Ignore what the magazines and tabloids say about Allison and read this book! Allison wrote a brave telling of her family’s journey in life, love, experiencing unfathomable tragedy and hope for the future. All who followed their careers felt somewhat invested in them and were deeply saddened by the choice Stephen made. She shares deeply and with sensitivity his personal history and recreational habits in a way you understand she is not exploiting this but trying hard to understand and have his story help others.
Someone close to me several decades ago took their life and her reflections were similar to mine and other family members. It is a tough topic to openly discuss that you can love and admire someone yet strongly disagree with their final act. I wish all good things for her and their children and hope many read or listen to her story to deepen their own understanding of this topic and the unknowing struggles loved ones may face.

This was a very poignant read to explore Allison's journey and for her to be open about her grief and her resilience was very powerful.

3.5 stars. This one was hard to rate given the context. What a sad story and one I’m not sure should be told. I’m sure people have their own opinions on that. I did enjoy the happy parts is Stephen’s life and hearing about the Ellen Show. Rest peacefully Stephen tWitch

As a teacher this book opens up good but hard conversations about depression and suicide , a big problem among our youth. As a former dancer, I followed them on So you can Dance individually and when they became romantically involved and was a fan. His death was shocking to me as well as many others. This is a hard book to read and I understand her need to tell her story which also is his story and also why his family would be upset about the book.

I generally do not "rate" biographies/memoirs because I feel that every person has their own story to tell and it's not my place to judge.

This book was honestly not for me. Maybe there was just too much dance reference for me to get into? I also didn't care for some of the slang writing like "amyrite" instead of "am I right". This was just my opinion. I felt like book concentrated too much on trying to explain why her husband passed rather than her own life. I ended the book feeling like there was a lot of discord in this marriage and in each of their lives. I do believe that grief is a difficult thing to navigate and each person is different so I don't want to form many opinions either way. I just overall did not like the "vibe" of this book.

I am appreciative of Net Gallery and Harper Select for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC. The above is merely my own opinions.

The first half of this book is a nice reflection on the early life of Allison and the path that took her to meeting Stephen and finding success in their respective careers, as well as creating a nice life and family together. The second half of the book focuses on the life after Stephen's unexpected death. The reflection of the author is raw and understandable, but also feels like very private and personal experiences that I didn't necessarily need shared so publicly with me.

Allison Holker’s memoir, This Far, is a deeply personal and inspiring journey through her life as a dancer, mother, and wife, offering readers a heartfelt glimpse into her triumphs and hardships. While many may recognize her from So You Think You Can Dance or her high-profile marriage to Stephen “tWitch” Boss, this book reveals the untold story of her resilience, ambition, and personal growth.

At its core, This Far is not just a reflection on grief but a testament to Holker’s determination. She candidly shares her struggles—both professional and personal—including the countless times she faced rejection in the dance industry. Rather than letting setbacks define her, she persisted, proving that talent and perseverance can break down barriers. Her journey is particularly compelling for aspiring artists and working parents, as she balances the demanding worlds of dance and motherhood with grace and strength.

While part of the book inevitably touches on the heartbreaking loss of her husband, This Far is ultimately about Holker’s path forward. She provides an honest look at grief and healing, emphasizing the importance of community, therapy, and self-reflection in navigating tragedy. Her vulnerability makes the book not just a memoir, but a source of comfort and inspiration for those who have faced similar loss.

Holker’s storytelling is engaging, emotional, and uplifting. Readers who have followed her and tWitch’s journey will gain a newfound appreciation for the depth of their relationship and the strength she continues to display. This Far is a powerful read about perseverance, love, and finding light even in the darkest moments.

I requested this before I read about the controversy surrounding it, and now I’m uncomfortable with the idea of reading it. I loved tWitch and Allison from pop culture and was devastated when tWitch died. I was hoping this book would be cathartic and a celebration of his life and their relationship, but the early reactions have really put me off and I won’t be reading it.

As i got approved today the day before release i loved it. She poured into this book not to downplay she told HER story. It is heavy but i couldn’t put it down im so proud of her for her bravery

The memoir was wonderfully written while the content was quite heavy. However, I did enjoy getting a chance to read Allison's story.

This book is a love story about dance, family, and her husband, but it also addresses difficult themes. In it, Alison candidly shares glimpses into her life with Stephen "tWitch" Boss, highlighting his struggles and the profound impact his death had on her and their loved ones. Due to the heavy subject matter, I intended to read this book slowly and take my time with it. However, I found it impossible to put down. Alison writes as if she is speaking directly to her friends, and her approachable style makes her relatable.

I commend Alison's bravery in writing this book, especially considering her family is in the public eye. I can only imagine how much harder it is to be vulnerable to the world, as people are quick to judge. Despite this challenge, she has succeeded in creating a book that is truly worth reading.

I receive complimentary books for various sources, including Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

I read this book in about 1.5 days. I was blown away by Allison’s honesty, rawness and the way she laid her soul bare. I felt like she was totally reclaiming the narrative of it all and while she didn’t own any of us any explanation she told her story and what she went through. It was also eye opening of what to say and not to say to people when they are grieving but also that things and people aren’t always what they seem.

I cannot wait for the rest of the world to read this story. I am sure others will see symptoms and characteristics, of what she saw in Stephen, in their loved ones and will be alert to that after reading this book.

I will definitely be suggesting this book to others.