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on August 27, 2016
Now that I've pulled myself together and have a clear head I can honestly say that while I did cry at the end I didn't fall head over heels in love with this. I know I'm definitely in the minority on my feelings here after reading so many 5 star reviews. It was that the writing was awful it was that the story didn't do much for me until about the half way mark. It took me a while to finish because I was having such a hard time reading this. It was until Katie tells Keller her secret that the story really starts to move. Now Keller and Stella is where I found the best story. I thought that Keller would have gotten his story next but I guess Gus spoke to the author more. After what Keller has lost I definitely thing he needs a hea. Especially if it's years done the road like when Stella is about 8 or 10. Just my opinion!
An emotional roller-coaster that will change your outlook on life... Not your traditional happily ever after... Bring tissues!
on November 9, 2014
I don't normally write reviews because so many authors write the same story, different characters and I get depressed thinking about writing the same review for different books, different authors.
I want to start by saying that I downloaded a sample of this book based solely on my Amazon recommendations and the 4+ star rating. I wasn't impressed by the sample content. The main character said "dude" so many times I almost quit reading before I could even finish the sample. She felt like a cliche, snarky, California-surfer girl and I was hoping for someone more serious, thoughtful, and intellectual. I pushed my way through the sample and then went back to the book description page and read some of the reviews.
So many people were impressed by this book and the emotions it evoked so I decided to give it another chance and I purchased it and continued the story.
I'll never regret it...
As it turns out, the main character is anything but a cliche. She is so incredibly different that most of the people who we will encounter in our lives. She is strong and positive and her nickname is fitting. Sometimes we encounter that rare person in our lives who brings the sunshine everywhere he or she goes- their presence will light up a room and even the most sour grape will feel better for meeting that one person who is honest, and selfless, and who genuinely cares about the welfare of every person he or she meets.
But the stars that burn the brightest are often the stars that burn the shortest...
I don't want to give up the storyline in a review, but if you're a sucker for laughing, crying, falling in love, crying some more, and resolving to live a better life, then this is fabulous read. If you like characters who are different, relationships that don't always make sense, characters with realistic strengths and flaws, and if you can appreciate that some happily-ever-afters aren't blatantly obvious, then this is the next book you should read.
While I would NOT change the ending because I appreciate the story as-is, I do wish that there would have been more of Kate's perspective in the end. I also wish there was a little more insight into the resolutions of the other characters as the book came to it's finale. The little insight that was provided left too much to my interpretation and after I was left wondering how much their lives would continue to change. I am hopeful.
Thank you Kim Holden for writing something so thoughtful and touching, heart-breaking, and healing. I think I needed a good cry and some resolve to live more often on the "bright side" of my own life.
I want to start by saying that I downloaded a sample of this book based solely on my Amazon recommendations and the 4+ star rating. I wasn't impressed by the sample content. The main character said "dude" so many times I almost quit reading before I could even finish the sample. She felt like a cliche, snarky, California-surfer girl and I was hoping for someone more serious, thoughtful, and intellectual. I pushed my way through the sample and then went back to the book description page and read some of the reviews.
So many people were impressed by this book and the emotions it evoked so I decided to give it another chance and I purchased it and continued the story.
I'll never regret it...
As it turns out, the main character is anything but a cliche. She is so incredibly different that most of the people who we will encounter in our lives. She is strong and positive and her nickname is fitting. Sometimes we encounter that rare person in our lives who brings the sunshine everywhere he or she goes- their presence will light up a room and even the most sour grape will feel better for meeting that one person who is honest, and selfless, and who genuinely cares about the welfare of every person he or she meets.
But the stars that burn the brightest are often the stars that burn the shortest...
I don't want to give up the storyline in a review, but if you're a sucker for laughing, crying, falling in love, crying some more, and resolving to live a better life, then this is fabulous read. If you like characters who are different, relationships that don't always make sense, characters with realistic strengths and flaws, and if you can appreciate that some happily-ever-afters aren't blatantly obvious, then this is the next book you should read.
While I would NOT change the ending because I appreciate the story as-is, I do wish that there would have been more of Kate's perspective in the end. I also wish there was a little more insight into the resolutions of the other characters as the book came to it's finale. The little insight that was provided left too much to my interpretation and after I was left wondering how much their lives would continue to change. I am hopeful.
Thank you Kim Holden for writing something so thoughtful and touching, heart-breaking, and healing. I think I needed a good cry and some resolve to live more often on the "bright side" of my own life.
on June 1, 2017
I was really late to the game with this one. I was obviously living in a vacuum and hadn't heard about it until maybe six months ago. Even then, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it. I get that way when I come across things that everyone seems to fervently love. I figure it will never live up to the hype, so I avoid it. But then I was in the mood for something that would gut me (because I love that stuff), and this book crossed my mind, and I figured, why not? I'm glad I did. It gutted me a bit and I definitely cried (if you've never read any of my other posts, this is something that does not happen very often, it's hard to melt my cold, icy heart). So I know you're wondering, do I think it lived up to the hype? Mostly. Is it my favorite gut-wrenching, yet inspiring story? No. But I really did enjoy it, and it was definitely one of my favorite reads this month.
on October 14, 2015
I've never read a book that tore out your soul, turned it inside out, and lit it on fire before handing it back, AND you come out of it feeling like a more empathetic person. That's what this book did for me. Brilliant writing, characters, and story. Truly spectacular. I read one of the one-star reviews that complained about the lack of flaws in the main character, Kate, AKA Bright Side. No flaws? She refused to ask anyone for help in any aspect of her life. She was a fighter and by damned if she wasn't going to do it on her own. She also helped the people she loved above and beyond what she should have at times. She was at times insecure, but she wouldn't let the world know that. If those can't be considered flaws, then I think they read the wrong book.
Another complaint was that people aren't as positive in real life as Bright Side was, especially considering her circumstances. How does anyone know this? Can it be confirmed? Maybe there are Bright Sides out there, but they don't want any attention drawn to themselves, so they stick with the down-low approach.Point is: the world is a very big place.
In summary, if you want a kick-ass book that will take you through a tornado of emotions and you aren't afraid to take that ride, this is definitely the book for you.
Another complaint was that people aren't as positive in real life as Bright Side was, especially considering her circumstances. How does anyone know this? Can it be confirmed? Maybe there are Bright Sides out there, but they don't want any attention drawn to themselves, so they stick with the down-low approach.Point is: the world is a very big place.
In summary, if you want a kick-ass book that will take you through a tornado of emotions and you aren't afraid to take that ride, this is definitely the book for you.
on December 19, 2016
I didn't know what this was about until I started reading it. I know. I should've put some effort in. I saw how highly it was rated. People singing its praises. So I just downloaded it. I never would've done so had I known.
*Don't read this review of you're worried about spoilers.*
That being said, I'm not adverse to a sad story. I've read plenty that I've loved. What I'm adverse to is sentimentality that feels unreal. Any story that stars a manic Pixie Dream girl like Kate is unreal, especially if she's also dying of cancer. My family suffered the loss of my 20 year old niece this year to leukemia. This was not a beautiful story. This was not pretty or perfect or inspirational. What it is is straight up BS. It's unfair and ugly and just really really terrible. But it's not this pretty story about love and courage for anyone. If I'm going to read a book that pulls me in and rehashes the grief of loss, it needs to AT LEAST be real. My niece was the epitome of a manic pixie dream girl. But she wasn't this Bright Side legend of a perfect human. SHE was an actual wonder, but she was also real. Flawed. Hopeful. Trying to survive. Her death was ugly, but real. This story had no depth of actual character development and the real painful ugliness of unpretty loss.
*Don't read this review of you're worried about spoilers.*
That being said, I'm not adverse to a sad story. I've read plenty that I've loved. What I'm adverse to is sentimentality that feels unreal. Any story that stars a manic Pixie Dream girl like Kate is unreal, especially if she's also dying of cancer. My family suffered the loss of my 20 year old niece this year to leukemia. This was not a beautiful story. This was not pretty or perfect or inspirational. What it is is straight up BS. It's unfair and ugly and just really really terrible. But it's not this pretty story about love and courage for anyone. If I'm going to read a book that pulls me in and rehashes the grief of loss, it needs to AT LEAST be real. My niece was the epitome of a manic pixie dream girl. But she wasn't this Bright Side legend of a perfect human. SHE was an actual wonder, but she was also real. Flawed. Hopeful. Trying to survive. Her death was ugly, but real. This story had no depth of actual character development and the real painful ugliness of unpretty loss.
on August 11, 2015
DUDE!!! OMG!!!!
I can't believe i waited this long to read this book!!!
first off let me start by saying BEST BOOK EVER!!!!
I was told to grab the tissues but i needed a bath towel with this one.
It was beautifully written, the characters were phenomenal, the friendships were heartwarming.
and the story was EPIC!
Kate the strongest and most beautiful character iv'e ever read.
she's funny, beautiful, positive, caring, loving, talented and so so so strong.
Gus a true friend til the end. i fell in love with him over and over.
Keller what can i say? he is perfect.
it's so hard to write this cause by body mind and heart hurt right now, i cried for over an hour.
my emotions are everywhere, but i'm smiling to cause this book will live on with me
for a lifetime.
Grab the towels there will be many tears and snots to clean up.
I can't believe i waited this long to read this book!!!
first off let me start by saying BEST BOOK EVER!!!!
I was told to grab the tissues but i needed a bath towel with this one.
It was beautifully written, the characters were phenomenal, the friendships were heartwarming.
and the story was EPIC!
Kate the strongest and most beautiful character iv'e ever read.
she's funny, beautiful, positive, caring, loving, talented and so so so strong.
Gus a true friend til the end. i fell in love with him over and over.
Keller what can i say? he is perfect.
it's so hard to write this cause by body mind and heart hurt right now, i cried for over an hour.
my emotions are everywhere, but i'm smiling to cause this book will live on with me
for a lifetime.
Grab the towels there will be many tears and snots to clean up.
on September 5, 2014
Bright Side will haunt me for days. It was "Epic"!! Kate aka Bright Side is my new heroine of all time and the most bravest character I have read yet. She rocked my world. This story is about a young lady with a past that could bring down the best but she was the type that didn't need to receive compliments and encouragement day by day but she would give them with all her true heart to help others to brighten their day instead.
I loved how she never judged anyone how they believed but also she befriended anyone no matter how bad they treated her. All I can say is take the words of Bright Side and "Do epic" like no one else and "You've gotta seize the moment, dude!"
"Today, my life is awesome. I don't want to think about tomorrow. Or the day after that."
This story took me on another level. Life doesn't always deal us the best card but that doesn't mean you need to quit living till you take your last breath.
Bright Side gave me the giggles'n snorts syndrome the first half of the book because of all the sarcastic humor but then I would start having those teary moments and get nervous to my stomach because I was getting the feeling this was too good to be true. Then I started bawling till the very end but it was well worth it.
Looking forward for more books from this author. 2015 is way far to get a hold of Gus's book but I cannot wait! I am hoping more of a follow up with the other characters too.
I loved how she never judged anyone how they believed but also she befriended anyone no matter how bad they treated her. All I can say is take the words of Bright Side and "Do epic" like no one else and "You've gotta seize the moment, dude!"
"Today, my life is awesome. I don't want to think about tomorrow. Or the day after that."
This story took me on another level. Life doesn't always deal us the best card but that doesn't mean you need to quit living till you take your last breath.
Bright Side gave me the giggles'n snorts syndrome the first half of the book because of all the sarcastic humor but then I would start having those teary moments and get nervous to my stomach because I was getting the feeling this was too good to be true. Then I started bawling till the very end but it was well worth it.
Looking forward for more books from this author. 2015 is way far to get a hold of Gus's book but I cannot wait! I am hoping more of a follow up with the other characters too.
on May 6, 2017
How can you say amazing, heart wrenching, tear jerking, life altering in two words? Bright Side. This book is so good. I can't believe I waited so long to read it but is is so amazing. I couldn't stop thinking about it and I still can't. I loved the writing and the story Kim you are such a talented author! Now I must go find Gus and start reading!
on February 25, 2015
I know it's only February, and we have a lot of year left to go, but I can already say that this book is easily going to be my favorite read of 2015. I'm sure you're sitting there going, seriously? What makes this book so great? What makes this book so great is that what Holden was able to do was take something that can so easily break us as humans and turn it into something so hopeful and beautiful you want to share it with everyone you meet.
Bright Side tells the story Kate, such an upbeat optimistic person that her best friend Gus has given her the nickname of Bright Side. The book follows her through her first semester away for college. Of course she falls for the handsome boy she meets while there (in this case his name is Keller), makes friends, goes to class, all of the normal unremarkable things young people do in their 20's. So what makes this book so remarkable then?
It's the character's and the life that Holden breaths into them that makes them so special. Kate makes you want to be a better person. Her attitude and the manner in which she approaches her life are inspirational, and I implore you not to be affected by her in some way by the time you have finished with this book.
The other thing that makes this book amazing is the cast of supporting characters. There are plenty of amazing one's, but for the purpose of this review I'm going to focus on the two men in her life, Gus and Keller. Gus who she has known for her entire life and Keller the young man she meets after leaving for college. I'm sure you're thinking, I HATE triangles. But that's not what this book is. To me these relationships represent something so much more than a stupid love triangle at the end of the day. It's the difference between the love we feel for those who have known us our whole lives and the love we feel when we experience our first adult relationship. Both equally important yet still very different.
Fair warning, keep the tissues handy because you are going to need them. For me, I should have bought stock in Kleenex at about the 80% marl. But please don't let the fact that you don't want to "ugly cry" detract you from reading this book. Holden's words truly reach into your soul and leave an imprint the minute you read them and don't diminish once you have read that last one. And those are the greatest books to me. The ones that leave you changed for the better after having read them.
I truly loved this book, and if you are looking for something original and heartfelt then you just found your next read.
Bright Side tells the story Kate, such an upbeat optimistic person that her best friend Gus has given her the nickname of Bright Side. The book follows her through her first semester away for college. Of course she falls for the handsome boy she meets while there (in this case his name is Keller), makes friends, goes to class, all of the normal unremarkable things young people do in their 20's. So what makes this book so remarkable then?
It's the character's and the life that Holden breaths into them that makes them so special. Kate makes you want to be a better person. Her attitude and the manner in which she approaches her life are inspirational, and I implore you not to be affected by her in some way by the time you have finished with this book.
The other thing that makes this book amazing is the cast of supporting characters. There are plenty of amazing one's, but for the purpose of this review I'm going to focus on the two men in her life, Gus and Keller. Gus who she has known for her entire life and Keller the young man she meets after leaving for college. I'm sure you're thinking, I HATE triangles. But that's not what this book is. To me these relationships represent something so much more than a stupid love triangle at the end of the day. It's the difference between the love we feel for those who have known us our whole lives and the love we feel when we experience our first adult relationship. Both equally important yet still very different.
Fair warning, keep the tissues handy because you are going to need them. For me, I should have bought stock in Kleenex at about the 80% marl. But please don't let the fact that you don't want to "ugly cry" detract you from reading this book. Holden's words truly reach into your soul and leave an imprint the minute you read them and don't diminish once you have read that last one. And those are the greatest books to me. The ones that leave you changed for the better after having read them.
I truly loved this book, and if you are looking for something original and heartfelt then you just found your next read.
