A Book Review of Jennifer Niven’s All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places is a phenomenal book by Jennifer Niven which is based on the author's
personal story. It looks at the idea that despite your love for someone, it isn’t always possible to
save them. Violet and Finch meet on the top of the bell tower when both are contemplating
suicide and it is unclear who saves who; but they both survive. Violet is coming to terms with a
past tragedy and Finch is battling with his mental health.
The project results in them sharing road trips which causes them to grow closer and closer as
they both frantically try to give the other a reason to live. A reason before it is too late. Finch is
so obsessed with death but for Violet he finds reasons to live. Violet is so consumed with guilt
but for Finch she puts the past behind her. They both try. They both want to make it. Even love
can’t fix everything though, and I think throughout the text the characters start to learn this but
they won’t let themselves believe it, they want this relationship to be enough to keep them both
alive.

The book constantly explores life and death and it shows the reader just how valid life is, and it
comes with an overpowering message of doing everything before it is too late. It shows that the
thought of ‘what could have been’ can destroy a person.