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Dear Mom, I'm sorry
Foreword from Author - Dear Mom, I'm sorry, is a fictional end of life journal from a 15 year old girl to her mom. Certain content and subjects throughout the story may be distressing to readers. suicide, mental health.
Dear Mom,
I grabbed this pad to write you a final goodbye.
Out of all the things in the world I am 100% certain of, your love for me is top of that list. You have loved me since the day I was born, and only ever wanted the best for me. Unfortunately, you can’t possibly understand what it’s like to live in my body and to be stuck with these broken feelings. I am certain that if you understood how truly difficult is for me, you would let me go. You would grant me your blessing, and I would never need to wake up to another day of suffering.
So, that’s what I intend to do. Write in this journal until I feel you can appreciate how hard life is for me. Sharing my despair and fears with you until I am convinced, you won’t want to read anymore. Unveiling my lies until you are finally ready to say goodbye.
If you’re reading this, I’m already gone. Maybe it’s just days since or perhaps it’s weeks but I trust you might eventually come to terms with the truth, that this was my choice. If I could have done things differently, I would have. I hope that this truth, no matter how difficult it is to read, will set you free.
I love you, Mom.
Chelsie
x o x
Dear Mom,
I grabbed this pad to write you a final goodbye.
Out of all the things in the world I am 100% certain of, your love for me is top of that list. You have loved me since the day I was born, and only ever wanted the best for me. Unfortunately, you can’t possibly understand what it’s like to live in my body and to be stuck with these broken feelings. I am certain that if you understood how truly difficult is for me, you would let me go. You would grant me your blessing, and I would never need to wake up to another day of suffering.
So, that’s what I intend to do. Write in this journal until I feel you can appreciate how hard life is for me. Sharing my despair and fears with you until I am convinced, you won’t want to read anymore. Unveiling my lies until you are finally ready to say goodbye.
If you’re reading this, I’m already gone. Maybe it’s just days since or perhaps it’s weeks but I trust you might eventually come to terms with the truth, that this was my choice. If I could have done things differently, I would have. I hope that this truth, no matter how difficult it is to read, will set you free.
I love you, Mom.
Chelsie
x o x
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2022
275 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 2, 2024
Wow ive been reading a lot of sad books…
January 15, 2023
‘’Right now, I’m a weak caterpillar. Siting vulnerable, hiding from any prey. But soon, very soon. I will enter a chrysalis of my own. A new journey will begin.’’
February 19, 2024
I'm sorry… that's how it's gonna end?! wtf. rtc.. but overall rating: solid 3/5⭐️s.
January 3, 2025
I couldn’t put it down!
Losing my mom to suicide, I’ve always wanted a better understanding of how she felt. She never left a letter or note or anything for us, so reading this was some sort of sense of closure for me. Thank you, I can’t wait to read the next part. ❤️
Losing my mom to suicide, I’ve always wanted a better understanding of how she felt. She never left a letter or note or anything for us, so reading this was some sort of sense of closure for me. Thank you, I can’t wait to read the next part. ❤️
August 30, 2024
This broke my heart into a million of pieces.
May 17, 2023
As difficult as it is to say on a book about planning to take ones life, I did enjoy this read. I felt like I got to know Chelsie and all of her struggles that she was facing. It was an absolutely heartbreaking read and I kept wishing I could change the trajectory the book was taking.
I would definitely check trigger warnings and if suicide is something you don't feel comfortable reading about I would pass.
I do commend the author for having resources listed, even international resources, in the back of the book. It is such a heavy, and important, topic.
I would definitely check trigger warnings and if suicide is something you don't feel comfortable reading about I would pass.
I do commend the author for having resources listed, even international resources, in the back of the book. It is such a heavy, and important, topic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
Loved this so much. Feel like you either understand it or you don't.
September 18, 2024
Sad story. Terrible typos and grammar mistakes.
January 18, 2023
“Some things trigger certain people while others are unaffected. Some yell, others sulk, the smart ones walk away. It’s hard trying to figure out who are the best people to copy. Who I should be like”.
I didn’t want this to end. So sad, but so good. I cried so much oml
I didn’t want this to end. So sad, but so good. I cried so much oml
December 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.8/5) – Meaningful, but didn’t fully meet my expectations
I went into Dear Mom, I’m Sorry with a lot of expectations. The title itself promises something raw, emotional, and deeply personal—and while the book does touch on heavy themes and honest reflections, it didn’t hit me as hard as I thought it would.
There are moments that feel sincere and reflective, and I appreciate the vulnerability the author brings to the page. The intent is strong, and the message matters. But at times, the execution felt a little restrained, like the emotions stayed just below the surface instead of fully breaking through. I wanted to feel more—to be shaken, to ache, to sit with the weight of it longer.
That said, it’s still a worthwhile read. It made me pause, reflect, and think about complicated relationships, regret, and forgiveness. It just didn’t fully deliver the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Overall, a good book with an important perspective, but not quite the powerful experience I expected—which is why it lands at 3.8 stars for me.
I went into Dear Mom, I’m Sorry with a lot of expectations. The title itself promises something raw, emotional, and deeply personal—and while the book does touch on heavy themes and honest reflections, it didn’t hit me as hard as I thought it would.
There are moments that feel sincere and reflective, and I appreciate the vulnerability the author brings to the page. The intent is strong, and the message matters. But at times, the execution felt a little restrained, like the emotions stayed just below the surface instead of fully breaking through. I wanted to feel more—to be shaken, to ache, to sit with the weight of it longer.
That said, it’s still a worthwhile read. It made me pause, reflect, and think about complicated relationships, regret, and forgiveness. It just didn’t fully deliver the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Overall, a good book with an important perspective, but not quite the powerful experience I expected—which is why it lands at 3.8 stars for me.
May 10, 2024
hay frases en este libro que verdaderamente hit too close to home, son MUY relatable. sin embargo, la historia como tal me ha parecido un poco aburrida, hasta se me hizo pesada a veces. le doy tres estrellas porque me gusta la idea en sí del libro
May 28, 2025
I feel a bit conflicted about this book. On one hand it does a great job showing you Chelsies life, the feelings (or lack there off) and what drives her to the final decision. On the other... I would have loved to see how the other characters are doing. Especially her mom's POV (maybe a final chapter being added?). It was just missing a little something.
May 4, 2024
Dealing with a family suicide there was a certain amount of understanding. It was good. It was sad. It really makes you think about depression and kids. Overall good read.
July 29, 2024
i think i read this in maybe an hour. it was definitely one sitting and as each chapter progressed my heart just broke more and more. it was a very cathartic read and it felt like it had to happen
June 30, 2024
This book is about this girl that really can’t feel her emotions and it’s taking a toll on her. She starts writing a notebook for her mom so she can see what it is to live in her life. She try’s to see everyone to give them the best last day or memory of her that she can give them. She really did give them the best day she tried to have a good day with her dad and he just was at the county club. Then the next person was Hannah her older sister she went to see her and they went to the beach and she got to have the sister time. On her way home which leaves about two days till she does what she’s about to do. Whole they are planning Ben’s birthday party and get ready for it she taken Ben to meet the dog Luke that she has been seeing and taken care of because she thinks Luke’s family don’t take care of the dog so she she shows and talks about taking care of Luke and that it’s their secret. The last day she spends it with her mom she takes her to the spa and ask her aunt to take Ben because she don’t want to do the act with him there. She had it all planned and she takes her plan and she has someone set up to call 911 so her mom didn’t find her and it would not be so hard on her. She sets notes out for Dad,Hannah,and Ben to read and she leaves the notebook she’s writing for her mom to show her and to explain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2024
currently, I'm on my bed, with my blanket wrapped around my shoulders and my laptop sitting on my lap as I type this review down (with a waterfall of tears flowing from my eyes!).
“Why can’t there be a solution that would end my hurt without starting yours?”
I think almost every chapter in this book made me just want to BAWL. this year, i've really spent quite a majority of my time reading books surrounding the mental health genre (not necessarily on self-help cause bOriNg) but this was sort of one that hit the most. I don't think i've ever related so deeply to a character in terms of the thought and feeling processes. like those words, in the book? HIT DEEP. if anything, it really just made me appreciate my family more, and maybe, most importantly, myself.
“Why can’t there be a solution that would end my hurt without starting yours?”
I think almost every chapter in this book made me just want to BAWL. this year, i've really spent quite a majority of my time reading books surrounding the mental health genre (not necessarily on self-help cause bOriNg) but this was sort of one that hit the most. I don't think i've ever related so deeply to a character in terms of the thought and feeling processes. like those words, in the book? HIT DEEP. if anything, it really just made me appreciate my family more, and maybe, most importantly, myself.
August 19, 2024
Heavy, yet very important topic
I really enjoyed the overall message conveyed in this book. I do feel like there were some errors not caught by editors and a few contradicting events/thoughts. Void of feeling yet what seemed to be aware of others' feelings and emotions. If the main character was not able to feel these things, how could she recognize them? Also when with Hannah, she seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself, laughing, flirting, etc.
A missed mark could have been digging deeper into dad's inability to express himself. Perhaps this will be addressed in the sequel.
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the overall message conveyed in this book. I do feel like there were some errors not caught by editors and a few contradicting events/thoughts. Void of feeling yet what seemed to be aware of others' feelings and emotions. If the main character was not able to feel these things, how could she recognize them? Also when with Hannah, she seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself, laughing, flirting, etc.
A missed mark could have been digging deeper into dad's inability to express himself. Perhaps this will be addressed in the sequel.
3.5 stars
February 18, 2024
This was a very good book but some parts left questions. At one point she talks about her pills and like how she feels empty and emotionless when she takes them and without them she is manic or depressed and unmovable so i think she’s bipolar. She does have a lot of problems and throughout the book she’s just planning on killing her self. Her best friend was a dog who’s owner neglected it and she went to say good bye to him and he wasn’t there and i was so sad. this book got me out of my reading slump tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
Well, I’m broken. This broke me.
The only reason this didn’t get a higher rating is that it really wasn’t well edited. There were a lot of grammar mistakes which took me out of the story. However, it was a beautiful story unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I also really appreciated the resources included at the end, as well as the conversation starters included to help people avoid situations like the one in this book.
The only reason this didn’t get a higher rating is that it really wasn’t well edited. There were a lot of grammar mistakes which took me out of the story. However, it was a beautiful story unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I also really appreciated the resources included at the end, as well as the conversation starters included to help people avoid situations like the one in this book.
January 23, 2023
I can’t stop crying. I wish I had waited until the sequel had been published, because I think I’ll be absolutely heartbroken until then. I highlighted so many passages in the text, it’s so beautifully written. I’m wondering whose POV the next book will be from, and if there’s a publication date I can circle in my calendar!
October 6, 2023
Wow
This book gave me a teenagers insight into mental health and how meds can affect them. I suffer from mental health problems myself but to feel like you've got nowhere to turn that you kill yourself just made me wonder for a long time went through someone's head to do that and this book taught me what that is.
This book gave me a teenagers insight into mental health and how meds can affect them. I suffer from mental health problems myself but to feel like you've got nowhere to turn that you kill yourself just made me wonder for a long time went through someone's head to do that and this book taught me what that is.
May 14, 2024
I acc loved this book! It was so well written and beautiful in the darkest ways possible! I’m acc sobbing rn from this even though I knew it was coming. I never read a book quite like this and I’m happy I did. Definitely recommend though it is dark. This book should be everywhere like famous famous like I haven’t had a good 5 star read in a while so I’m happy I found one!
July 19, 2024
I really wish that we could see the mom´s and siblings reaction after her attempt.
We got a good insight into her life and i slowly felt connected to the main character.
I cant imagine how the family will feel like afterwards ,in a life without chelsie.
But somehow the book didnt amaze me enough to rate it more than 3 stars
2,5 stars - 3 stars (cant really decide what to rate it)
We got a good insight into her life and i slowly felt connected to the main character.
I cant imagine how the family will feel like afterwards ,in a life without chelsie.
But somehow the book didnt amaze me enough to rate it more than 3 stars
2,5 stars - 3 stars (cant really decide what to rate it)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
Holy hell
This book made me cry all the ugly tears. I really, truly enjoyed it. Chelsie is 15 and dealing with blunted emotions. This is her goodbye. While she does decide that suicide is the best way to deal with this, watching the way she reasons and logics it out was fascinating. Making sure everybody had a good memory and closure. So many ugly tears.
This book made me cry all the ugly tears. I really, truly enjoyed it. Chelsie is 15 and dealing with blunted emotions. This is her goodbye. While she does decide that suicide is the best way to deal with this, watching the way she reasons and logics it out was fascinating. Making sure everybody had a good memory and closure. So many ugly tears.
June 22, 2025
The Truth Behind Struggling With Mental Health
This book gave such a good and clear insight into the mind of a young girl who struggles with her mental health. It shows you that often times, the issues we face are not a direct result of actions of others and we don’t want them to feel like they are to blame! Sometimes, it just seems hopeless… this is that story
This book gave such a good and clear insight into the mind of a young girl who struggles with her mental health. It shows you that often times, the issues we face are not a direct result of actions of others and we don’t want them to feel like they are to blame! Sometimes, it just seems hopeless… this is that story
November 22, 2025
Holy shit. That was intense. I can’t believe how much I cried during the last 10% of this book. This was completely shattering to read. I’ve dealt with suicide up close and personal so I wasn’t sure if I should read this; I’m glad I did. It was such a powerful book. Heart breaking. Read it in two sittings.
As a side note, the grammar in this was pretty terrible. Yikes.
As a side note, the grammar in this was pretty terrible. Yikes.
June 13, 2024
The emotions that I’ve felt going through this book. It took me back to a time when I felt my lowest of lows. Those emotions definitely were brought back up and I was right back there. I feel the pain. Luke and Ben hurt me the most. The final bye to Luke broke me. To pieces.
February 9, 2025
literally sobbed my way through this entire book, especially the scenes with luke. like literally cried so much my eyes are swollen and my head is pounding. i’m hoping it prepares me to read my mind numbing book for english class 😍
January 5, 2023
not even joking this has to be my new favourite book out there it’s so well in detail and i just love it!! and i also somewhat relate to it which makes me happy to read it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews