I have to say, this made me feel some type of way. There are so many things she said or implied about Stephen that in my opinion never should have been written. Sharing his personal journal details and implying that he had been assaulted and may have been thinking about doing it to their son? Like that was never said anywhere and it’s so crazy to even write that on paper about your deceased husband. Some things should be kept in private and things like this made this feel so exploitative 🥴 I appreciate being able to read this but some of it just didn’t sit right with me at all.

I didn't know much about Twitch or Allison prior to his death. I've also heard all the controversy about this book & I have mixed feelings.

I liked how Allison took us through her journey of becoming a performer. The back story was promising. I also felt her pain when she described her feelings about her husbands death. I understand the sadness & the anger.

It got a little uncomfortable when she revealed some information that may not have been "necessary ". I think I would have enjoyed the book more if she focused on how she is coping and helping her kids move forward. I don't think the public wants or needs to hear personal details about how Twitch ended his life. Ultimately a memoir is the author's story to tell so it's her choice.

This Far by Allison Holker is a raw and emotional memoir that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of her life. From her rise to fame on So You Think You Can Dance, to building a career as a professional dancer and sharing a love story with Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Holker’s narrative is filled with passion, perseverance, and joy. The book’s most poignant moments come after Stephen’s tragic death, as she bravely shares her grief, the complexities of their relationship, and her struggles with unexpected loss. Holker’s honesty and resilience provide comfort and hope for anyone navigating grief, particularly from suicide. An inspiring and heartfelt read.

Mixed feelings. On one hand, I kind of understand her reasoning behind sharing some of what it was like after her husband died by suicide. On the other, she briefly mentions something troubling that happens to her and doesn’t go into details but then reveals a lot of private info about her husband? The writing felt poor and disjointed. Also felt like she was repeating the same thing over and over. And it made me not like her, she came across as very conceited at times.

I always try to be mindful and respectful of people sharing their truth and the only time I give a star rating to memoirs is when I receive them via NetGalley.

I knew of the flack this book was receiving on social media but I figured it was blown out of proportion as a lot of things are in this digital age. After reading it, I'm not so sure - I was left feeling a bit uncomfortable upon finishing. For me personally, the things she revealed about the father of her children should not be for public consumption. Putting the private moments with her underage children out there and making them so prevalent on social media is something I don't really agree with. They aren't old enough to decide whether they are okay with their personal feelings and moments being put out there for others to read and view.

I did not like when she would allude to how Stephen was feeling at a specific time. As she said in other moments, you can never truly know what Stephen was feeling because he isn't here to verify. I was looking forward to reading about her dance career - while it was definitely discussed, a lot of it was glossed over. Allison certainly seems to have a high opinion of herself - and while confidence is great and feeling comfortable in your own skin is something everyone wishes for some of what she wrote came off pretty cringe. Reading this book just left me with a general feeling of distaste. It wasn't for me.

I do appreciate NetGalley and Harper Select for giving me the opportunity to read this.

A very poignant look at suicide and the effects on family afterwards. Allison's book has made news recently and I was very interested to hear her story. I enjoyed the first half of the book and her reflection on building her career and family. The second part of the book was a reflection of Stephen's death and her path forward. This was a heavy book but I was glad to read her story.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

In over 700 reviews, I rarely give low ratings, because the author usually puts their blood, sweat, and tears into their work. I can't give this book over 2 stars. I knew of both tWitch and Allison Holker, but not in an in depth manner. I've never watched SYTYCD, so this isn't coming from a disgruntled fan. I was a young widow, so I also know that journey.
There is a way to be honest, raw and express your anger at someone taking their own life. This is not the way. The book emphasizes all her strengths and life. Honestly, I'm not sure there was one time she ever seemed to have taken a misstep in her life.
She takes every opportunity to tarnish his memory (which is odd, because she worries about how his funeral photos, etc could get out into the world and her kids seeing them later.) They will read this book. Even if she wanted to express negative things, her confusion over his suicide, how it leaves, and affects families, especially her children, this would've been a good book.
I almost wonder when she started writing this, and perhaps she hadn't fully worked through the anger stage of grief (and it's REAL...trust me.) I wish she would've because it would've been more balanced. Maybe editing could've steered her with a little positivity.
I am just confused.
BTW, I couldn't even review on Amazon, because they are limiting comments, due to unusually high activity, so they're only allowing verified purchases. BN allowed the review. What's odd is that Amazon reviews are glowing, and BN are very low.
You know..they say, there's his story, her story and the truth lies somewhere in between. Maybe that's the case here.

Thank you to Harper Select and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I understand why this book upsets so many, but this is her grief journey. She’s expressing her feelings on everything which is valid, whether people like it or not.

This was so heavy but so brave to share.

The pain, the anger, the strength as a mother- Allison perfectly captures heartbreak and loss but also hope and moving forward. This story broke me when it first broke, I loved Twitch. It’s truly beautiful to hear her story of grief but also motherhood and overcoming heartbreak. Forever an Allison fan.

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.