Book Thoughts: All The Bright Places

"...it's not what you take, it's what you leave."

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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.

- Goodreads Summary

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Oh my... no, no, no. This isn't happening. 

And then it did. 

And then I cried. 

Goodness, this book. It caught me off guard.

Wow. Just wow. I went into All the Bright Places not knowing it would hit me this hard. I didn’t expect this book to be like that— to make me feel so much, so deeply. There were so many moments, so many layers of emotion, that it almost felt overwhelming.

The story felt so deep and intense. The characters felt so incredibly real. Finch and Violet were two characters who got into me. 

I loved how their journey unfolded through wandering—how something as simple as exploring places became something meaningful, something healing. I loved Finch for bringing Violet out. He’s a witty, thoughtful, and interesting character. He reminded me a bit of Gus from The Fault in Our Stars, but Finch carries his own unique kind of charm. There’s something truly special about him… Oh, Finch!

And Violet—watching her slowly open up, and step out—it was gentle and beautiful.

This book made me want to wander too. To see places from others' points of view. To understand that what may seem simple to one person can mean everything to someone else.

It also touches on deeply important and delicate issues—reminding us to be more present, more compassionate, and more mindful of the people around us.

It's one of those books that I know will stay with me. It got me thinking. It left a hole in my heart.

I finished it speechless.

Oh, Jennifer Niven… what have you done?

This is a remarkey-able, beautiful, special, and heart-wrenching story.

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