bookishactor's review against another edition
4.0
Brightside by Mark Tullius and read by Tee Quillin is a sci-fi horror novel exploring the question: what if telepathy was real? Examining the frightful implications of some members of society possessing the ability to read the thoughts of others and our culture’s reaction to the revelation of such people, those branded as “thought thieves” are exiled to the mountain town of Brightside where they are compelled to live apart from the rest of America. Some, as you might imagine, are discontent with this dystopian fate. Brightside is a genre bending story that at its best wields speculative fiction to invite the reader to examining contemporary and historical “othering” in American culture. Yet I was sometimes a bit bored with the plot and disappointed by the quantity of male gaze in this book - even if it IS about the inner thoughts of male characters - and found some characters to be less developed than others. Overall this was an enjoyable book, and I’ve bought the sequel, but I don’t know how quickly I’ll get to it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
saekoshiro's review against another edition
5.0
This really explores how effed up the world would be if we had abilities "out of the norm". Ever wonder what it would be like to be a telepath? Growing up that way? What about living in a town of nothing but telepaths? No secrets. So you think. The main character is so...average, and that's what makes it even better. When he does his 'big thing' it really brings to question the decision made that lead him there, not just for him, but for you too. What would you do? Well rounded, sometimes trashy, sometimes grotesque, and mostly intimately played out. How else could you do it when surrounded by everyone's thoughts??
henryarmitage's review against another edition
2.0
Story of telepathy and government oppression. This could have been better. I didn't like the protagonist, too whiny and wrapped up in his emotions.
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