Theodore Finch (A.K.A Theodore Freak,) has always been considered the "Weird Kid" at Barlett High. On the other hand, Violet Markey is a shy, delicate girl after a tragic accident in which her sister passed away. Such a strange pair, but one that fits...
Embark on a thrilling adventure as these two souls venture into the world, on a roller coaster of exciting journeys. “Sorry wastes time. You have to live your life like you'll never be sorry. It's easier just to do the right thing from the start so there's nothing to apologize for.”
― Jennifer Niven, All the Bright Places
All the Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven, is one of my absolute favorite stories of all time, with thrillers that make you not want to stop reading. There are many life lessons to learn from this book, and can apply to anyone. I especially enjoy the characters and how they change throughout the story. This is just a spectacular read through and through. I would definitely recommend this to teen readers of all ages, and wouldn't mind reading it again.
Reviewed by Grace B., Grade 6
Montrose Library
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Comments
When they are paired together for a school project, they help bring out the bright personalities in each other that was lost under the layers of grief and loneliness. However, over time, as Violet grows with the aid of Finch’s love and support, Finch faces the misery of his mental illness and struggles against the return of his fatal thoughts.
First off, this was an utterly depressing book. The way the characters grew to discover the joys of love and living life offered a glimmer of hope that was crushed when the characters returned to their suicidal thoughts, one deciding to ending his life, leaving the other to return to a state of depression as she lingered on the positive path they could have taken together. One of the hardest parts of writing a fictional piece touching the harsh topic of suicide is to be aware of the target audience and how the characters might affect readers who connect with them. It was very alarming when I realized the characters were depicted as if their mental illnesses were a pure definition of who they were, whether it was the intention of the author or not. It seemed as though the author decided to write this story for the sake of having depressed characters, since it is a hot topic in society nowadays and a common trend in stories targeted towards teens, rather than for the purpose of creating a story in which the characters actually develop and go on a path to living a virtuous life. I am concerned about the affect this book might have on readers who are actually struggling with depression themselves, for the story oddly implies that there is no hope for them, no one to save them from their condition. Another odd thing about this book is the fact that there were no adults noticing this dilemma. Suicide is an extremely sensitive and serious topic and the decision to address such topics must be handled carefully.
One of the minor things that bothered me about this book was the use of the name Finch, which any literature student would know is also the last name of the inspirational and powerful family depicted in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Though I do acknowledge that Harper Lee obviously does not own that name, it is quite irritating how the author, who inevitably must know about Lee’s book, used that name associated with standing up for equality, loving each other, and valuing all life, and used it as a last name for a character who failed to learn to value even his own life.
Reviewed by R.O., Grade 10
Casa Verdugo Library
I think All the Bright Places is a fantastic book! The book as well as the characters were thrilling and suspenseful. I thought that it really spoke to a variety of people ranging from middle schoolers to young adolescents. Our generation these days are under a lot of stress with school, money, family, work and many more things that this book shows through characters who are going through the same things that in the end everything will be all rite. I think it shows the ups and downs about life and how we just have to live each day to the fullest!
Reviewed by SB, Grade 11
Glendale Central Library
I truly enjoyed reading this book not only did I read the book but I also watch the movie that was created with it. The book is always better than the movie, and I find that the author wrote the book in such a deep and loving way it seemed like it was coming from within. I love to be able to feel a book to feel the characters and every move that they make this book delivered that perfectly. I would recommend this book to any student or any adult who is interested in reading about a love story. Love is very powerful and he can do very powerful things, love saves these two great characters and I believe that love is the biggest power to life
Reviewed by SS, Grade 12
Montrose Library
This book was an easy read, but it was definitely not my favorite. The ending was extremely predictable, but still heartbreaking. Both of these characters definitely needed therapy, but continually depended on each other for their well being, which was sweet at times, but otherwise very concerning. I would not recommend this book for people who get triggered easily. What I did like about it was the symbolism. The water - also known as the Blue Hole - which represented life and death. Also the most obvious one, Violet represents life because of flowers. Both of the characters were so different, but the author beautifully portrayed how different people can both struggle so greatly. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy heartbreaking romances.
Reviewed by DL, Grade 12
Pacific Park Library