Staff Reviews

Jennifer Niven has written arguably one of the most realistic and voice driven novels (in young adult or otherwise) that I have read in a long time. All the Bright Places alternates between two narrators: Violet Markey, a girl coping with the untimely loss of her sister, and Theodore Finch, a boy fascinated with death and dying. They begin an unconventional relationship that is sure to tug less than gently at your heartstrings and will have you riding that proverbial emotional roller coaster all the way until the end. Shelve the comparisons to books like The Fault in Our Stars or Eleanor and Park that you may hear; All The Bright Places stands tall on its own.

I don't want to give too much away, but here goes. If you pick up this novel by Jennifer Niven, you will be beginning a journey where you won't regret a single step (or page as it may be). Violet is the "extenuating circumstances" girl who is stumbling through surviving a tragic loss. Theodore Finch is the captivatingly clever, whimsical, and lost boy who is helping Violet find her feet. Their story, told from both perspectives, is filled with all the thoughts we have held through our lives about doubt, loss, labels, bullying, love, and All the Bright Placesin between. V+F will definitely stay with me. Hopefully, they will with you as well.