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Theodore Finch is an ordinary high school student with non-ordinary thoughts. He is constantly searching for an answer as to why he is “awake” and when and how he will die. Violet Markey is beyond ready for her high school graduation and cannot help but count the days. Due to her sister dying in a car accident not long ago, Violet still has not recovered from the terrible tragedy and is struggling to stay positive. When they both begin to question the meaning of life, Violet and Theodore, better known as “Finch” end up on the edge of the bell tower at the same time and save each other from making permanently fatal mistakes. When Finch begins to develop feelings for Violet, but Violet can not match them, Finch finds himself trying harder and harder to win her over. When their teacher assigns them the ‘Wander Indiana’ project, Finch does not hesitate to partner up with Violet. This drags Violet away from the “popular kids” crowd and into a world of adventure and happiness with Finch. They explore the different parts of Indiana and begin to get to know each other better while forming an unbreakable bond and everlasting love. Although not everything is always rainbows and sunshine for the two of them. Finch is constantly struggling with not only physical fights with bullies at school, but also with his own father. Violet continues to grieve from her sister’s death and refuses to do things that she would normally do before the tragedy. After a magical night with Finch, Violet ends up falling asleep and failing to tell her parents. This is extremely alarming and terrifying for parents who have already lost one child and are not about to lose another, so they forbade Violet from seeing Finch. Their relationship begins to get rocky once Finch gets expelled from school, Violet continues to sneak around her parents to see Finch, and Finch decides to join a suicide support group which causes a fight between Violet and Finch. Finch makes a tragic decision that affects Violet greatly and let’s just say that not all endings end with a happily ever after.

The author does present many cliche characters such as Amanda Monk, the perfect popular cheerleader and even Violet Markey, a normal girl with popular friends, however Finch is another story. Theodore Finch is a character unlike any other, with his unique personality and dark and overwhelming thoughts. It is clear that he has a fixed mindset, and cannot think about anything else but death and the ways to die, and maybe Violet too. Ironically, Finch continues to teach Violet how to live even when all he can think about is dying which leads the readers to think he may be bipolar. The title of the story, “All the Bright Places,” seems to convey a more positive connotation. It symbolizes their love and the beauty in Violet and Finch’s adventuring to these “bright places.”

First off, the alternating perspectives of Finch and Violet is done beautifully and causes the readers to get the full grasp of both of their lives and what they are dealing with. Surprisingly, every time Finch begins to consider harming himself or making a life threatening decision, something good always stops him. This is what keeps us readers engaged and wanting to keep turning the pages. I beyond enjoyed reading this book and everything it had to offer from lighthearted young romance to the deeper lessons about how life is too short to dismiss opportunities and risks, therefore I rate it 10/10. Just make sure to not judge this book by its cover, as it discusses the more advanced and serious topic of teenage depression.

Check out All the Bright Places at the Newport Beach Public Library.