"The Bright Places" is a realistic young adult novel about depression and suicide. Many are scared just by hearing these words, but we must recognize that these are situations that exist and happen every day all over the world.

A car accident that takes the life of Violet's sister and leaves her as the driver causes the teenage protagonist to shut herself off. Finch, a fellow classmate of Violet's, approaches her after seeing her behavior in order to become her friend. His countless and continuous efforts break down the young Violet and make her feel safer having a friend by her side. Thanks to a school project, the two teenagers are called to wander around their town in order to get to know and present its beauties shortly before they graduate and leave it. Thus, the two young people get to know each other better, open up, confess secrets, and... fall in love. But is love enough to pull someone out of the darkness that surrounds them?

Undoubtedly, this is a book that will definitely not bore you. It is one of those books that will make you think about your life and your future. It may remind you of events and situations that your friends have experienced. Perhaps you yourself have gone through some difficult situations in your life, moments that made you fall into deep sadness and struggle to get back up...

At several points, I felt like I completely understood the book's characters. The teenage period is particularly critical, as we observe through the story that young people are particularly sensitive and vulnerable, resulting in hasty decisions and putting their lives at risk.

Through the pages of the book, I got to know two young people whom I wanted to embrace and whisper to them that "everything will be okay." I "followed" them in all their wanderings and adventures in Indiana, "listened" to all their thoughts and concerns.

The descriptions and narratives were beautiful. The author chose a unique and original way to bring the two young people together, and I particularly appreciate that and look for it in most young adult books.

However, I admit that I didn't particularly connect with the protagonists, even though we are close in age and I fully understood their concerns. I believe that this particular book had more potential to become a deeply moving read. Perhaps someone who has experienced grief and melancholy can identify more with the characters.

Overall, it is a unique and special book that will make you reflect and make you think about whether you truly love yourself and the people around you, and if you give them the necessary importance to free them from loneliness.

Overall rating: 3.5/5