A review by _toni_
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

This book absolutely romanticizes suicide, which made me dislike it more than I already did. The characters are nothing but stereotypes. A lot of reviews are saying Theo and Violet reminded them of John Green characters and I think that’s pretty much right on the money. There are some glimpses of brilliance sprinkled here and there throughout the story. Such as the Finch family refusing to accept what happened and calling it what it is because of the stigma attached to it. There’s a few good lines. Most notably to me how Violet will always associate the color blue with Theodore. That made me feel something.
Overall, I’d say this book relies way too heavily on stereotypical character archetypes that make it very difficult to feel for them. Theodore especially, felt so painfully unrealistic it was almost unbearable at times.
I fully believe it’s close to impossible to properly write a fictional story involving suicide, suicidal ideation, or mental illness in general. It’s such a monumental task, and takes such an immense talent and understanding, that I don’t think many could put it to paper properly.
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