This is a preview of the Shortform book summary of By the Time You Read This by Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins.
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Cheslie Kryst ultimately achieved the title of Miss USA, which paved the way for her to represent the nation on the global stage of the Miss Universe pageant.

Cheslie Kryst's path to becoming Miss USA 2019 and representing the nation in the Miss Universe contest was characterized by significant personal growth, enduring resilience, and overcoming challenges.

Cheslie's formative years and the driving forces behind her participation in competitive beauty events.

Cheslie's encounters with bullying and her quest for recognition and acceptance.

Cheslie Kryst's challenging experiences with bullying and being overlooked for her appearance during her middle school years motivated her to compete in beauty pageants. During her early years, the ridicule she faced because of her unibrow and perceived absence of style greatly influenced her self-perception. Upon moving to a new neighborhood, Cheslie embraced the opportunity to craft a new identity before she started the eighth grade.

Cheslie's pursuit of validation from a figure of authority significantly influenced her journey in the competitive world of beauty pageants. She discovered validation, a desire rooted in her early years, by participating in beauty contests. She sought validation from outside sources, considering beauty pageants a pathway to acknowledge her worth.

Cheslie's achievements across multiple local and regional pageants.

Cheslie's ascent to the title of Miss USA was not an overnight occurrence. She greatly admired her mother, a woman whose victory in the 2002 Mrs. North Carolina US competition shone as a symbol of potential, showing that success in such events was indeed attainable for Black women. Cheslie's initial triumphs, beginning with her high school victory, laid the groundwork for her subsequent endeavors in multiple beauty pageants. Her time spent in the world of beauty contests equipped her with valuable insights gained from each victory and challenge she faced. These experiences not only strengthened her self-esteem but also taught her discipline and the virtue of patience.

Cheslie's preparations were strategically enhanced due to her considerable experience in pageantry. She meticulously honed her skill in addressing inquiries both...

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By the Time You Read This Summary Cheslie grappled with psychological well-being challenges, including depression and suicidal ideation.

Cheslie's prolonged struggle with enduring depression.

Cheslie's career path was visibly ascending, but her personal life remained in disarray. Despite halting her career ambitions and devoting most of her free time to her partner, her relationship eventually fell apart. Initially embarking on a project to chronicle her experiences in pageantry, law, and media, she discovered her narrative unexpectedly exploring her deep battle with mental health challenges.

The narrative portrayed a woman engulfed in a ceaseless procession of deep sorrow, mourning for a future that never materialized. Cheslie's sibling utilized a straightforward approach to communication, which positively contributed to the family's tactics in managing her mental health.

Cheslie initially made an attempt on her own life.

Cheslie's mother was first alerted to her daughter's self-harm attempt when an unexpected call from the hospital came through. Cheslie was reluctant to draw her mother deeper into the situation, despite the grave nature of her health issue. Cheslie's mother, grappling with the risk of liver and kidney harm, was confronted with the harrowing decision to hospitalize her daughter...

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By the Time You Read This Summary Cheslie's Career Transition from Law to TV Correspondent

The author recounts the courageous transition Cheslie made from practicing law to the dynamic realm of television journalism.

Cheslie began her legal career with a strong commitment and relentless determination. Cheslie, who was well-versed in the rigorous criteria of her legal profession, possessed degrees in both law and business. She worked as a full-time attorney, often participating in legal arguments, while simultaneously training for the Miss USA...

By the Time You Read This

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Cheslie Kryst's journey in beauty pageants was influenced by her mother's success in pageantry, inspiring her to compete. She started by winning local and regional pageants, gradually building her confidence and skills. Cheslie's dedication and preparation led her to be crowned Miss North Carolina and eventually win the title of Miss USA in 2019. Her success in beauty pageants was a result of her perseverance, discipline, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.
  • Cheslie Kryst struggled with enduring depression, feelings of loneliness, deep sadness, and considerations of self-harm. Her battle with mental health challenges led to an attempt on her own...

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