Trigger warning: This book contains topics on suicide and mental health issues. If you are easily triggered by these, I suggest either reading the book with caution or delay reading it until you’re more mentally-prepared.
As someone who has struggled with her own mental health issues, it took me a while before I could pick up this book. In truth, I might have even delayed reading this novel if it weren’t for my friend who suggested we discuss it for our book club.
So, with a bit of courage (and caution), I went forward with reading it; and little did I know, All The Bright Places would become one of my most memorable reads for 2022.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jennifer Niven’s 2015 novel, it follows Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, as they find love and solace with one another all the while dealing with their own personal traumas.
It’s a heart-wrenching and tragic love story that will leave you drowning in a pool of your own emotions (God knows how much I’ve cried while reading this novel).
More than just a romance, this book has substance, since it explores the reality and gravity of mental health issues today.
Through Violet’s and Finch’s alternating perspectives, readers get a glimpse into how their struggles can affect their mental health and lead them towards less-than-pleasant situations. It also stresses the importance of checking up on the people you love because you might never know the extent of what they’re going through and how it’s greatly affecting their overall health and well-being.
Although this book is classified as young adult fiction, I think a lot of people––whether they’re a teen or an adult––will greatly benefit from its messages, which are:
– There’s more to a person than what you see on the surface.
– Help is available to those who seek it.
– Everyone is going through struggles of their own, so it’s important to be kind.
Overall, I consider this another five-star read and I can’t wait to see more of what Jennifer Niven has to offer in her other novels.
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C. Militar Writes 