTER:
Riah Winter isn't your typical heroine, and I loved that. Riah was difficult to like, she was depressed, she was broken, she lashed out at everyone. There were times where I wanted to scream at Riah and I wanted to hug her at the same time. Her journey is definitely not an easy one, not by a long shot. The author perfectly shows us the truth behind an invisible illness that slowly destroys a person's mind, one that is often hidden deep beneath the surface. Her character development was simply superb.
Lying works. Lying makes it all better. Lying is my gift to everyone around me.
↳ THE WRITING:
The author did an amazing job of connecting the readers to the characters. I felt every ounce of pain all three felt at different times as I read; from the beginning to the end. I hurt for Riah, I hurt for Grayson, and I hurt for Devin and Desiree. The writing was spectacular; the characters were deep, the story was emotional and just simply perfection. This story is heart-wrenching, heartbreaking, full of emotions that you won't be able to just walk away from these characters.
Others see depressed people as weak, and all I want to tell them is they can never imagine the amount of strength it takes for us to do something as simple as getting out of bed in the mornings.
↳ DEPRESSION:
Riah's story ends around 75% and after that are letters from real women who chose to share their struggles, their stories. Stories about depression, anxiety and abuse. Each one emotional and heartbreaking, but also uplifting. Each and every letter broke my heart. To say that this book is a heart shredder would be an understatement. It's an ode to survivors, to victims and like in all odes there's grief, there's voids, there's tears and there's goodbyes.
Pile some more on me
See how much I can take
Drowning in this life
Can't seem to ever escape
How do you make it better
When you don't even know what's wrong
Keep looking for the light
But I think I'm too far gone.
You will NEVER be the same again after reading this story. But if you're like me and for some unfathomable reason, decide to read this book, then be prepared for tissues, lots and lots of tissues! My advice is to go in blind with this one, because nothing and I mean nothing will prepare you for the pure phenomenon that is Letters Written in White.
December 3, 2015
Letters Written in White by Kathryn Perez
4.5 stars!!
This is going to be a tough review to write just as much as this was a book that was tough to read. I love a tear jerker, they are my favourite reads, I love to feel that emotion, to live the story, to empathise and sympathise, I find it cathartic…however, at the end of this book…I JUST FELT NUMB. I sobbed my way through this book…I even had to take breathers. This is not an easy read, it centres around depression and suicide, not so much the living with it, but the repercussions after it, the people that are left behind.
This book is reflective, if you could see into the future and witness first-hand the devastation left behind, would you still make those choices? Was life actually that bad? Are people who and what you perceive them to be? Is life really that bad that the only option is take yourself away from it? As I said, this is hard hitting, it isn’t pretty, but it is realistic. I found this book really depressing, I was waiting for that light in the darkness, that little glimmer of hope but alas it never came, but at the end, my mind was whirring. It made me reflect. All those little things that pee me off suddenly seemed so insignificant.
But this is not one sided, it also made me take a look at the people around me. Are they disguising depression? Are they really as happy as they seem, we can all paint a perfect picture but sometimes we just need to delve that little bit deeper. Take more time for our friends and family, just delve that little bit deeper.
Depression is an evil illness, it is invisible at best and is extremely one-sided. The only person that knows its true capabilities is the sufferer. They see what the mind wants them to see, they feel what the mind wants them to feel even if it is a figment of their mind that has been warped by this debilitating illness.
Riah was that woman, she had given up, she had tried to pull herself together for her husband and her two kids but she was losing the battle. The depression had taken over, it had taken over her marriage to the extent that she felt it was now loveless and the two kids that she doted on just annoyed her on a daily basis. Just getting up out of bed was an accomplishment on the bad days. Her husband loved her but didn’t understand her, he just saw the outside, he tried to understand but how can you help someone that doesn’t want to be helped?
I loved the authors interpretation of what happens after we die, the journey we take either to heaven, hell or just being stuck in purgatory. What would you have to reflect on before you got your key?
This is a book that I won’t forget, but I will not read again, even I am not that sadistic. But I will come away from this book looking around me, taking more notice of others, try to be more receptive to the signs but most of all try to make a difference.
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“…don’t take the life you have been given for granted because one day you may very well have to face them…”
This is going to be a tough review to write just as much as this was a book that was tough to read. I love a tear jerker, they are my favourite reads, I love to feel that emotion, to live the story, to empathise and sympathise, I find it cathartic…however, at the end of this book…I JUST FELT NUMB. I sobbed my way through this book…I even had to take breathers. This is not an easy read, it centres around depression and suicide, not so much the living with it, but the repercussions after it, the people that are left behind.
“Depression is like water. It finds all of your cracks and trickles in inch by inch.”
This book is reflective, if you could see into the future and witness first-hand the devastation left behind, would you still make those choices? Was life actually that bad? Are people who and what you perceive them to be? Is life really that bad that the only option is take yourself away from it? As I said, this is hard hitting, it isn’t pretty, but it is realistic. I found this book really depressing, I was waiting for that light in the darkness, that little glimmer of hope but alas it never came, but at the end, my mind was whirring. It made me reflect. All those little things that pee me off suddenly seemed so insignificant.
“This house is my file cabinet, my prison. It’s piled high, full of bitter regrets, hidden pains, angry words and broken promises.”
But this is not one sided, it also made me take a look at the people around me. Are they disguising depression? Are they really as happy as they seem, we can all paint a perfect picture but sometimes we just need to delve that little bit deeper. Take more time for our friends and family, just delve that little bit deeper.
“I’ve traded temporary pain for an eternity of loss. It was all for naught.”
Depression is an evil illness, it is invisible at best and is extremely one-sided. The only person that knows its true capabilities is the sufferer. They see what the mind wants them to see, they feel what the mind wants them to feel even if it is a figment of their mind that has been warped by this debilitating illness.
“Is it possible to love someone so much you hate them?”
Riah was that woman, she had given up, she had tried to pull herself together for her husband and her two kids but she was losing the battle. The depression had taken over, it had taken over her marriage to the extent that she felt it was now loveless and the two kids that she doted on just annoyed her on a daily basis. Just getting up out of bed was an accomplishment on the bad days. Her husband loved her but didn’t understand her, he just saw the outside, he tried to understand but how can you help someone that doesn’t want to be helped?
“I just want the man I love to see me, hear me.”
I loved the authors interpretation of what happens after we die, the journey we take either to heaven, hell or just being stuck in purgatory. What would you have to reflect on before you got your key?
“When I met you, I knew I would love you. When I lost you, I knew I hadn’t loved you enough.”
This is a book that I won’t forget, but I will not read again, even I am not that sadistic. But I will come away from this book looking around me, taking more notice of others, try to be more receptive to the signs but most of all try to make a difference.
“There’s nothing temporary about suicide.”
www.theromancecover.com
November 23, 2015
“… in life we never know the battles others are facing. We don’t know the demons they are hiding. Everyone you have ever met is fighting something.”
We’ve never read this Author, we knew nothing about this book nor had we read the synopsis. We thrive on the unknown. We wanted the complete unknown so we began reading…..
“Depression is like water. It finds all of your cracks and trickles in inch by inch.”
The writing is of the most stunning and beautifully poetic perfection; the subject matter honest, true and many aspects so inherently close to every heart beating in the world. Kathryn Perez took a mirror to every single person and asked one thing: find yourself – do you see it? Do you recognise it?
‘The angel of death has spent years seducing me in the name of anxiety-laced depression.’
There’s a grain of self-truth running through every letter and every word written. How do you review a book that exposes various aspects of human nature, thought and feeling in every single one of us – baring our very own souls to the naked eye? We can’t and we won’t. This is not fiction – this is real life – facets of life that has touched us both – as we’ve experienced, are currently living with as well as seeing ourselves in situations depicted through the words in Letters Written in White.
‘Sadness seeped into my veins, and it became a drug I would forever be a slave to.’
It’s been said that we can experience six major emotions in life. We say not so. Emotion is not that simple nor that basic. Emotions are complex, personal, internal as well as external. Emotions can be mixed as well as singular – they can be understood as well as be confusing. In any given situation we can feel a multitude at the exact same time which can be overwhelming and impossible to pin down or rationalise. We are all different. We all have our own demons to slay…..
‘The only thing one needs to remember about pain is what they learned from it, and then you have to let it go.’
Kathryn Perez wrote something we were not prepared for; yet as we wept we felt, we saw and we were reminded ourselves….
‘I wish I had laughed more, played more, hugged more, and I really wish I had just learned to let it all go more.’
*Please note: In the copy we received, the actual story itself finished at 65% with other content filling the remainder of the book.
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November 30, 2015
"I know my truth. My truth is everyone else’s lies. My lies are their comfort. Telling the truth makes people uncomfortable."
A breathtaking, heartbreaking, life changing reality check. Kathryn Perez has done it again. The words she weaves, they cut me open, they touch my soul, they devour my being!
By the blurb you know this one is going to be profound. It's dark, the emotion exquisitely written, the meaning is without a doubt, one of the best I've ever read. There were no boundaries, this book reached in and pulled out my insecurities, spoke my secrets, and spilled my truth. The message is worth the journey, look into the mirror. You know who I'd recommend this book to? Everyone. Anyone. You.
"You’re only as sick as your secrets. I don’t know how much longer I can keep mine."
I can't go into detail about the story, I'm not capable of detailing this book without spoilers. You have to take this journey on your own, you have to dive right in, don't let anyone spoil it for you. This book will touch you, it's doesn't matter where you come from or where you've been, it's going to beat down your door.
Kathryn Perez you dig deep for this, you spoke from shadows, you delved into the dark recesses of the mind.
I applaud you.
A breathtaking, heartbreaking, life changing reality check. Kathryn Perez has done it again. The words she weaves, they cut me open, they touch my soul, they devour my being!
By the blurb you know this one is going to be profound. It's dark, the emotion exquisitely written, the meaning is without a doubt, one of the best I've ever read. There were no boundaries, this book reached in and pulled out my insecurities, spoke my secrets, and spilled my truth. The message is worth the journey, look into the mirror. You know who I'd recommend this book to? Everyone. Anyone. You.
"You’re only as sick as your secrets. I don’t know how much longer I can keep mine."
I can't go into detail about the story, I'm not capable of detailing this book without spoilers. You have to take this journey on your own, you have to dive right in, don't let anyone spoil it for you. This book will touch you, it's doesn't matter where you come from or where you've been, it's going to beat down your door.
Kathryn Perez you dig deep for this, you spoke from shadows, you delved into the dark recesses of the mind.
I applaud you.
November 30, 2015
So its now been almost 24 hours since I finished this book and I find myself still reeling from this story and trying to figure out how to put into coherent words what it made me feel.
Every now and then a reader comes across a book that reaches deep down into their soul, opens their eyes, breaks their heart, and takes their breath away. If a reader is really lucky they may come across more than one. I can think of maybe three books in my 33 years of life that have really impacted me in such a way that I feel it in my very bones. This book just joined that list a list that already includes another book by this same author.
When I first read Therapy by Kathryn, it blew my mind. It was emotional, raw and powerful. But Letters Written in White is something else, its a literary work of art. Its an emotional masterpiece that weaves its way into your soul, rips open your heart and lets you bleed out every single emotion you have ever felt in your life. Its a mirror reflecting what many people go through in this world, without concealment. There is nothing but pure unfiltered emotion emanating from the words and pages of this book. Its Riah's regrets and its your own. Its Riah's pain and its your own. Its Riah's fear and its your own. Its Riah's love and its your very own. Kathryn was right, you are Riah and Riah is you.
This book is about us, about people, about human beings in all their complexities. Its about living with an illness that is a silent killer, about suffering and about enduring in the face of immense tragedy. Its about learning to love yourself and having hope, and its about forgiveness in its most truest form.
I cried through this entire book and though my heart ached reading Riah's story at the end my soul was touched beyond any thing I'd ever expected. I don't know what Kathryn Perez has in store for us with her writing but I hope she never stops. I hope she never stops exposing the pain, I hope she never stops shattering literary boundaries, I hope she never stops expressing the beauty of both self love and the love of another, and I hope she never stops writing from her heart.
Every now and then a reader comes across a book that reaches deep down into their soul, opens their eyes, breaks their heart, and takes their breath away. If a reader is really lucky they may come across more than one. I can think of maybe three books in my 33 years of life that have really impacted me in such a way that I feel it in my very bones. This book just joined that list a list that already includes another book by this same author.
When I first read Therapy by Kathryn, it blew my mind. It was emotional, raw and powerful. But Letters Written in White is something else, its a literary work of art. Its an emotional masterpiece that weaves its way into your soul, rips open your heart and lets you bleed out every single emotion you have ever felt in your life. Its a mirror reflecting what many people go through in this world, without concealment. There is nothing but pure unfiltered emotion emanating from the words and pages of this book. Its Riah's regrets and its your own. Its Riah's pain and its your own. Its Riah's fear and its your own. Its Riah's love and its your very own. Kathryn was right, you are Riah and Riah is you.
This book is about us, about people, about human beings in all their complexities. Its about living with an illness that is a silent killer, about suffering and about enduring in the face of immense tragedy. Its about learning to love yourself and having hope, and its about forgiveness in its most truest form.
I cried through this entire book and though my heart ached reading Riah's story at the end my soul was touched beyond any thing I'd ever expected. I don't know what Kathryn Perez has in store for us with her writing but I hope she never stops. I hope she never stops exposing the pain, I hope she never stops shattering literary boundaries, I hope she never stops expressing the beauty of both self love and the love of another, and I hope she never stops writing from her heart.
November 28, 2015
Advance Readers copy (ARC) provided for my blog for an honest review from the author
Title: Letters Written In White
Author: Kathryn Perez
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 206
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Group: Adult
Characters: Riah Winter, Grayson
Point of View: First
Happily Ever After:
Release Date: November 30th, 2015
Date Read: November 19th, 2015
Rating: 6+ Stars
So I've finished reading this a week ago. A week ago this story changed my life. It certainly is the most epic but the most tragic story I've ever read. Because the words are all to real for me. If you struggle with depression than you know how this story unfolds, you know each day is hard to live because this story is your story. You are Riah Winter and the author wrote it with such clarity that it's nothing but extraordinary.
"Sadness seeped into my veins, and it became a drug I would forever be a slave to."
Letters Written in White has become one of my top favorites of 2015. Kathryn Perez is the most powerful storyteller of this century, she makes you feel the feelings that not all authors can do. She also connects you to the protagonist of the story. I knew going into the story that it will be heartbreaking, but I didn't know that I would be crying from the very start of the novel to the very end. Letters Written in White cut open my soul and bleed out so many emotions I kept hidden.
Title: Letters Written In White
Author: Kathryn Perez
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 206
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Group: Adult
Characters: Riah Winter, Grayson
Point of View: First
Happily Ever After:
Release Date: November 30th, 2015
Date Read: November 19th, 2015
Rating: 6+ Stars
So I've finished reading this a week ago. A week ago this story changed my life. It certainly is the most epic but the most tragic story I've ever read. Because the words are all to real for me. If you struggle with depression than you know how this story unfolds, you know each day is hard to live because this story is your story. You are Riah Winter and the author wrote it with such clarity that it's nothing but extraordinary.
"Sadness seeped into my veins, and it became a drug I would forever be a slave to."
Letters Written in White has become one of my top favorites of 2015. Kathryn Perez is the most powerful storyteller of this century, she makes you feel the feelings that not all authors can do. She also connects you to the protagonist of the story. I knew going into the story that it will be heartbreaking, but I didn't know that I would be crying from the very start of the novel to the very end. Letters Written in White cut open my soul and bleed out so many emotions I kept hidden.
February 15, 2016
Riah Winter has an illness that has taken a beautiful, colorful person, and turned her into a black and white shell. The story tells us how horrible this illness really is, and its aftermath. She is on a journey of discovery. A journey that takes her into the past and the future. She learns how her decision affects her husband and children and also how people are not what they seem to be.
Letters Written in White is a beautiful written story about a woman who suffers from severe depression. I soon realized that these beautiful written words, were just that…words. I can’t imagine, thankfully, I will ever be able to feel the total sadness and despair a person with this horrible disease faces every day. How incredibly brave and strong they truly are.
This is definitely not an easy read. I did cry throughout the book. The funny thing is, I was still crying at the end, but I did have a small smile on my face.
Letters Written in White is a beautiful written story about a woman who suffers from severe depression. I soon realized that these beautiful written words, were just that…words. I can’t imagine, thankfully, I will ever be able to feel the total sadness and despair a person with this horrible disease faces every day. How incredibly brave and strong they truly are.
This is definitely not an easy read. I did cry throughout the book. The funny thing is, I was still crying at the end, but I did have a small smile on my face.
October 24, 2015
Here's the thing with Kathryn. As she publishes each book her writing progresses and grows as a writer. Sex Unlimited and Foreplay were great reads. Therapy was exceptional and life changing for me but this book, this book you can see the growth tremendously. Whatever pieces of your soul were ripped apart in Therapy will be shattered in Letters Written in White.
LWIW is raw, grueling, emotional, and heart wrenching. It's that light at the end of the tunnel. It's the silver lining that you need in your life. It's healing. Riah is living deep inside of all of us. She's with us as we try and make it through our repetitive days of family, work, and constant inner battles. She's in us when we feel lost and afraid.
It's refreshing to read that story that isn't all happy things, all perfect things. Perfect heroine, perfect husband, perfect life. This is what real life is all about. This book is what all of us are afraid to admit to feeling. This book is the book that will help you see yourself for what you are worth.
So if you read anything out of your comfort zone this year or if you like the stories that make you feel things, please pick this book up. Kathryn's writing is exceptional. Her metaphors and her descriptions are out of this world. If this book is this good and she progresses with every book, I can't wait to see where her future will take her.
LWIW is raw, grueling, emotional, and heart wrenching. It's that light at the end of the tunnel. It's the silver lining that you need in your life. It's healing. Riah is living deep inside of all of us. She's with us as we try and make it through our repetitive days of family, work, and constant inner battles. She's in us when we feel lost and afraid.
It's refreshing to read that story that isn't all happy things, all perfect things. Perfect heroine, perfect husband, perfect life. This is what real life is all about. This book is what all of us are afraid to admit to feeling. This book is the book that will help you see yourself for what you are worth.
So if you read anything out of your comfort zone this year or if you like the stories that make you feel things, please pick this book up. Kathryn's writing is exceptional. Her metaphors and her descriptions are out of this world. If this book is this good and she progresses with every book, I can't wait to see where her future will take her.
November 28, 2015
This book! I am not even sure where to start. As Kathryn has stated, it's not a romance novel though there is love interwoven throughout the entire story. The intense love and sadness we have all felt, the highs and the lows -- it's all here. Riah is me, she is you, she is all of us. We have all felt her pain, her inadequacies. Yes, she may have taken those thoughts further than any of us ever will, but she has taught me so many things in her death that will forever change how I live my life.
"I think I've learned that me dying is almost as bad as me living."
Kathryn has taken moments from my life and put them in this book. She has snuck into my brain, like a dream ninja, and stolen so many thoughts. I am so glad she did, because as others have read this book, I have found my thoughts are that of most women. She has hit the nail on the head with her words.
"I'm not sure I could make it through a day without books and coffee. They save me every day. Books help us. They change us."
Kathryn has put a face on depression with this book. Riah shares what her life is like, all of it. She does't hold back... it's raw, truthful and necessary. I have not experienced depression myself, but this book has given me a different perspective to those who have suffered.
"Others see depressed people as weak, and all I want to tell them is they can never imagine the amount of strength it takes for us to do something as simple as getting out of bed in the morning."
If I could gift this book to every person I know, I would. This book has opened my eyes to so many different aspects of being a woman, a mother, a wife, a friend, dare I say a human being. It has seeped into my being, my soul.
"Our souls never die. They are the very root of who we are, not what we are, but who we are."
If there is one book you read this year, let it be this one. If I were told I could never read another book, I think I would be okay, because this book has set the standard to an all new high. I felt, almost 2 years ago, when I read Therapy, that THAT was a life changing book. I have to say, Kathryn Perez has done it AGAIN. This book will stay with with me forever, as Therapy will.
Kathryn Perez's heart, mind and skill with words is on full beautiful here and it is unforgettable.
October 25, 2015
This is the most beautiful and poetic book I've ever read in my life. It's life changing. It deals with real subject matter that needs to be brought to light. This is definitely not a romance. It's true, real, gut wrenching, sad and riveting. I have been anticipating this book since I knew it was being written, and it exceeded anything I could've imagined. After reading this, I will look at life and others a whole new way. I will strive to appreciate the people and small things in my life. You can tell Kathryn has poured her heart and soul into this novel. Even though it's raw..it really is a must read!
*ARC exchanged for honest review
*ARC exchanged for honest review
Want to read
November 30, 2015TEASER
*An advance reading copy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*An advance reading copy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
November 6, 2019
I work in world of psych and I also suffer from the demon known as depression so I am usually very critical of books that deal with the subject and I usually hate them. But I didn't hate this one, I actually really loved it. It approaches the illness in such a different way then what I am use to and I really enjoyed it. I needed this read today. It was therapeutic for me and helped me put a few things in perspective.
This is a sensitive subject and can be triggering for some people so please take care of yourself while reading it.
Now I am going to leave you with few quotes that I felt needed to be shared.
"We all regret, some more than others. Regardless of your belief system, don’t take the life you have been given for granted because one day you may very well have to face them."
“Depression is like water. It finds all of your cracks and trickles in inch by inch.”
“At first depression flows languidly. You begin to feel the dull ache of sadness and then it morphs, pressing upon you heavier and heavier.”
"The face of depression is nothing like what people think. This isn’t a sickness seen. It’s held and felt, in secret. From experience, I know one thing for sure: You’re only as sick as your secrets. I don’t know how much longer I can keep mine."
"In life we never know the battles others are facing. We don’t know the demons they are hiding. Everyone you have ever met is fighting something."
“We can all set ourselves free by bringing things out of the darkness and into the light.”
This is a sensitive subject and can be triggering for some people so please take care of yourself while reading it.
Now I am going to leave you with few quotes that I felt needed to be shared.
"We all regret, some more than others. Regardless of your belief system, don’t take the life you have been given for granted because one day you may very well have to face them."
“Depression is like water. It finds all of your cracks and trickles in inch by inch.”
“At first depression flows languidly. You begin to feel the dull ache of sadness and then it morphs, pressing upon you heavier and heavier.”
"The face of depression is nothing like what people think. This isn’t a sickness seen. It’s held and felt, in secret. From experience, I know one thing for sure: You’re only as sick as your secrets. I don’t know how much longer I can keep mine."
"In life we never know the battles others are facing. We don’t know the demons they are hiding. Everyone you have ever met is fighting something."
“We can all set ourselves free by bringing things out of the darkness and into the light.”
November 30, 2015
I don't know if Kathryn Perez was intending to shred and then repair my soul when she wrote Letters Written in White, but that is exactly what she did.
From the Letter from the Author I knew that this would be a soul searching journey that I would need to prepare myself for... only no one could prepare me for what I would learn from this woman and from Riah Winters. You see, the message in this book will be taken differently by each of us. And that is ok. But we will ALL identify with Riah one way or another, just as I did.
I am a mother. And the thoughts of being adequate run through my head day in and day out. I am one that deals with depression. The thoughts that swirl through Riah's head aren't foreign to me. The black hole and darkness are my friend. I have sought help and am getting better but I've been there. I am a wife. And my marriage has fallen apart just like Riah's did. I constantly disappointed and always pushed away but constantly wanted him to pull in. I also hate Pintrest and the person who invented it. It's the stupidest thing ever made and has made women feel like inadequate humans for years now. I AM RIAH WINTERS. YOU ARE RIAH WINTERS. And that's the beauty of this book. To see my life written on paper was something I'd never thought I would ever see. An understanding... to feel someone relate to me. It was a priceless gift and I cried for myself and I cried for Riah.
Kathryn's writing this time around is lyrically enthralling. I haven't come across a book with such exquisite writing. Her words are poetry throughout, never ceasing. It will command you to keep moving forward, although hard at times because of the emotional aspect it. This is, by far, her best work to date without question!
I do not say this EVER... But this is BEYOND a 5 Blush Read... It is on the TOP of my BEST OF 2015 READS! Do not pass this up. You will be changed forever after reading this breathtaking story of redemption.
5 out of 5 Soul Shattering Blushes
From the Letter from the Author I knew that this would be a soul searching journey that I would need to prepare myself for... only no one could prepare me for what I would learn from this woman and from Riah Winters. You see, the message in this book will be taken differently by each of us. And that is ok. But we will ALL identify with Riah one way or another, just as I did.
I am a mother. And the thoughts of being adequate run through my head day in and day out. I am one that deals with depression. The thoughts that swirl through Riah's head aren't foreign to me. The black hole and darkness are my friend. I have sought help and am getting better but I've been there. I am a wife. And my marriage has fallen apart just like Riah's did. I constantly disappointed and always pushed away but constantly wanted him to pull in. I also hate Pintrest and the person who invented it. It's the stupidest thing ever made and has made women feel like inadequate humans for years now. I AM RIAH WINTERS. YOU ARE RIAH WINTERS. And that's the beauty of this book. To see my life written on paper was something I'd never thought I would ever see. An understanding... to feel someone relate to me. It was a priceless gift and I cried for myself and I cried for Riah.
Kathryn's writing this time around is lyrically enthralling. I haven't come across a book with such exquisite writing. Her words are poetry throughout, never ceasing. It will command you to keep moving forward, although hard at times because of the emotional aspect it. This is, by far, her best work to date without question!
I do not say this EVER... But this is BEYOND a 5 Blush Read... It is on the TOP of my BEST OF 2015 READS! Do not pass this up. You will be changed forever after reading this breathtaking story of redemption.
5 out of 5 Soul Shattering Blushes
December 19, 2015
Interesting and touching. A "make ya think" kinda of book. Well written.
November 18, 2015
Review by Natasha Gentile
What's worse, living when you want to die or dying while you're fighting to live?
I’m dead.
So I’m sitting her reading this blurb and I don’t know how to take it. It’s giving me shivers and goosebumps. I don’t know if my heart can allow itself to read it but I do anyway.
I’m cold and alone and I’m dead. There’s no air in my lungs. My chest is as cold and hollow as a cave on a snowcapped mountain side. My heart no longer beats there.
So if you’re looking for a book about rainbows , butterflies and unicorns this is most definitely not the book for you.
But if you are looking for a book that will gut you right down to your soul then this is the one. I connected so much to her it was startling, even for me to accept and acknowledge it. Not to the extreme that Riah was, but to her situation.
The inner struggle was over.
No more arguing with the woman in the mirror.
No more arguing with myself.
The choice was made.
She was the victor. Or was I?
When you think you are drowning and nothing can save you, you just spiral. It’s a feeling that you can’t even describe, but we have all been there. How many times have we just asked ourselves can I just have a minute? Can I just drink my coffee without being asked a question?
Whether at work or at home, sometimes you just need a minute to breathe.
Days ago, I met with death face to face.
The mirror, our meeting place. My two darkened green eyes stared deeply into hers.
I tilted my head to the side. She did too.
“It’s time,” I whispered. “It’s time,” she whispered.
Riah Winter died, she died without help. She died but before she left she looked in the mirror, a mirror that knew all her deepest secrets and what she found out is that. Everything is not always like it seems. That you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. You shouldn’t think that the person next door has that perfect life that you strive to have.
Riah Winter showed me all that. She made me see her pain as my strength. She made me love my life, as crazy and hellish as it is at times. She made me see that even those annoying moments when you just want two seconds to yourself, you should sit back and cherish it. Cherish every single moment because you don’t know what comes next or if you are even there for it.
It also showed me, that I hold the key to my destiny. I hold the key to my happiness. So be happy that you are living. Be happy that you have what you have even if it isn’t like you thought you would.
It’s living.
Kathryn Perez you have gutted me and made me think of better things even though the message to get there made me gasp and turn away!
What's worse, living when you want to die or dying while you're fighting to live?
I’m dead.
So I’m sitting her reading this blurb and I don’t know how to take it. It’s giving me shivers and goosebumps. I don’t know if my heart can allow itself to read it but I do anyway.
I’m cold and alone and I’m dead. There’s no air in my lungs. My chest is as cold and hollow as a cave on a snowcapped mountain side. My heart no longer beats there.
So if you’re looking for a book about rainbows , butterflies and unicorns this is most definitely not the book for you.
But if you are looking for a book that will gut you right down to your soul then this is the one. I connected so much to her it was startling, even for me to accept and acknowledge it. Not to the extreme that Riah was, but to her situation.
The inner struggle was over.
No more arguing with the woman in the mirror.
No more arguing with myself.
The choice was made.
She was the victor. Or was I?
When you think you are drowning and nothing can save you, you just spiral. It’s a feeling that you can’t even describe, but we have all been there. How many times have we just asked ourselves can I just have a minute? Can I just drink my coffee without being asked a question?
Whether at work or at home, sometimes you just need a minute to breathe.
Days ago, I met with death face to face.
The mirror, our meeting place. My two darkened green eyes stared deeply into hers.
I tilted my head to the side. She did too.
“It’s time,” I whispered. “It’s time,” she whispered.
Riah Winter died, she died without help. She died but before she left she looked in the mirror, a mirror that knew all her deepest secrets and what she found out is that. Everything is not always like it seems. That you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. You shouldn’t think that the person next door has that perfect life that you strive to have.
Riah Winter showed me all that. She made me see her pain as my strength. She made me love my life, as crazy and hellish as it is at times. She made me see that even those annoying moments when you just want two seconds to yourself, you should sit back and cherish it. Cherish every single moment because you don’t know what comes next or if you are even there for it.
It also showed me, that I hold the key to my destiny. I hold the key to my happiness. So be happy that you are living. Be happy that you have what you have even if it isn’t like you thought you would.
It’s living.
Kathryn Perez you have gutted me and made me think of better things even though the message to get there made me gasp and turn away!
March 20, 2016
Heartbreakingly beautiful. <3
As someone who deals with depression on a daily basis, and who has been at Rock bottom once, this book hit so close to home for me.
Kathryn's words are beautiful.
"Words. Time. Opportunity. These are things we can never get back. Not even in death."
As someone who deals with depression on a daily basis, and who has been at Rock bottom once, this book hit so close to home for me.
Kathryn's words are beautiful.
"Words. Time. Opportunity. These are things we can never get back. Not even in death."
November 20, 2015
Oh God I can't even...
Review to come when I can compose myself.
Truly an exceptional - ONE OF A KIND BOOK. I have no words right now, but when I do...
Kathryn - you're remarkable.
xoxo
Review to come when I can compose myself.
Truly an exceptional - ONE OF A KIND BOOK. I have no words right now, but when I do...
Kathryn - you're remarkable.
xoxo
November 24, 2015
“… in life we never know the battles others are facing. We don’t know the demons they are hiding. Everyone you have ever met is fighting something.”
We’ve never read this Author, we knew nothing about this book nor had we read the synopsis. We thrive on the unknown. We wanted the complete unknown so we began reading…..
“Depression is like water. It finds all of your cracks and trickles in inch by inch.”
The writing is of the most stunning and beautifully poetic perfection; the subject matter honest, true and many aspects so inherently close to every heart beating in the world. Kathryn Perez took a mirror to every single person and asked one thing: find yourself – do you see it? Do you recognise it?
‘The angel of death has spent years seducing me in the name of anxiety-laced depression.’
There’s a grain of self-truth running through every letter and every word written. How do you review a book that exposes various aspects of human nature, thought and feeling in every single one of us – baring our very own souls to the naked eye? We can’t and we won’t. This is not fiction – this is real life – facets of life that has touched us both – as we’ve experienced, are currently living with as well as seeing ourselves in situations depicted through the words in Letters Written in White.
‘Sadness seeped into my veins, and it became a drug I would forever be a slave to.’
It’s been said that we can experience six major emotions in life. We say not so. Emotion is not that simple nor that basic. Emotions are complex, personal, internal as well as external. Emotions can be mixed as well as singular – they can be understood as well as be confusing. In any given situation we can feel a multitude at the exact same time which can be overwhelming and impossible to pin down or rationalise. We are all different. We all have our own demons to slay…..
‘The only thing one needs to remember about pain is what they learned from it, and then you have to let it go.’
Kathryn Perez wrote something we were not prepared for; yet as we wept we felt, we saw and we were reminded ourselves….
‘I wish I had laughed more, played more, hugged more, and I really wish I had just learned to let it all go more.’
*Please note: In the copy we received, the actual story itself finished at 65% with other content filling the remainder of the book relating to content.
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October 22, 2015
I had the absolute honor of being an early beta reader for this book. It was amazing. Different from anything I've read before. It was insightful, thought-provoking and beautifully written. I could relate to parts of the story being a mother, and I found myself really reflecting on my own life, the choices I've made and the perspective I have on certain things. The best way I can describe this book is: it's heartbreaking and breath-taking. This is definitely Ms. Perez's best work to date. This is an absolute must read.
December 4, 2015
I couldn't stop once I started. I am this person in so many of the stories. This book tore at me & also made me "see". I've never read anything like this before but I'm glad I read this!
Anyone that you think may be suffering from depression, I highly suggest giving them this book. If you are suffering from depression, read this book.
The format of the white one black is beautiful. Everything about this was beautiful for me.
Anyone that you think may be suffering from depression, I highly suggest giving them this book. If you are suffering from depression, read this book.
The format of the white one black is beautiful. Everything about this was beautiful for me.
January 2, 2016
4.5 stars!!
Raw and heartbreaking.... uplifting and hopeful. Kathryn Perez has written a story about a woman’s journey towards self redemption and forgiveness. This book is different. It works in reverse. It starts out with the unthinkable, fractures every shred of promise and then slowly, the puzzle pieces come together to fill your heart with so much optimism and joy. If you have ever felt alone and in despair, this book will be your light at the end of the tunnel.
Raw and heartbreaking.... uplifting and hopeful. Kathryn Perez has written a story about a woman’s journey towards self redemption and forgiveness. This book is different. It works in reverse. It starts out with the unthinkable, fractures every shred of promise and then slowly, the puzzle pieces come together to fill your heart with so much optimism and joy. If you have ever felt alone and in despair, this book will be your light at the end of the tunnel.
October 19, 2015
Tragically beautiful. Beautifully tragic. However you want to phrase it.
I just read the super rough draft.
Holy crap.
I bawled for about 75% of it. It is, hands down, her best writing to date. This book will change your life and your perspective. Get ready to be gutted.
I just read the super rough draft.
Holy crap.
I bawled for about 75% of it. It is, hands down, her best writing to date. This book will change your life and your perspective. Get ready to be gutted.
February 10, 2019
“In life we never know the battles others are facing. We don’t know the demons they are hiding.”
Depression and suicide.... That's what this book talks about... The names of the heroes aren't important because they can be anyone... You,me,someone you know... I loved the story... It was so touching and the author handled this mental illness delicately... Made me feel compassion for Riah and for those she left behind... And I loved the redemption part in the end...
“Sometimes allowing the darkness to consume you is easier than fighting for the light.”
“The true murderer of our love was life. We stopped living in our love and started dying in the mundane aspects of everyday life. Then my depression came back hard and heavy. We were doomed, and at the time I thought there was nothing I could do to stop it.”
“Suicide doesn’t happen all at once. It starts small. Those early seductive whispers of nagging self-talk, worthlessness, self-hate, fear, or sadness curl into your ears subtly at first. Eventually it mutates into a relentless roar. You really don’t see death coming until suddenly, in one deeply dark moment, you’re face to face with it.
Dying doesn’t even scare me anymore. I’ve been slowly dying for sometime now, so the actual idea of death seems like a certainty more than a choice.”
“You’re human. It’s the human condition to judge, to make mistakes, but now you must see the error of your ways, acknowledge them and make peace with them.
Child, you’re not going to see what an awful person you are. You’re going to see how awful you are not. That should scare you more than the latter. It’s easier to see the bad of who we are rather than accept the goodness we encompass. This is part of your journey.”
“I felt I was saving them from me, it seems as though I should’ve tried harder to save myself for them.”“Suicide doesn’t take away pain,
it gives it to others.”
“A part of all of us died with her. I can forgive her for killing a part of me. I’m not sure I can ever forgive her for what this has done to our kids.”
“Most of all, I would want to tell you how much you mattered to me, to our children, and to all of the people who loved you so much. Because you did, you do, and no matter how much time goes by without you, that will never change. You’ll always matter. You’ll always be important and never will you ever be forgotten. You’ve left a lasting impression here on this earth with every life you’ve ever touched. I know you had forgotten who you were, and if I could give you one thing to take with you wherever you are, it would be this: you were an amazing woman, wife, daughter, sister, and friend with an unforgettable spirit that will live on in the two little lives that you created.”
“Even though every day with my mother wasn’t the happiest, the unhappiest days were better than no days at all. I’ve missed her all my life, especially on those days when all a girl wants is her mom.”
“Let the hate go, Dev. As soon as you let the hate go, you’ll feel the love. It’s there. It’s always been there, but the hate has been hiding it.”
“Regret is a painful thing. Few people understand that there are three important things that leave us and can never return. Words. Time. Opportunity. These are things we can never get back. Not even in death. Sadly, your regret is warranted.”
“My children needed me and I left them. All of those things she wrote weren’t even a thought in my mind when I did what I did. All I could think about was how I would no longer be a burden to my family. Now I see that I burdened them so much more by doing what I did.”
“ I understand what you went through and you were never alone, no matter how alone you felt in your life. Everyone handles pain differently. That doesn’t mean I’m stronger or that you were wrong.”
December 27, 2015
http://amzn.to/1TcudX5 Review to come. After I stop crying.
Full Review: http://literarygossip.com/?p=27604
This review is going to be hard for me to write. Mostly because I can’t stop crying. How am I supposed to type when I can’t even see? I keep waiting for the tears to stop so I can hash out some words and every time I think I have control and start to even think about what I’m going to write, the floodgates open back up again. Letters Written in White should be sold with 12 boxes of Kleenex. I literally cried from beginning to end. There were moment of silent streaming tears. And there were moments of loud sobbing; the kind of sobbing that made my cat look at me like I was crazy.
What first attracted me to this book was the cover. It’s artsy and colorful and bold. I had to know what this book was about. And then the blurb, well that blurb made me think “whoa” and I just knew I was going to have to read it. And then I opened up my kindle and read the first 25%.
I
Was
A
Mess
Heartbroken. Devastated. Scared to finish. That’s what I felt when I went to sleep after reading the first bit. And the next day I intended to pick it up again but I just… couldn’t. I was too emotionally raw and wounded from what was on those pages. How can something written so beautifully be so fucking cruel?
Fast forward a few days… yes days, because it took me that long to recover, and I picked this cruelly exquisite book up again today only to have the tears start-up again immediately. And I finished it. Once again,
I
Am
A
Mess
Letters Written in White is a window. It allows the reader a glimpse into the world of a woman who suffers from depression and what can happen when they feel like there’s no hope. It’s a window into the pain and suffering of those left behind. It’s a window into the world of your neighbor who maybe isn’t as perfect as you once thought. It’s a window into yourself and your own struggles as a human. It was a window into things inside me, that I didn’t even recognize as being there.
It made me think.
It made me grateful.
It made want to hugs my kids so hard and never let go.
Please, please … read the letter from the Author before reading the book. If you have triggers, this book may not be for you. But if you don’t, I highly recommend opening yourself up to experiencing Riah Winters and her struggles. Just make sure you have a ton of tissues ready, you’re going to need them. And a hug, when you’re done. 5 stars
Full Review: http://literarygossip.com/?p=27604
This review is going to be hard for me to write. Mostly because I can’t stop crying. How am I supposed to type when I can’t even see? I keep waiting for the tears to stop so I can hash out some words and every time I think I have control and start to even think about what I’m going to write, the floodgates open back up again. Letters Written in White should be sold with 12 boxes of Kleenex. I literally cried from beginning to end. There were moment of silent streaming tears. And there were moments of loud sobbing; the kind of sobbing that made my cat look at me like I was crazy.
What first attracted me to this book was the cover. It’s artsy and colorful and bold. I had to know what this book was about. And then the blurb, well that blurb made me think “whoa” and I just knew I was going to have to read it. And then I opened up my kindle and read the first 25%.
I
Was
A
Mess
Heartbroken. Devastated. Scared to finish. That’s what I felt when I went to sleep after reading the first bit. And the next day I intended to pick it up again but I just… couldn’t. I was too emotionally raw and wounded from what was on those pages. How can something written so beautifully be so fucking cruel?
Fast forward a few days… yes days, because it took me that long to recover, and I picked this cruelly exquisite book up again today only to have the tears start-up again immediately. And I finished it. Once again,
I
Am
A
Mess
Letters Written in White is a window. It allows the reader a glimpse into the world of a woman who suffers from depression and what can happen when they feel like there’s no hope. It’s a window into the pain and suffering of those left behind. It’s a window into the world of your neighbor who maybe isn’t as perfect as you once thought. It’s a window into yourself and your own struggles as a human. It was a window into things inside me, that I didn’t even recognize as being there.
It made me think.
It made me grateful.
It made want to hugs my kids so hard and never let go.
Please, please … read the letter from the Author before reading the book. If you have triggers, this book may not be for you. But if you don’t, I highly recommend opening yourself up to experiencing Riah Winters and her struggles. Just make sure you have a ton of tissues ready, you’re going to need them. And a hug, when you’re done. 5 stars
December 1, 2015
Letters Written In White is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s beautifully written, heart wrenching and thought provoking. I will never think about or look at my life the same way again.
Riah. Her life. Her death. It’s all so sad. God it’s sad. But it’s a beautiful story. The story, the meaning and the lesson. They will all stay with me forever.
Letters Written In White has touched me. It has touched my mind and it has touched my heart. Depression is something that is experienced by many people. But even if you don’t suffer from depression or you do but not to the extent Riah does, there is still a lesson here for you. There is one for all of us.
This is Kathryn’s best book to date. Creative, moving, touching, breathtaking and beautiful. Letters Written In White is a must read. It was an honor to be able to read it early. And yeah, that cover. Absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you Kathryn for a book that I will never, ever forget.
Go one click.
5 stars
Riah. Her life. Her death. It’s all so sad. God it’s sad. But it’s a beautiful story. The story, the meaning and the lesson. They will all stay with me forever.
Letters Written In White has touched me. It has touched my mind and it has touched my heart. Depression is something that is experienced by many people. But even if you don’t suffer from depression or you do but not to the extent Riah does, there is still a lesson here for you. There is one for all of us.
This is Kathryn’s best book to date. Creative, moving, touching, breathtaking and beautiful. Letters Written In White is a must read. It was an honor to be able to read it early. And yeah, that cover. Absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you Kathryn for a book that I will never, ever forget.
Go one click.
5 stars
November 23, 2015
Kathryn Perez is evil (because she made me cry)... and amazing (because she has an ability to bring out my emotions unlike any other author with her writing).
I thought taking a few days to get my thoughts together before putting a review up would be helpful, but, I just can't form the words to describe my feelings for this book. It is so emotionally raw. It's gut-wrenching and it is real.
I loved it more than any words on any review can ever portray.
I applaud you, Kathryn... Even if you did make me ugly sob. Multiple times.
(I'll be editing and put a full review up after release day.)
I thought taking a few days to get my thoughts together before putting a review up would be helpful, but, I just can't form the words to describe my feelings for this book. It is so emotionally raw. It's gut-wrenching and it is real.
I loved it more than any words on any review can ever portray.
I applaud you, Kathryn... Even if you did make me ugly sob. Multiple times.
(I'll be editing and put a full review up after release day.)
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