Book Review: Before Pittsburgh by Kasie Whitener

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Tony is dead and Brian’s world has unraveled. He starts counting the days in Barcelona: barfights and threesomes. The months in San Francisco: short stories and a new romance. The seasons in Tucson, Nashville, Manila, and Seattle: The Crew growing up and apart. Three years unfold between before-Tony-died and after. Brian thinks he has finally left Virginia and its ghosts behind.

Then September 11th brings time to a standstill and Brian faces new devastations.

With so much work to be done Before Pittsburgh, Brian’s world expands in unexpected ways but contracts in the same old patterns of loss, redemption, and mourning. Can he earn his place in the lives of the people he loves? Or will he remain disconnected, unforgiven, and alone?

TEE'S THOUGHTS:

Brian is struggling with the death of his best friend Tony, who committed suicide, and Before Pittsburgh is a book of his attempting to move on.

This is not an easy read by any means, and there are times that it can be slow, but in the end, it is well worth the read.

The story spans many years but it is easy to read and understand . I did like the emails that seemed to break up the story. They were between Brian and friends that were written over the years, and even include emails from Tony. You get a glimpse of Brian's mindset during those times, and even a glimpse of Tony and the other friends lives and personalities.

Before Pittsburgh is a powerful, heartwrenching story, and as I said before at times it is difficult to read, but Whitener's writing is compassionate even as she takes Brian into a downward spiral of self-destruction and pain. You feel it through her words.

If you are looking for a book that gives you a rollercoaster of emotions and a good cry, Before Pittsburgh is for you!

Thank you to The author Kasie Whitener,and  Love Book Tours for the review copy.