By the Time You Read This

The Space Between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness—Her Story in Her Own Words

By: April Simpkins

Narrated by: April Simpkins, Emana Rachelle

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

By the Time You Read This is the story former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst was about to publish before her tragic suicide. Her mother, April, wraps up the narrative by exploring the mental illness and depression that took her daughter’s life.

The text read, “By the time you get this …” This is the story of Cheslie Kryst, a former Miss USA, in her own words.

When the world awoke on the morning of January 30, 2022, many were shocked to learn of the tragic death of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst.

For most people, the news was unfathomable. How could a young woman in the prime of her life—a pageant queen, accomplished attorney, Extra correspondent, and tireless advocate for charity organizations—have been lost to the world so suddenly?

By the Time You Read This shares the manuscript Cheslie wrote before her passing, her story in her own words—from the highest highs of passing two bar exams, winning Miss USA, and beginning an exciting career as an entertainment journalist to the lowest lows of heartbreak, betrayal, and persistent depression.

When Cheslie’s mother, April Simpkins, picks up the narrative, she shares for the first time what she experienced in the aftermath of Cheslie’s suicide. When faced with such a devastating loss, how does a mother find a way to carry on?

Whether you are someone who struggles to maintain your mental health, or you love someone who does, this book will share insight into a reality that impacts thousands of families every year—as well as provide hope for those who are left behind.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 April Simpkins (P)2024 Forefront Books

🩷

My heart hurts for her mother but I am glad she honored her by publishing this book. 🙏🏽

I felt like I knew her. She was very relatable.

I rarely say this, but I wish it could have been longer. Perhaps speaking a little on her work as a lawyer.

Powerful and heart wrenching

The story is amazing and very well presented. I am so glad that this book was recommended to me.

Poignantly Gripping

The stars are for how Cheslie's and April's words arrested me in every chapter. How fitting to release this book during May since it's Mental Health Awareness Month. Though a licensed therapist, I wanted and needed to hear their words as a friend, as a cousin, as a loved one who still has questions of why, of how, and of did I do/say enough. I'm grateful for their courage to allow us into their pain to hopefully better understand contributing factors to the emotional pain connected to death by suicide.

Just wow

Reading Cheslie’s book help open my eyes to perspective of how someone looks and is during a deep depression. Cheslie was so loved…had an amazing life. She truly made a difference in women’s lives…wish she would have reached out for hers. She is sincerely missed in the pageant world.

Beautiful and eye opening

I am so thankful that Cheslie Kryst's mom shared her daughter's life and struggles. I was touched that she felt compelled to share the last text message she received from her daughter. This book was informative on topics I never could have known. It was also relatable on a mental illness standpoint. I am so glad I was able to listen to this book. The narration was extremely soothing and compelling.

Thank you

Thank you for sharing the words of your brilliant daughter and the authenticity of your journey. Thank you for reminding us that we are not alone.

Heartbreaking and uplifting

I’m a mother of 4 children, although I haven’t lost any children to suicide or a death of any kind. This book resonates with me. My children and I suffer from mental illness and have for a long time. Just listening to April and Cheslie’s point of views is heartbreaking and uplifting. I thank you for putting her story and there and for you, her mom being vulnerable and strong enough to do it. Anyone and everyone with children should read this book.

Lesson Learned?

while it was a heart felt book that talks about what this woman went through, especially as a black woman, to prepare for pageantry, school, career & love relationships, and what the mother went through after her death, I'm not so sure there was a lesson learned. I thought this book would dive deep into this woman's thoughts about mental illness & how she was consumed in depression all the while trying to make it all work. This book seemed more like a memoir rather than trying to help someone through their mental illness or give advise about it. in the end, the mother just pleaded for all to hang on one more day & to get help.

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover

A true behind the scene look into depression and the proof that it’s not always what it may appear to be