Book Review: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Book Review: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

I’ve finished reading a book by Jennifer Niven that taught me about how we can be survivors for someone who has a difficult, traumatic, and painful life — someone who feels ignored by everyone and decides to end their life by suicide.

This book tells the story of Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, who both struggle with their lives and decide to end them by jumping from the bell tower in Purina Tower. Finch is bullied by his friends, who call him Theodore Freak, and he carries deep trauma because his father left his family and married someone else.
Meanwhile, Violet is traumatized by the death of her sister, Eleanor, who died in an accident that Violet feels was her fault.

In short, both of them fall in love because they think they share the same pain. Even though their problems are different, they have the same purpose — suicide.

Both of them grow closer because they have a class project for U.S. Geography, which requires them to explore places around Indianapolis. This project brings them into a relationship where they share everything with each other.

However, Finch starts to feel that he isn’t good enough for Violet. He thinks he can’t survive and that he’s just a “screwed-up boy.” Still, Violet tries to save him in every way she can — but sadly, Finch decides to end his life by drowning himself in a river.

Actually, the whole story teaches us to notice and not ignore people who are struggling with trauma, bullying, or pain. Because sometimes, just one second of attention can save someone from suicide.

I like how Jennifer Niven portrays Finch and Violet’s struggles with trauma and bullying. This story is not only about love or romance, but also about family, ignorance, mental health, survival, and suicide.
It’s complicated, but easy to understand as a whole.

On the other hand, I don’t like how Finch left his family and Violet by choosing death, even though he had the option to stay alive. Violet never gave up on him — she even asked her parents for help — while Finch’s parents never really understood their son’s feelings.

This book also teaches me to express my feelings and to never ignore a friend’s emotions when they clearly need help.

There are some quotes and words in this book that I highlighted — because they really cut deep.

FINCH’S WORDS

VIOLET’S WORDS

Thanks for reading! 📚 I’m Putri, a book enthusiast who loves to share reviews in a simple, thoughtful way. I believe every story has something to teach us. Looking for a book reviewer? I’d love to collaborate.