Buy new:
$14.95
FREE delivery Monday, May 13 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$14.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 13 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 12 hrs 43 mins
In Stock
$$14.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$9.92
Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less See less
FREE delivery May 15 - 21. Details
Or fastest delivery May 9 - 13. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$14.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by ThriftBooks-Phoenix.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Catherine Cookson
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Before I Go Paperback – July 13, 2017

by Catherine Cookson (Author)
3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 2,854 ratings
See all formats and editions
Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you borrow the Kindle edition of this book with your Kindle Unlimited membership. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$14.95","priceAmount":14.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"q82K2XXaQ83ZwrooJyC5ncTauAa73hLCcAqh%2Fzc7stwbKQ82cidc%2B1LqiSngF0COqLVFnMH832Qjii1JMKuCZgtGtidkJRxCg4YnMN0ppBFN%2FfjfEFW0SwgDqVRyA2SHC7OBQDVLeNm5TnFapZKDGA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$9.92","priceAmount":9.92,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"92","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"q82K2XXaQ83ZwrooJyC5ncTauAa73hLCn5KvaJv9uZBCzo4yEAxYMnxfBcprLDI2FUPLUmQiOe0TdZGj7wpFxHp7UJYtqih4ECKC3hzLFGQf88hApxnlZSKNPKT6j90adGuNKGyGcu7S5%2FJXzdKTjmk5EeIqqGc%2BItWWo55oT7D9UaJUbGOAmsgO1b2c3mQY","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Known for the wit of her writing, Catherine Cookson was the UK’s most widely read novelist during her lifetime. When her Estate discovered this never-before-published memoir in the attic of her home, it was an astonishing find. Before I Go is the definitive story of her life, in the author’s own candid words.

While Cookson had authored previous autobiographies, none have truly touched upon the tragedy and personal anguish she experienced until now. For the first time, she reveals the worst years of her life―her constant battles with illness and a series of devastating miscarriages, the damaging jealousy of her friend and her struggle to be taken seriously as a writer. But what shines through most is her strength in the face of adversity, her deep love for her husband, Tom, the solace she found in her art and her unmistakable character. Before I Go is an inspiring story of resilience and a must for any Cookson fan.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    July 13, 2017
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1612184219
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1612184210
  7. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

Before I Go
$14.95
Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Our Kate: An Autobiographical Memoir
$10.95
Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15
Only 1 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
One of these items ships sooner than the other.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  1. Her Secret Son
Next page

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Catherine Cookson was born in East Jarrow near the mouth of the River Tyne, one of the poorest areas in Britain. Her childhood was deeply scarred by violence, fear, alcoholism, shame and guilt, and her books were inspired by her upbringing. She fought hard for a better life and was determined to be a writer. Her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many bestselling novels established her as one of the most popular of contemporary women novelists. After receiving an OBE in 1985, Catherine Cookson was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1993, and was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College, Oxford, in 1997. She died shortly before her ninety-second birthday, in June 1998. By the time of her death, she had written over one hundred books and was the UK’s most widely read novelist, with over 100 million of her books sold, and remained the most-borrowed author in UK public libraries for twenty years.

The Cookson Estate recently discovered two unpublished manuscripts―a memoir and a novel―in the attic of Cookson’s home. Amazon Publishing will be releasing these two unseen works and the author’s backlist will be available through Kindle Direct Publishing, ensuring Catherine Cookson’s legacy is available to readers across the globe.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (July 13, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1612184219
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1612184210
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 2,854 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Catherine Cookson

Catherine Cookson

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Catherine Cookson was born in Tyne Dock, the illegitimate daughter of a poverty-stricken woman, Kate, whom she believed to be her older sister. She began work in service but eventually moved south to Hastings, where she met and married Tom Cookson, a local grammar-school master.

Although she was originally acclaimed as a regional writer - her novel The Round Tower won the Winifred Holtby Award for the best regional novel of 1968 - her readership quickly spread throughout the world, and her many best-selling novels established her as one of the most popular of contemporary women novelists.

After receiving an OBE in 1985, Catherine Cookson was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1993. She was appointed an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford, in 1997.

For many years she lived near Newcastle upon Tyne. She died shortly before her ninety-second birthday, in June 1998.

Photograph from the Catherine Cookson Collection, Howard Gottlieb Archival Research Centre at Boston University

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9 out of 5
2,854 global ratings
Catherine Cookson was a discovery from my book mobile days.
5 Stars
Catherine Cookson was a discovery from my book mobile days.
When I was young my family lived in a rural area without a library; however, we had this vehicle called the book mobile that came to our school weekly with shelves of magic. I discovered Catherine Cookson when I was in the fifth grade and became a devoted fan, and of the three allotted books,I would read them over and over until the following week. Little did I know, as I devoured everything she wrote over the years is that the lady was sick, not the doomy gloomy kind of sick but really sick suffering from some sort of blood disorder that caused her fingers, mouth and tongue to ooze blood. In spite of her condition, she was able to become one of the world’s best loved novelist, and one of my very favorites. If you aren’t acquainted with Catherine Cookson, do yourself a favor and grab one of her books, any one will do because they’re all excellent.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Victoria
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2018
Verified Purchase
Makes me want to read more of her books.
Can’t wait for the final two to be released.
Thank you
Helpful
 Report
Leila May
4.0 out of 5 stars They seem to have been an amazing couple who had old fashioned standards and values
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
This woman had enough genuine health issues for a whole village! They seem to have been an amazing couple who had old fashioned standards and values, but with a sincere understanding of the issues that the poorer people faced. I just love her 'turn of phrase' - I can almost hear the local dialect when reading her stories. Easy reading, and a welcome change from some heavier stuff!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Donna Hill
3.0 out of 5 stars Fairly Interesting Memoir of a Difficult Life
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
I have never read any of Catherine Cookson's fiction. If I had, maybe this would have been more interesting to me. It's a rather sad memoir detailing her many illnesses, miscarriages, and conflicts with others as well as many details about her homes. I was most interested in her illnesses and the feeling she had that her soul was helping her when she was troubled. I was hoping that she would write more about this spiritual help she received later in the book, but she didn't. The stories about one particular friend who caused her anguish and the stories about her homes became tedious for me. The one very positive note in her memoir is her supportive husband--he was the bright spot in an otherwise rather bleak story.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Liz
5.0 out of 5 stars The Queen of Novels
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
Having read as many of her books as I could find has made me her most adoring fan. In 1976 I did write to her and she most graciously answered my letter. I of course still have her letter and treasure it. I had no Idea that this dear lady was and had been suffering so many illnesses. My mother had given me my first book written by Catherine Cookson called The Dwelling Place. After reading that book I was a fan for life.
20 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
bOOKWORM
2.0 out of 5 stars I found this book very disappointing. The author was ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2017
Verified Purchase
I found this book very disappointing. The author was very into herself and focused on her health and her trials.
Helpful
 Report
MCK
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2019
Verified Purchase
Now I am looking forward to reading Catherine's works. I enjoyed her attitude towards life, her work ethic, her vulnerability, honesty, humor, and appreciation of those who loved and cared for her.
Helpful
 Report
BB
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
I had never heard of author, Catherine Cookson, until I read this book. No wonder she was such a popular author in the UK. You are sad for her ups and downs and all her health problems, yet she doesn't make you feel sorry for her. She was a fighter. She was also lucky in love. I look forward to reading her books. Recommended.
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
awr1949
5.0 out of 5 stars Harrowing Reading
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Unfortunately, my two sisters, niece and I all inherited this same disorder as Catherine Cookson from our father. Unlike her, we have a much understanding as our father had doctors who looked after him a lot better than hers did. HHT - the disorder we suffer from - is not for the weak. You can live with it, but it takes a lot from you.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Dawn
5.0 out of 5 stars Great writer of over 100 books over many years
Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Catherine Cookson.
Unfortunately she is no longer with us in body, just spirit. A hard upbringing and life but a prolific writer she lets us see a little of herself in this biography, in her own words, It was a wonderful read. Check out her bibliography .. an amazing lady.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Catherine Cookson an inspiration
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Most interesting inspiring life story have been a fan of her books if she were around today would love a chat and listen to her life experiences over a coffee/tea
Catherine and Tom an incredible couple having been through so much and still united in love
A brilliant read
Report
Urmila Ved
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on June 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
The author was remarkable lady. Her struggle with sickness and poverty are very inspiring.
Report
Meriel Cook
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable reading
Reviewed in Australia on July 27, 2021
Verified Purchase
It was interesting and enjoyable to read about Catherine Cookson’s life. I didn’t know that she had that severe medical condition and how it impacted her life. I have always enjoyed reading books written by Catherine Cookson and often feel that I am in the places she writes about. It’s great to see someone overcome adversity the way she did. I also didn’t know a lot about her early life.
Report
anne whitton
4.0 out of 5 stars Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
Not as good as all other Catherine Cookson books I've read but still readable
Report