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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated All the Bright Places in Books

Feb 8, 2018  
All the Bright Places
All the Bright Places
Jennifer Niven | 2015 | Children, Young Adult (YA)
6
7.8 (24 Ratings)
Book Rating
Theodore is a quirky teen whose life has been troubled by sadness. His parents are divorced and Theo's recent past has been marked by dark patches, what he thinks of as a deep sleep, where he zones out from depression and sadness. He finds himself thinking often of suicide. One day, while on the ledge of their school's Bell Tower, Theo comes across Violet. Violet's life has changed drastically since the death of her older sister in a car accident. She's not so sure about life lately, either. So Theo lets everyone at school think Violet "saved" him on that Tower, when it's really him who talks her down. The two form an unlikely friendship and embark on a school project, documenting the "natural wonders" of their home state of Indiana. But do Violet and Finch realize the sadness each is dealing with?

Oh how I wanted to like this book. I'd heard so many good things about it, and it was compared to [b:Eleanor & Park|15745753|Eleanor & Park|Rainbow Rowell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341952742s/15745753.jpg|17225055], which I adore. But whereas Eleanor and Park each felt so real, these characters didn't always come across as true, versus caricatures. I did find myself caring, often deeply, for Violet, and I liked Finch, but he changed his personality types so often -- it was hard to relate to his character. I'm glad the book covered the topic of mental illness, but its portrayal was odd sometimes. I almost worry that it glorified mental illness and suicidal thoughts somehow (hard to explain without too many spoilers).

Also, Theo and Violet seem to fall for each other awfully quickly. Why does this happen so often in YA novels? Am I just a jaded adult now (entirely possible)? Also a huge issue - where are the freaking adults in this book, and why don't they help Violet and Finch? Kids and teens shouldn't feel that mental illness is something they need to deal with alone. I also think truly portraying Finch's "deep sleep" and how that affected him could have done wonders for showing the effects and ills of mental illness on teens.

Overall, this book certainly had its lovely moments. Violet and Finch are touching characters in many ways. As I said, I really liked Violet - her character really grows on you. Niven's writing is beautiful at times, and the teens' school project is an interesting touch. This was also hard for me to read, having experienced mental illness and suicide in my family. I think it was worth reading, but it didn't completely live up to my expectations.
  
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Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Schasm (Schasm, #1) in Books

Jan 12, 2018  
S(
Schasm (Schasm, #1)
Shari J. Ryan | 2014
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
[Shari J. Ryan] did a fantastic job of character development in [Schasm]. This is a very character driven novel that keeps you guessing. Chloe's struggle with her "illness" and even more so with her mother is the center of this story. It gets even more complicated when Alex enters. I still am not sure what is the truth in this book but it left me wanting more. It is a nice non vampire, non sex driven YA romance twist.
  
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Otway93 (580 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies

Nov 16, 2019  
Joker (2019)
Joker (2019)
2019 | Crime, Drama
9
8.5 (147 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Portrayal of Mental Illness (4 more)
Acting
Story
Shocking
Keeps you guessing...
A highly important film for several reasons.
What can I say about Joker? After weeks of building myself up to see this film, I certainly didn't put on a happy face. It was not a happy film in the slightest, but it was certainly one of the best, if not the best DC film ever made.

Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Joker was superb, emotional and shocking, his performance always keeps you on the edge of your seat. It isn't often somebody can portray so well the shift from ordinary if troubled man, to Joker.

His portrayal of mental illness is astounding, and quite shocking, and for the most part of the film, you are on his side...I shall say no more on that matter.

Overall, feel free to build up the hype in your mind, because you will not be disappointed!

P.S. For those that know the original Joker well, this film will certainly keep you guessing and wondering...