All The Bright Places- A Call Home

While searching for a light read, I stumbled upon a comfort book of mine, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. A book based on the author’s real-life instances, it follows two teenagers, Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, on a journey of healing the scars of their pasts as they begin to realise how different yet similar their lives have been. 

For a book written around the concept of mental health and its effects It doesn’t give the audience false hope and anticipation of a happy ending, which can be distressing as a reader since the author has crafted the characters in such a manner that almost everyone can find a trait that may hit too close to home. As Christy Lemire, a longtime critic, has said, the concept of the novel isn’t an “earth-shattering concept, but it’s one that’s as worthwhile as ever”, This comment reflects itself in the similarities seen between “All the Bright Places” and “Fault in Our Stars."

Niven’s writing style is the perfect mix of emotional and engaging; it highlights the complexities of each character and the details that resonate with them. Her storytelling technique is complex enough to be compelling, yet simple enough to bind you into it.

“All the Bright Places” might be capable of having the reader on the edge of their seat while allowing them to find comfort in its words, but it is heavily criticised for being emotionally intense, especially for the audience it targets, as it deals with themes of mental illness and suicide, which can be detrimental for young adults and certain individuals. However, it does open up several important discussions about seeking mental health.

Overall, "All the Bright Places" is a provocative and emotionally moving novel that addresses sensitive subjects with ease and realism. Jennifer Niven's captivating storytelling and complex characters make it an enjoyable read, but readers should be aware of the book's potential emotional impact.

By Anshika Kansal