The Bridge by Bill Konigsberg

The Bridge

by Bill Konigsberg

"A powerful, honest, heart-tugging, nail-biting, so-real-it-reaches-into-your-bones
story about suicide and mental health
and the ways in which too many of us struggle alone. Except we're
not alone. Bill Konigsberg makes that beautifully, movingly
clear. Stunning." Jennifer Niven, bestselling author of All the
Bright Places

Aaron and Tillie don't know each other, but they
are both struggling with life. They arrive at a New York bridge
at the same time, intending to jump.
At that moment in time, there are four things that could happen:



Aaron jumps and Tillie doesn't.


Tillie jumps and Aaron doesn't.


They both jump.


Neither of them jumps.


Or maybe all four things happen...

A beautiful and honest story to break, and then mend,
the heart.

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

4 of 5 stars

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I loved Konigsberg's approach to this book. It was very thought provoking seeing the different chain of events kicked off in each scenario. I liked the emphasis on human connection, but what I really connected with was when the characters talked about "the mask". How often does someone ask you, "How are you?" and they really want to know? Someone dealing with depression often has to wear a mask, say they are fine. Konigsberg discussed this and how exhausting it is to keep up appearance, while acknowledging that this behavior keeps one from forming the type of connections they really need. He definitely nailed that for me. Oh, and I am glad he saved the best scenario for last.

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Reading updates

  • 14 September, 2020: Started reading
  • 11 September, 2020: Finished reading
  • 20 September, 2020: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 20 September, 2020: Reviewed