All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

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I first saw All the Bright Places (Alfred A. Knopf, 2015) sitting on the nightstand in the guest bedroom at my brother’s house on top of a stack of books. Of course I had to go through the stack and see what was there. (It had been left by a librarian friend of my brother’s who didn’t have room in her luggage to take it with her.) This ARC, though, is the one that caught my eye. It looked interesting with the sticky notes of the front cover and the blurb on the back intrigued me. I had plenty of other books to read, though, so I put it back down and left it closed.

As soon as I returned home and started reading the flood of reviews–almost all of them raving about this book–I started kicking myself for not reading it while I had the chance or at least begging to take it with me. (I could have even snuck it into my suitcase and claimed not to know how it got there.) Thank goodness a trip for work took me back through Phoenix where I immediately grabbed the book and started reading.

Finch had me from the very first page. After all, he tells half the story and gets to start it off with “Is today a good day to die?” Even though he is standing at the top of the school bell tower, it must not be a good day to die. Not only does he not jump, but he talks down the popular Violet Markey–and then lets the story stand the she is the hero who saved him. (The truth is somewehere in the middle–they help each other.)

Violet has been frozen with grief ever since the death of her sistser in a car accident (which Violet survived). Finch bursts into her life with an energy that draws her out into the land of the living once again as they explore the weird and unusual landmarks of Indiana for a school project. While Voilet grows stronger on every page, Finch struggles with demons of his own that box him in more and more until he struggles to see any way out.

Yes, Jennifer Niven confronts some tough issues in this book–mental illness, suicide, grief, abuse. Yes, the end broke my heart and left me a blubbering mess. No, I did not find this book depressing. In fact, I found myself snorting many times as I read. It’s hard not to get carried away with Finch’s grand adventures–and he can be quite persistent. Just ask Violet, who finds herself exploring places and feelings far outside the boundaries she set for herself after her sister’s death. As she says, “With Finch, you never know.”

There are many things I love about this book: Niven’s unflinching, honest look at mental illness and suicide and grief. She doesn’t sugarcoat any of it and neither does she glamorize it. More importantly, she does’t sweep these issues under a rug and pretend they have no effect. The alternating narration allows her to get inside Finch’s mind and experience something of what it is like to be in the grip of mental illness. Violet’s chapters shows her own journey through grief-and her struggle to understand and help Finch as he spirals deeper into the trap of his own mind. Even through the toughest parts of this story, there is still hope.

I love the fact it’s set in my home state of Indiana. I want to go on my own wanderings to explore the more eccentric sights of my state. Alas, I cannot find any evidence of the bookmobile park, but I can visit the world’s largest ball of paint. Even more, I love the idea of experiencing the small moments with such great enthusiasm, even if it’s just the highest point in Indiana.

I love that the adults in their lives are not ignored. Finch’s parents are a disaster (unfortunately I have met parents even worse), but as Finch said, Violet hit the jackpot with her parents. They aren’t perfect, but they are there when she needs them. Even though teachers and school counselors play a small role, they are portrayed as caring if overworked. I especially liked Mr. Embry, the guidance counselor.

I love the fact that this is a book I want to share and to talk about. This is a book that can begin conversations–important conversations. As we begin talking about mental illness and grief and suicide, just maybe we can remove some of the stigma. Maybe people will offer support and help to those who struggle with mental illness instead of calling them “freaks.” Maybe we can save someone’s life.

Have you read All the Bright Places? What did you think?

2 Comments on All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

  1. Ricki Ginsberg
    June 9, 2015 at 11:50 am (9 years ago)

    Yes, yes, yes! I am so glad you loved All the Bright Places. I enjoyed hearing that in your previous post, but I loved reading the full review. I also found myself snorting in spots. This is a great book because, like you, it makes me want to go out and explore. Thanks for sharing your review. It’s been a little bit of time since I read this book, so reading your thoughts brought me back. đŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Mrs. McGriff
      June 9, 2015 at 2:21 pm (9 years ago)

      Yes! This is a book to inspire exploring and conversations. My next goal is to talk my daughter into reading it. I may have to apply stealth techniques by giving it to some of her friends (and former students (of mine) who discovered our library at home. If they read it and love it, they will talk her into reading it, just like they talked her back onto GoodReads!

      Reply

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