I've Loved You Since Forever
Hoda Kotb
BOOK REVIEW

In I've Loved You Since Forever, Hoda Kotb invites you on an emotional journey that transcends the ordinary boundaries of love and connection. This illustrated gem, which combines poignant storytelling with striking visuals, delicately encapsulates the timeless essence of affection between parents and their children. It's a heartfelt exploration that resonates with anyone who sings soft lullabies or simply gazes adoringly at a sleeping baby.
Through its warm and evocative prose, Kotb crafts a narrative that feels both intimate and universal. You feel the weight of each word, as if they are whispered directly into your soul, awakening memories of your own childhood or perhaps your experiences as a parent. Here lies the magic: the book compels you not just to read, but to relive those tender moments, to bask in the feeling of being cherished.
As you turn the pages, vivid illustrations leap to life, infusing every stanza with color and heart. The artistry mirrors the narrative's rich emotional tapestry, creating a symbiotic relationship between text and image. You can't help but smile as you witness the joyous moments depicted, each brushstroke echoing the love and wonder that children inspire. The children's eyes sparkle with curiosity, illuminating the innocence of youth paired with the profound love of a guardian who has been there since the very beginning.
Critics have lauded Kotb for the way she marries simplicity with depth; her words are not just mere expressions but portals to powerful reflections on familial bonds. Readers who've savored this book often describe it as a "must-have" for bedtime stories, and many share their emotional responses, recounting how it brought them to tears or ignited a heartfelt discussion with their little ones. One reader noted, "It's not just a story, it's a legacy of love that I now share with my own child." This book does exactly that-bridges generations through timeless themes of love, connection, and belonging.
However, the emotional depth of the work instills not just joy but also a tinge of melancholy. Some readers express a bittersweet reaction, a reminder of fleeting moments that cannot be reclaimed. This sentiment echoes the broader themes inherent in Kotb's work-the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing each embrace, each giggle, each whispered "I love you". The critiques, while generally positive, often point to the book's simplicity as a potential drawback, questioning whether its straightforward narrative fully encapsulates the complexity of love.
Still, it's the simplicity that often resonates most powerfully. In a world filled with complexities and noise, Kotb's voice emerges as pure clarity. I've Loved You Since Forever doesn't just encourage you to read; it implores you to reflect. To pause amidst the chaos of life and grasp the essence of what truly matters-the unbreakable bonds we share.
If you've ever felt the weight of love trickle through your fingers like sand, then this book is your companion. It challenges you to cherish each moment, to create memories that last a lifetime. As the pages come to an end, you're left with more than just a story; you carry forward a message that will echo in your heart long after the book is closed. And isn't that the ultimate gift-a reminder of love, cherished since forever? ✨️
📖 I've Loved You Since Forever
✍ by Hoda Kotb
🧾 32 pages
2018
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