All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

All the Bright PlacesAll the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The thing I realize is that it's not what you take, it's what you leave." -Violet

Violet meets Theodore Finch at the top of a bell tower. An unlikely pair, they become important to each other, Violet as she heals following the accidental death of her sister, Eleanor, Finch, as he attempts to stay "awake," as he puts it. Finch is struggling with an undiagnosed mental illness. He has periods of darkness he cannot remember. During the course of the book, he appears manic, though I'm not sure a younger reader would pick up on the clues that he is suffering a mental health disorder, most likely manic depression. Told in first-person narrative, story is told through the viewpoints of both Violet and Finch. They become friends, then more than friends. Though Finch is hurting, he helps Violet emerge from her hurt. I really loved this book. I'd call it an Important Book. The themes of loss, grief, guilt, suicide, sex, and mental illness are approached honestly and carefully. Don't forget to read the author's notes at the end. Niven has personal experience with loved ones committing suicide. She includes mental health resources and the advice: "You are not alone. It is not your fault. Help is out there." A great young adult novel.

Jennifer Niven's online magazine (suspiciously like the one Violet creates in the book): Germ Magazine

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