All the Bright Places Review

About: All the Bright Places is a realistic fiction novel written by Jennifer Niven. This book was published on 1/6/2015 by Knopf, 378 pages. The genres are young adult, contemporary, romance, fiction, mental illness, etc. The author has a new book coming out called Holding Up the Universe and it’s currently available on NetGalley. Go request your ARC everyone!

My Experience: I started reading All the Bright Places on 10/2/16 and finished it on 10/4/16. I had to push this book up my TBR list because I have heard many compliments and I just couldn’t help myself. The cover is cute and light hearted and I do need a change in scenery after my last read. It’s a read least expected. Overall, the book is a good read for someone who is sad and needed to be reminded to look at the bright side. I usually keep myself happy by reminding myself to think positive and so reading this book, I find that it’s depressing. Due to this book being fiction, I don’t know if the so-called facts were truth or made up. In general, the topic is important and should be reminded, especially to those unhappy individuals. I normally blame the parents for their lack of hands on family quality time with their kids that cause them to be unhappy and withdrawal. I also blame parents for the physical discipline that cause long-term damage to individuals. But then there are individuals that are born with these labels that the doctors give out and then my blames doesn’t work in these situations anymore because they are beyond our control.. they must be due to the GMO foods we ate, the medications we took, the chemicals we are exposed, etc. And the bullying is the worst of all.

This book has ups and downs like a moody person. I don’t like reading the different ways a person can end his/her life and fiction facts of the deaths of those so-called famous people. The book mentioned a lot about Virginia Wolf. A fiction book is a made up story but is any of these truth? I’m confused reading this part, which takes up majority of the book. I do like that the author allows the main characters to take a moment and smell the flower so to speak. They explore different places that are unique and places no one goes out of their way to see. I like when Theo and his sister separate out the good words from the mean words.

I learned that there is good in this world, if you look hard enough for it. I learned that not everyone is disappointing, including me, and that a 1,257 foot bump in the ground can feel higher than a bell tower if you’re standing next to the right person. 286/1028.

Theodore Finch is smart but grew up in a broken home. I am angry at the mom for being self-absorbed and not put herself aside so that she can be strong for her kids. I am angry at his dad for the physical discipline he gives and then walks away as if none is his problem. Theo is either ignored or bullied. Such a sad, sad life. Years of abuse, what can one expect? The adults disappointed him so he turns away from their help.

Violet Markey grew up in a loving family. She lost her sister to an accident. She took it hard and Theodore Finch came along and bring her out of her shell. He introduces her to different places and see new things.. wandering. She was able to love again and to look at people in a different way. Those people that popular girls like her used to ignore, she became their friends. She believes in the adults because her parents always look out for her.

Update: from my discussion with Jackie B @ deathbytsundoku, I have learned that the references to Virginia Woolf is real and the death statistics are real. I read about Virginia Woolf’s early childhood and her death and I am liking this book more, so I add another half star to my rating.

Pro: a reminder to look at the bright side, explore the uniqueness of where you live, be a good friend, be a happy family, supportive, to think of others

Con: realistic fiction – how much is real? those so-called facts – is it truth? I’m confused.

I rate it 4.5 stars!

Grab yourself a copy here: Book Depository

***Disclaimer: I borrowed this ebook from my library on Overdrive and my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine