storylinesandstars's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
This was a fantastic book.
It was authentic; the characters felt real and believable. The author didn't romanticize them or idolize them in any way. The dynamics between peers and parents felt truthful and not forced.
It was raw; the author talked about serious topics unapologetically. But still in a way that was sensitive and considerate of the subject matter. The different scenarios was an interesting, but insightful, take.
This was a fantastic book.
It was authentic; the characters felt real and believable. The author didn't romanticize them or idolize them in any way. The dynamics between peers and parents felt truthful and not forced.
It was raw; the author talked about serious topics unapologetically. But still in a way that was sensitive and considerate of the subject matter. The different scenarios was an interesting, but insightful, take.
juusosalmi_'s review against another edition
3.0
Trigger Warnings: suicidal ideation, suicide, fatphobia
"A lot of his live is lived in his head, he realizes, which makes it all more ironic that he is, as of today, diseased in the head"
From page 49. This quote really resonated with me. I used to spend (and still do) a lot of my time imagining and playing with my mind, so the thought that depression has made my mind my biggest enemy, is terrifying.
The Bridge by Bill Konigsberg is a wonderful book about mental illness. The Bridge centers around Tillie and Aaron (but also those in their lives) and it has been separated into 4 distinct parts. Every part somehow leads to both of them standing on George Washington Bridge meaning to take their lives. After that, we go through four possible ways of things happening and four different endings...
In the first one, Aaron sees Tillie jump to her death, but decides to stay.
In the second one, Tillie sees Aaron jump to his death, but decides to stay.
In the third one, they both jump.
And in the fourth one they decide to both stay.
This was pretty touching story about mental healt (or rather mental illness, yes there is a huge difference!) but honestly I found the afterwords the most touching. However I found this to be realistic story and honestly Bill Konigsber managed to write (probably through his own experience) one of the best describtion (atleast, to me!) on depression. I seek books about depression, to understand myself better but also to see how other may feel. This book had possibly representation on depression, that managed to be the closest to my own experience (not necessarily saiying, that representation is automatically bad if I have different experience!)
Also, when I first heard of this book, I thought it would be about how selfish depression is and how someone who kills themselves is a terrible person and leaves those who love him grieving, but I was curious to see if it actually is that. Glad to say, it wasn't! It shows what may bring someone to these thoughts and it does show the aftermath of suicide but on a very respectful way!
The last part was also beautiful! I thought it would be about both of them just mystically not being depressed, but it was (atleast, to me) more about seeking help before it is too late! I truly adored that message!
"A lot of his live is lived in his head, he realizes, which makes it all more ironic that he is, as of today, diseased in the head"
From page 49. This quote really resonated with me. I used to spend (and still do) a lot of my time imagining and playing with my mind, so the thought that depression has made my mind my biggest enemy, is terrifying.
The Bridge by Bill Konigsberg is a wonderful book about mental illness. The Bridge centers around Tillie and Aaron (but also those in their lives) and it has been separated into 4 distinct parts. Every part somehow leads to both of them standing on George Washington Bridge meaning to take their lives. After that, we go through four possible ways of things happening and four different endings...
In the first one, Aaron sees Tillie jump to her death, but decides to stay.
In the second one, Tillie sees Aaron jump to his death, but decides to stay.
In the third one, they both jump.
And in the fourth one they decide to both stay.
This was pretty touching story about mental healt (or rather mental illness, yes there is a huge difference!) but honestly I found the afterwords the most touching. However I found this to be realistic story and honestly Bill Konigsber managed to write (probably through his own experience) one of the best describtion (atleast, to me!) on depression. I seek books about depression, to understand myself better but also to see how other may feel. This book had possibly representation on depression, that managed to be the closest to my own experience (not necessarily saiying, that representation is automatically bad if I have different experience!)
Also, when I first heard of this book, I thought it would be about how selfish depression is and how someone who kills themselves is a terrible person and leaves those who love him grieving, but I was curious to see if it actually is that. Glad to say, it wasn't! It shows what may bring someone to these thoughts and it does show the aftermath of suicide but on a very respectful way!
The last part was also beautiful! I thought it would be about both of them just mystically not being depressed, but it was (atleast, to me) more about seeking help before it is too late! I truly adored that message!
scott_thelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
TW: suicide, bullying
This book is something special. It is extremely difficult to read, but it has such an important message. The discussion of suicide is still somewhat taboo in our society. I think we need more books and discussions like this, so those with suicidal ideations feel like there is help. This book takes a very hard look at suicide and provides readers with a view at what could happen after someone commits suicide, what happens if something stops them from taking that step, and the ripple effect of either outcome. It’s a brave story that I believe many people should read but be prepared to experience difficult discussions and topics. I’ve been there and know first hand what it’s like to stand on that metaphorical bridge, and I feel that if books and discussions like this were no longer taboo, I would have felt less alone.
This book is something special. It is extremely difficult to read, but it has such an important message. The discussion of suicide is still somewhat taboo in our society. I think we need more books and discussions like this, so those with suicidal ideations feel like there is help. This book takes a very hard look at suicide and provides readers with a view at what could happen after someone commits suicide, what happens if something stops them from taking that step, and the ripple effect of either outcome. It’s a brave story that I believe many people should read but be prepared to experience difficult discussions and topics. I’ve been there and know first hand what it’s like to stand on that metaphorical bridge, and I feel that if books and discussions like this were no longer taboo, I would have felt less alone.
ijustreadthisbook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Be still my heart. This is one the most important books ANYONE needs to read. Amen.
wintersdoe's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.25
lordleeknow's review against another edition
3.0
- I feel like I should rate this 4 stars because it is objectively quite good, but I’m not sure if I’ll change it to 3 stars because I feel like this book isn’t really for me. (Ended up changing it to 3 stars)
- Before we get into the plot, one thing that annoyed me in the blurb was that it says “Aaron jumps, and Tillie doesn’t” before “Tillie jumps, and Aaron doesn’t” even though that’s not the same order as it was in the book - but that’s a bit nitpicky.
- I think this book was an imaginative, critical and emotional exploration of suicide and the effects it can have on not just the person themselves, but also the people around them. The main characters felt very real to me, and their struggles felt relatable and well thought out.
- I think the concept of alternate timelines is a really interesting one, and I was intrigued when I read the blurb. And you’ll find that the book is exactly what it describes in the blurb.
- I liked how the author planted specific scenes that were canonically there in every timeline, only slightly altered depending on the events on the bridge. For example, when Aaron and his dad are listening to the musician in the park and it’s a very lovely moment, but when Aaron isn’t there, it is a very heartbreaking moment as the dad is alone.
- All that said, I don’t feel like this book is my cup of tea. I generally prefer a more lighthearted and action-packed plot; the latter isn’t really true for The Bridge. It relies on more of a slow-paced plot that focuses more on the characters and their development. If you love books like these, though, I’d definitely recommend this book.
- I couldn’t imagine the setting at all. I’m not American nor have I ever been to New York, and all the street names and subway stations were so confusing to me as they’re all basically numbers
- Before we get into the plot, one thing that annoyed me in the blurb was that it says “Aaron jumps, and Tillie doesn’t” before “Tillie jumps, and Aaron doesn’t” even though that’s not the same order as it was in the book - but that’s a bit nitpicky.
- I think this book was an imaginative, critical and emotional exploration of suicide and the effects it can have on not just the person themselves, but also the people around them. The main characters felt very real to me, and their struggles felt relatable and well thought out.
- I think the concept of alternate timelines is a really interesting one, and I was intrigued when I read the blurb. And you’ll find that the book is exactly what it describes in the blurb.
- I liked how the author planted specific scenes that were canonically there in every timeline, only slightly altered depending on the events on the bridge. For example, when Aaron and his dad are listening to the musician in the park and it’s a very lovely moment, but when Aaron isn’t there, it is a very heartbreaking moment as the dad is alone.
- All that said, I don’t feel like this book is my cup of tea. I generally prefer a more lighthearted and action-packed plot; the latter isn’t really true for The Bridge. It relies on more of a slow-paced plot that focuses more on the characters and their development. If you love books like these, though, I’d definitely recommend this book.
- I couldn’t imagine the setting at all. I’m not American nor have I ever been to New York, and all the street names and subway stations were so confusing to me as they’re all basically numbers