albina's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
makenna_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Outing, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Xenophobia, Racism, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Minor: Forced institutionalization
laylalovestoread's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I love the order every story goes In.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Death
Moderate: Bullying and Fatphobia
Minor: Abandonment and Body shaming
julesfreak's review
4.0
This is a tough but real look at depression and suicide that most who have experienced mental health issues will relate to. The characters, both teens and adults, are complex and genuine. Although the book did make me cry multiple times it isn't a downer, and the great writing makes it easy to read. This sort of book is important for teens to read and know they're not alone.
thomasmannia's review
3.0
Well-written and touching. I enjoyed it very much. Spoilers for “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson.
karreaderwriter's review
5.0
“The thing about depression: it makes our brains lie to us. Depression loves to linger in the dark and silent, and it is most dangerous there.”
This book deals with hard topics: depression and suicide.
Aaron and Tillie don’t know each other but both end up on The George Washington Bridge at the same exact time intending to jump. Both feel like they will never be good enough. Their lives don’t matter. They don’t matter.
What makes this book so unique is that there are four different stories with four different what ifs?
What if...
Aaron jumps and Tillie doesn’t
Tillie jumps and Aaron doesn’t
They both jump
Neither of them jumps
Each what if is told in a story. Each what if shows how life would change for everyone and defines the feelings of wanting to die and ultimately what it feels like to live.
I cried and I cheered. My heart literally broke at times. Bill Konigsberg writes with such heart and emotion. His writing reminded me a lot of the author David Levithan and after reading the acknowledgments I found out that David was the editor. Fans of this book would also like David Levithan’s books. My favorite being Everyday. Each of these authors have a way of showing how no matter who you are we are all the same: human.
I can’t wait to read more by Bill.
This book deals with hard topics: depression and suicide.
Aaron and Tillie don’t know each other but both end up on The George Washington Bridge at the same exact time intending to jump. Both feel like they will never be good enough. Their lives don’t matter. They don’t matter.
What makes this book so unique is that there are four different stories with four different what ifs?
What if...
Aaron jumps and Tillie doesn’t
Tillie jumps and Aaron doesn’t
They both jump
Neither of them jumps
Each what if is told in a story. Each what if shows how life would change for everyone and defines the feelings of wanting to die and ultimately what it feels like to live.
I cried and I cheered. My heart literally broke at times. Bill Konigsberg writes with such heart and emotion. His writing reminded me a lot of the author David Levithan and after reading the acknowledgments I found out that David was the editor. Fans of this book would also like David Levithan’s books. My favorite being Everyday. Each of these authors have a way of showing how no matter who you are we are all the same: human.
I can’t wait to read more by Bill.
lukeswinney's review
5.0
What an incredible book. I'm usually a little wary of "multiple timelines" in novels but this was so smartly done. Very thought provoking and powerful. I loved getting to meet the characters in the different timelines and you really get to see how one person (or two people!) can affect so many.
sarahkam's review
4.0
Two teens meet at the top of a bridge, both intent on ending their lives. Who will jump? Him? Her? Both? Neither?
In this book, all four of those happen. Broken into four parts, this novel explores the aftermath of suicide both for those who have contemplated and ultimately chosen not to, and for the families and friends left behind. Konisberg thoughtfully took on this difficult subject and delivered, ultimately reminding those who have contemplated ending their lives that there is hope on the other side. Toward the end, the story did begin to feel redundant as characters relived the same moments of their lives.
Ultimately though, worth the read.
In this book, all four of those happen. Broken into four parts, this novel explores the aftermath of suicide both for those who have contemplated and ultimately chosen not to, and for the families and friends left behind. Konisberg thoughtfully took on this difficult subject and delivered, ultimately reminding those who have contemplated ending their lives that there is hope on the other side. Toward the end, the story did begin to feel redundant as characters relived the same moments of their lives.
Ultimately though, worth the read.
lukemattomatsivut's review
5.0
Tämä kirja olisi jäänyt kantensa perusteella hyllyyn, mutta kun kuulin mistä se kertoo, oli ihan pakko lainata. Onneksi lainasin, sillä tämä on yksinkertaisesti upea kirja! Kaunis, ei todellakaan sitä mitä voisi nopeasti kuvitella. Hienovarainen ja monitasoinen kertomus surusta, joka tulee ennen ja jälkeen itsemurhan. Parhaita lukemiani mielenterveysaiheisia romaaneja. Nuortenkirjaksi yllättävän nokkela ja monitasoinen. En halua nostaa kenenkään odotuksia liian korkealle, mutta aiheesta luettavaa etsivät tuskin pettyvät tähän ainakaan pahasti - harvemmassa ovat kirjat jotka oikeasti keskittyvät mielenterveyteen näin isosti.