In our everyday lives, we are constantly creating moments. Whether they are small or big, they can have a meaningful affect in our daily lives or internal self.

All The Bright Places is a new young adult novel written by Jennifer Niven that was published on Jan. 6^th, 2015. I think that Niven honestly portrays how small and insignificant moments, such as labeling others, can have a significant impact on how somone sees themsleves, even if they do not show it to others.

Reality of Teens with Mental Illness?

The storylines centers around two seniors in high school named Theodore Finch and Violet Markey. Finch, an outsider, who is constantly fascinated by the idea of planning his death, decides to attempt to commit suicide by jumping off the ledge of his school building.

Violet Markey, who is still grief-stricken by a car accident that her sister was killed in, has given up her passion for writing and does not look forward to anything but counting down the days till graduation.

When Violet and Finch meet on the ledge of their school building, each intending to take their own life, they surprisingly convince one another not to jump. Instead, they form an unlikely friendship and help each other out of their depression.

I felt this book was beautifully written because it explains the concept that you cannot always save somebody from himself or herself. Before reading this book, this was something that I knew but never really understood about mental illness.

Finch compares his inner self as being Awake or Asleep. When Awake, Finch is forced to accept his father’s abusiveness towards him, ignorance of his mother, and being labeled as a “freak” or “disappointment.” But when Finch meets Violet, he pushes himself to help her see the beauty of small things, before he goes back into a state of depression and suicidal thoughts (asleep).

While reading, I felt I was not only able to understand Finch’s constant battle with himself, but also others who might feel that way as well.

I realize more so now, that it is important to recognize that loving others can go along way and we must not take others feelings for granted. All The Bright Places encourages yourself and those around you to help others, who may have mental problems, and prevent suicidal thinking.

What else is Lovely?

 “All the Bright Places shines, standing out from the rest,” Bustle Magazine said.

I agree with Bustle Magazine when they say that All The Bright Places is special and unique. In all, it teaches you the influence that someone may have on another person and what they leave behind matters.

This book was named # 13 on a weekly Bestseller list in Jan. 2015. It has been recommended for people who have enjoyed John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, or Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor and Park.