All the Bright Places

by Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Places cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 9970
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780141357041
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2015-01-08
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

All the Bright Places is a compelling story about Theodore Finch, a boy who struggles with depression but tries to find the good in the world, and Violet Markey, a girl who is counting the days until she can leave her painful past behind. Their chance meeting on a tower ledge turns into a journey of self-discovery and love. Finch helps Violet live in the moment, while she brings out the joy in him. However, as Violet's world expands, Finch's begins to shrink, leading to a heart-wrenching exploration of mental health and the power of love. This book has been praised for its emotional depth and has been compared to The Fault in Our Stars. It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately, appreciate the bright places in life.

Reviews
Life of a Female Bibliophile · 2026-01-05
insightful 4.50

The novel was eye-opening and provided a unique perspective on dealing with depression.

This reviewer found the novel to be truly eye-opening, as it placed them in the perspective of a character dealing with depression. They commended the author for tackling such a serious and often misunderstood topic. The reviewer also appreciated the emotional depth and the way the story explored the complexities of mental health. They felt that the book was a valuable read for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of depression and its impact on individuals.

Quick quotes

    Through reading this novel I found it to be truly eye-opening to be placed in the pov of a character who deals with depression.

    I also commend Jennifer Niven for tackling such a serious and often misunderstood topic.

    The book is a valuable read for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of depression and its impact on individuals.

The Guardian · 2015-03-12
engaging 4.00

The book was engaging and kept the reader hooked until the end. It explores complex emotions and themes in a compelling way.

This reviewer found the book to be a very interesting read that kept them engaged until the very end. They appreciated the emotional depth and the way the story tackled complex themes. The narrative was gripping, and the characters were well-developed, making it a memorable read. The reviewer also noted that the book had a significant impact on them, causing their mind to race with thoughts and emotions as they reached the three-quarters mark.

Quick quotes

    This book was a very interesting read and had me hooked until the very end.

    Three-quarters of the way through my mind was racing and I just couldn't put it down.

    It's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Disability in Kidlit · Alex Townsend · 2015-01-16
disturbing 1.00

The book was found to be problematic and potentially harmful, particularly for those dealing with mental health issues.

Alex Townsend found the book to be deeply troubling and potentially dangerous, especially for readers who are dealing with mental health issues. They were particularly critical of the way the book handled sensitive topics, feeling that it could be harmful rather than helpful. The reviewer also noted that the book's portrayal of mental illness was not only inaccurate but also potentially triggering for some readers.

Quick quotes

    All The Bright Places actually confirms this and it truly disgusts me.

    Reading this book is not only dangerous to people suffering from mental health issues.

    The book's portrayal of mental illness is not only inaccurate but also potentially triggering.

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