"All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written young adult novel that explores themes of mental illness, grief, and the power of human connection. The story follows the unlikely friendship between Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, two high school students who are both struggling with their own personal demons.
Violet is grieving the loss of her sister and struggling to move on from the tragedy, while Finch is battling his own inner demons and contemplating suicide. Despite their differences, the two form a deep bond as they work together on a school project to explore the wonders of their home state of Indiana.
Niven's writing is both lyrical and raw, capturing the intense emotions and struggles of her characters with honesty and empathy. The relationship between Violet and Finch is beautifully developed, and the way they support and challenge each other is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
The novel also does a great job of addressing mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it, showing the importance of seeking help and opening up to others about one's struggles. Overall, "All the Bright Places" is a powerful and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.