Book Review: This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light by Allison Holker

Allison Holker’s This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant memoir that chronicles her journey through love, grief, and the pursuit of healing. Known to the world as a talented dancer, choreographer, and television personality, Holker steps into a new role with this book—that of a storyteller who bares her soul to readers. Released on February 4, 2025, this memoir is a testament to resilience, the power of love, and the human capacity to find light even in the darkest of times. At 2000 words, this review will delve into the book’s themes, narrative structure, emotional impact, and overall significance.

Overview of the Book

This Far is not just a memoir; it is a love letter to life, to family, and to the enduring spirit of hope. Holker takes readers on a journey through her life, from her early days as a young dancer with big dreams to her rise to fame on shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars. However, the heart of the book lies in her relationship with her late husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a beloved dancer, DJ, and television personality whose tragic passing in late 2022 sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and beyond.

The memoir is divided into three parts, each reflecting the subtitle’s themes: Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light. Holker’s writing is raw and unfiltered, offering an intimate look at her life’s highs and lows. She shares stories of her childhood, her career, her marriage, and the profound grief she experienced after tWitch’s death. But more than that, she offers a message of hope and resilience, showing how she has learned to navigate life after loss and find joy in the midst of pain.

Themes and Messages

1. Love as a Foundation
   The first section of the book, “Love,” is a celebration of the relationships that have shaped Holker’s life. She writes with warmth and affection about her family, her passion for dance, and, most importantly, her love for tWitch. Their love story is one of mutual respect, partnership, and unwavering support. Holker paints a vivid picture of their life together, from their early days as colleagues and friends to their life as parents to three children. She emphasizes how their love was a source of strength and inspiration, not just for each other but for everyone who knew them.

2. Navigating Loss
   The second section, “Loss,” is the emotional core of the book. Holker does not shy away from the pain and confusion she felt after tWitch’s passing. She writes candidly about the days and weeks following his death, describing the overwhelming grief, the struggle to make sense of what happened, and the challenge of moving forward while honoring his memory. Her vulnerability in this section is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She speaks openly about mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the need to break the stigma surrounding these conversations.

3. Embracing the Light
   The final section, “Embracing the Light,” is a testament to Holker’s resilience. She shares how she has learned to find joy and purpose in the midst of her grief. This section is filled with moments of hope and healing, as Holker reflects on the lessons she has learned and the ways in which she has grown. She emphasizes the importance of community, self-care, and staying connected to the things that bring light into her life. Her message is clear: while loss is an inevitable part of life, it does not have to define us.

Narrative Structure and Writing Style

Holker’s writing style is conversational and heartfelt, making the reader feel as though they are sitting across from her, listening to her share her story. She has a natural ability to convey emotion, and her words are imbued with a sense of authenticity and sincerity. The memoir is structured in a way that mirrors the journey of grief and healing, with each section building on the one before it.

One of the strengths of the book is its pacing. Holker takes her time to explore each phase of her life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in her story. She balances moments of levity with moments of profound sadness, creating a narrative that feels both real and relatable. Her use of anecdotes and personal reflections adds depth to the story, making it more than just a recounting of events—it is a meditation on life, love, and loss.

Emotional Impact

This Far is an emotionally charged read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or struggled to find hope in difficult times. Holker’s honesty and vulnerability make her story incredibly moving. There were moments in the book that brought me to tears, particularly when she describes the impact of tWitch’s death on her family and the ways in which she has had to navigate life without him. At the same time, there are moments of joy and inspiration that remind readers of the beauty of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is Holker’s ability to convey the complexity of grief. She does not offer easy answers or platitudes; instead, she acknowledges the messiness of loss and the ongoing process of healing. Her willingness to share her struggles and triumphs makes her story all the more impactful.

Significance and Relevance

In a world where grief and mental health are often stigmatized or misunderstood, This Far is a much-needed contribution to the conversation. Holker’s openness about her experiences serves as a reminder that it is okay to not be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Her story is a powerful example of how love and community can help us navigate even the darkest of times.

The book is also a celebration of tWitch’s life and legacy. Through her words, Holker ensures that his spirit lives on, not just for her family but for the countless people who admired and loved him. She honors his memory by sharing the lessons he taught her and the impact he had on her life.

Critique and Areas for Improvement

While This Far is a deeply moving and well-written memoir, there are a few areas where it could have been strengthened. At times, the narrative feels slightly disjointed, with transitions between sections that could have been smoother. Additionally, while Holker’s focus on her relationship with tWitch is understandable given the circumstances, I found myself wishing for more insight into other aspects of her life, such as her career and her experiences as a mother.

That said, these are minor critiques in the grand scheme of things. The book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and its emotional impact is undeniable.

Conclusion

This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light is a beautifully written and deeply affecting memoir that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Allison Holker’s story is one of love, loss, and resilience, and her willingness to share it with the world is a gift. This book is a must-read for anyone who has experienced grief, as well as for those who are looking for inspiration and hope in the face of life’s challenges.

Holker’s journey is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is light to be found. Her courage, vulnerability, and unwavering spirit make this memoir a powerful testament to the human capacity for love and healing. This Far is not just a story about loss; it is a story about life, and it is one that deserves to be read and cherished.