All The Bright Places

     Jennifer Niven's book is often found to be a book that beautifully illustrates mental health. That being said, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy - thanks, Amber for the loan! While the depiction of mental health is spot on, I couldn't help but notice numerous flaws in this book.
    Perhaps the most persistent issue I faced with Niven's book, was that her characters lacked depth. Though they both showed signs of strength in their battles with their brains, they didn't have much substance beyond their mental health. Consequently, the only redeeming quality about Finch and Violet were their brains. While reading this book, I never really found a connection with either of the characters. When disaster struck, I was not particularly "sad" rather, I just turned the page and kept going. Truthfully, the only thing that kept me hooked on this novel was wanting to see how Niven was going to continue to portray mental health.
    While the characters didn't do much for me, I can appreciate the development in Violet that was portrayed quite well. At the start of the book, Violet was most certainly a lost soul. She was trying to cope with the death of her older sister, Eleanor, and was doing anything she could to find peace. By the end of the book, Violet has reclaimed her life and as no longer "the dead girls sister". This development really stuck out to me, even as I was reading the book I could notice the changes in dear Violet.
    On the other side of the coin is Finch. We see an amazing transition in Finch throughout the novel. The leading male figure in Niven's eighth book is a STUNNING display of mental health in today's youth. Though Finch doesn't mention a diagnosis when we first meet him, it is quite interesting to see the way his brain works. Throughout the book Finch demonstrates multiple symptoms and signs of quite a few mental health disorders, leaving readers questioning his well being and state.
   The portrayal of mental health in this book is glorious, and I cannot do it justice in this simple review. Niven's attention to detail and the complex interactions between Violet and Finch help to create a strong dynamic centered around mental health. From the change in Finch's persona, to the actions he takes, and the struggles Violet faces.
   With all this being said, I think the most memorable aspect of Niven's novel is the difference between her two main characters. Finch is struggling with significant mental health that he has had for quite a period of time, while Violet is facing a relatively new pain. This stuck out to me because it is important to know that not all mental health is the same. No two brains are the same, and not all people present their struggles and symptoms the same ways - something that Niven presents in an alluring fashion.
   Like I stated earlier, the only redeeming quality in this book, for me, was the mental health aspect. Though I personally did not find myself connected to either of characters, I wanted to see how the story ended for them. The writing approach that Niven took to these pages was unique in the terms of which she incorporated aspects of Finch and Violet's daily lives.
    Another thing I adored about Jennifer Niven's book was her use of labels. Throughout the book, Finch is constantly labeling himself - badass, 80's, etc.. However, when it comes to others labeling him, Finch gets quite uneasy and says that he doesn't want anyone to label him because that's all he becomes. This notion really stuck with me. Niven really captured this concept perfectly. With her characters she incorporated the idea that most people can't look beyond peoples labels - what you are, is all you are. With having Finch so worried about his label, Niven did an phenomenal job of reminding readers that we are more than our "definitions".
   Lastly, and possibly most importantly, Niven introduces an unexpected character who has struggled with thoughts of suicide. This surprising introduction screams that you never know who is hurting - something most people don't always remember. Just because someone is popular, an athlete, rich, etc. does not mean that they are "okay" or not hurting.
   I clearly sound like a broken record restating that I loved how much Niven discussed about mental health - but it is soooo important to discuss mental health and make it less taboo in our society. Moving on from mental health, I did really enjoy this book. But, as stated earlier, these characters didn't really "do it" for me. Without depth, how is anyone supposed to fall in love with characters?! Maybe her next book Holding Up the Universe will feature stronger character depth... one can only dream.  All in all, I give this book a 7/10. If you love mental health as much as I do, I recommend picking up a copy at your local bookstore!