All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

All The Bright Places
Written by Jennifer Niven
Contemporary
Expected Publication January 7th 2015
400 Pages
The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this compelling, exhilarating, and beautiful story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it's unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the 'natural wonders' of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries, it’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself, a weird, funny, live out loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.
Theodore Finch has always been defined by a label. He's the strange one, the freak, the boy that marches to the beat of his own drum. His father couldn't stand his own family, so replaced them with a newer version and his mother is absent even when she's in the same room. Finch knows what it's like to feel the darkness creeping in, smothering your hope, your thoughts, until the day comes when you decide to Sleep. But standing on top of the Bell Tower at school and contemplating the end, he never expected to find Violet Markey fighting her own despair.

Violet lives in a world of false smiles and broken dreams, since the tragic death of her sister. Formerly dating the all American high school athlete, pretty as she is popular. But her world shattered the day she woke up in the hospital without her best friend, the surviving daughter that struggles to find the will to live.

What begins as a school project to explore Indiana, turns into a tentative friendship. The two begin to Wander, leaving a piece of themselves behind at every location. The laughter, the tears and sadness, the two teens are simply chasing that one perfect day.

My Thoughts


All The Bright Places is the most remarkable, tender and poignant young adult novel that you'll ever have the privilege of reading. Told from two different perspectives in Finch and Violet, the two teens understand a deep depression that most if us couldn't fathom, and at such a tender age. Violet has lost her sister in a tragic road accident in which she survived, but her grief is merely absorbed and she feels incredibly lonely. Her parents expect her to start maintaining a 'normal' life, although through their own despair, refuse to talk about their loss.

Finch hasn't experienced loss, but physical abuse at the hands of his father, his mother neglects her children and is bullied, beaten and broken each day at school. His thoughts are of the options he has to take his own life, but has never taken the next step. He is crying out for help in a home that ignores his pleas and a school system which sees his troubled behaviour as worthy of threats and punishment. Until he meets Violet.

Their adventures, chasing the beauty of Indiana and leaving a part of themselves behind was whimsical, spirited and carefree. But behind the joy and laughter was an underlying sadness, a darkness that returns when the brightness of day can no longer hide our inner thoughts. Neither Finch or Violet were understood, a cry for help simply being labelled as sadness or an excuse, when even in our own communities metal illnesses isn't always recognised or acknowledged.
I'm the freak. I'm the weirdo. I'm the troublemaker. I start fights. I let people down. Don't make Finch mad, whatever you do. Oh, there he goes again, in one of his moods. Moody Finch. Angry Finch. Unpredictable Finch. Crazy Finch. But I'm not a compilation of symptoms. Not a causality of shitty parents and an even shittier chemical makeup. Not a problem. Not a diagnosis. Not an illness. Not something to be rescued. I'm a person.
The prose throughout was lyrical and incredibly beautiful, even quoting passages of Virginia Woolf. This surpasses any novel John Green or Rainbow Rowell could have created. Jennifer Niven is a phenomenal storyteller, a breathtaking author and this could quite possibly be the story of a generation.

39 comments

  1. I NEED THIS BOOK. Gosh, it sounds so beautiful and heartrending! Thank you for your amazing review, Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Hazel and you totally do. It's absolutely phenomenal and one of THE books, not only of 2014, but that everyone should read.

      Delete
  2. I have this to read ad I'm really excited. I just might peek at the ending because if it's sad I need to know...
    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no but you'll spoil it. This is one of those books that's all about the journey Jen, not necessarily the destination. No peeking poppet!

      Delete
  3. Sounds like a heartbreaker, I love the cover.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's simply beautiful Shelleyrae and the post it notes are such a pivotal part of the storyline as well. I just can't recommend this book highly enough.

      Delete
  4. What excellent praise! Definitely something I'll be checking out soon. I love sad, realist books especially when they explore depression with teenagers - it's a sad, poignant read that I know I'll love. Great review :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My thoughts exactly Mawa. But it's much more than a heartbreaking and poignant contemporary, it's also an adventure and a beautiful story of finding love when you least expect it.

      Delete
  5. THIS SOUNDS POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL. I NEED THIS ONE, KELLY. How are you doing this to me?

    You know what lyrical prose does to me and now I'm even more intrigued. Honestly, I haven't read anything poignant in so long and I need something like this in my life. I'm definitely going to have to pick this on up, considering how much you LOVED it. Fabulous review, Kelly! <3 You're making me want this terribly. And considering it's released on my birthday, I totally see that as I sign haha a

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jess, this will be the best birthday present you ever give yourself.

      Finch's character is all about the lyrical prose. There's something about his inner thoughts that remind me a little of Tahereh Mafi's writing. Seeing something so simplistic and seeing the beauty in the world that others don't necessarily see. The flip side is his thoughts about suicide and even seeing the beauty in dying. So incredibly heartbreaking, but the writing, gosh. It's sadly beautiful and I can't wait to see what you think of it.

      Delete
  6. Only one month to go until release, and then I can experience this brilliant book for myself. I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT. IT SOUNDS AMAZING OH MY GOODNESS. Seriously I am so pumped you would not even believe. I'll be in England on release date and I think I might have to sneak over to a bookstore :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must! Cartwheel in if you have to. Just grab a copy Em, you definitely won't regret it. Oh, and don't forget the tissues. You'll need them.

      Delete
  7. Wow! - I've added it to my "to read" list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to see what you think of it Sarah, you'll absolutely love this one.

      Delete
  8. KELLY I NEED THIS BOOK GAHHHH. When does it come out? I'm going to see if I can get my hands on it through the library or the bookstore! But this does sound so, real? raw? I can definitely see the John Green and Rainbow Rowell similarity. AWESOME REVIEW KELLY!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. January 7th, which I think is also the US release date as well. Really, John Green fails in comparison to the brilliance of this book, that's how phenomenal it is. I hope you can get your hands on a copy soon poppet, it's just beautiful.

      Delete
  9. This sounds really angsty. :( I don't know what to do with myself whenever I'm faced with such a book. You make me want to read it, though. Even though I know it's going to make feel miserable. Ack. Your review. Love. Love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not actually, especially given the underlying theme of the book. It celebrates living foremost, but it's incredibly sad at the same time. It's emotional and will leave you pretty much on the floor. But it's a must read Joy. It's a big call, but this is THE book of 2014.

      Delete
  10. THIS WAS SUCH A SAD BUT BEAUTIFUL BOOK! *cries* I'm almost tempted not to recommend it because I don't want people's hearts to break like ours both did; but, on the other hand, it's such an important novel that I can't help but want to give it to everyone. The characterization and the slight psychological study in them made it so incredibly realistic and relatable. And I think Theodore & Violet's romance was oh-so-sweet. Thanks for the review Kelly! ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know exactly how you feel Zoe. You want to shove it at people and demand they read it, it's sad, but it's so important for others to read this one. It was the realism that drew me in, from school, to family and relationships of those around them. If this isn't nominated in the Goodreads awards next year, I'll eat my hat.

      Delete
  11. When penguin teen tweeted the picture asking for words to put on the post it I knew this is gonna be a book I need in my life! I might also need a box of tissues and chocolates when I read this. Great review! ahhh January come sooner!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll need more than one block. Just saying.

      I remember that on Twitter, and the ARC copy came with those same post it notes scattered throughout the pages, which made it extra special. All those that contributed, we got to keep a little piece of that. But the book itself, phenomenal. EVERYONE needs to read this.

      Delete
  12. I NEED TO READ THIS!!! I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT TO COME OUT!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You totally do Renee. Brace yourself though, you're in for one hell of an emotional ride.

      Delete
  13. Oh, this sounds so beautifully tragic and uplifting and ALL THE THINGS. I feel like I really need a poignant and heartbreaking book to drag me out of my reading slump, because nothing is touching my cold heart lately!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If this doesn't drag you out, nothing will. Oh Allie, it's beautiful, sad, bittersweet. It has ALL the feels. I was so overcome reading this one, I still can't move past it.

      Delete
  14. "Jennifer Niven is a phenomenal storyteller, a breathtaking author and this could quite possibly be the story of a generation."

    Wow. Just wow. I think you've basically summed up the reason I need to this is ASAP in one sentence.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Everyone needs to read this one. Even readers who shy away from young adult, Parents, teachers, and the general reading public. It's incredibly poignant and quite possibly book of the year. I can't wait to see what you think of it Joy.

      Delete
  15. I honestly don't have anything to say about this book anymore, other than I NEED IT. January can't come soon enough. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Kell - and loved reading your thoughts! This is one I'll definitely be buying on release day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We'll have to start a support group once it's released. This book really has the power to destroy you. I can't wait to see what you think of it!

      Delete
  16. WOOOW this book sounds freaking emotional having both of those characters rely on each other so much! And that quote totally broke my heart. Really wonderful review Kelly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's brilliant Jeann. You need to buy, beg or borrow a copy as soon as it comes out. There are no words.

      Delete
  17. I definitely need this book in my life! Brilliant Review Kelly as per usual :D I CANT WAIT TO READ IT! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Becks, you'll absolutely love this one, no doubt. I'm so excited for you to read it!

      Delete
  18. This has made me even more excited to keep reading this book - I just started it and read a few pages, and I'm hooked already! Lyrical prose that matches an equally emotional storyline always appeals to me, and I'm hoping that I end up liking this one as much as you did. Thanks for sharing Kelly :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't WAIT to see what you think of it Eugenia, it was absolutely brilliant. Book of the year for me.

      Delete
  19. I am so so so so excited about this book I think I'm crying. I've heard nothing but good praises for this book. And I am so glad you loved it, Kelly!!! I'm sure this book will make me cry. But I hope it will not leave me broken :( Is it HEA Kelly? Is it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't tell you that Paula, wouldn't want to ruin it for you. But I can tell you the ending isn't open and doesn't pull a John Green on us. You'll absolutely love this one. It was simply phenomenal.

      Delete
  20. Yay! I'm so glad you loved this one as well. I completely agree that the writing was so amazing. It literally just blew my mind. The way it was so lyrical yet so good at capturing the characters. Can't wait until it comes out so I can start making everyone read it!

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.