This is an introspective book which many mothers will be able to relate to. The author shares with her son her thoughts and lesson learned over the years in hopes of passing on wisdom and greater understanding to a son who will soon be independently living his own life. Rather than being told in chronological order, the author organizes her letters to her son in categories of themes. It felt more like something one would share with a daughter more so than a son, but it was endearing nonetheless.

I give this book 4 stars ****. I very much enjoyed this "memoir" of sorts written by Ms. Wreggit. It's a well was written novel of tidbits of advice and takeaways for her son. She is very open and honest about her doubts and mistakes all the way. I would definitely urge my other mom friends ( & even ones that aren't yet) to add this book to their "to read" list.

I enjoyed reading the advice that Kirsten gave her son via journal entry type stories. Separating these into themes vs putting them in chronological order made the book flow better for me.

This memoir about motherhood and marriage will touch the heart of every mother, whether or not you have a son. Kristen Wreggitt shares her story of mistakes and victories, self-discovery and struggles. She is honest and vulnerable about how becoming a mother changed her, and why she was petrified of having a daughter. She shares what it looked like as she struggled to find her purpose and the main question she asked herself at the end of her motherhood road, through it all, did I love me?

This book will make you laugh and cry, and desire to be a better wife, mother and person. It will help you realize how important self-love is, accepting yourself for who you are, right now in this moment and how the resilience of children can help you get past the regretful decisions you made at a certain time.

It's an amazing read for any parent, and definitely one I will read again in the future!

Presented as a short collection of letters or essays to her growing, very nearly independent son, Kirsten Wreggitt here gives us a touching and meaningful look at parenting while human. She talks about her own experiences and emotions, the reasons for her fervent hope for a son rather than a daughter, mistakes and regrets - all the things which feel too raw and immediate still to openly talk about with her child.

I think any mother (any parent) will find themselves empathising with the author in at least some points throughout the less than 200 page work which is 'Before I Let You Go: Stories for My Grown Son'. I know I did on first reading and even more so now that my own son is officially an adult.

Recommended to anyone struggling to raise a child, or dealing with similar 'near adult' worries and self-doubt. Reading this will perhaps be an emotional journey, but Wreggitt's shared thoughts and feelings will make any mother (parent) feel less alone. I would also recommend it to any teenage or newly adult child who might want to try to understand 'the other side' of a strained relationship; and, in fact, anyone newly a parent or planning/hoping to be.