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Bright Side
(Bright Side #1)
by
Secrets.
Everyone has one.
Some are bigger than others.
And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you ...
And some will end you.
Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side). Kate is strong-willed, funny, smart, ...more
Everyone has one.
Some are bigger than others.
And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you ...
And some will end you.
Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side). Kate is strong-willed, funny, smart, ...more
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5+ Do Epic stars!
One of my co-bloggers/friends told me about this book when it was first released. It was her favorite book of last year and one of her favorite books of all time. I knew it would be good, but I dragged me feet when it came to reading it. Why you might ask? I knew the subject matter would be sensitive for me so I put it off. Then I put it off some more. When I saw it was available on audio, I thought ...more
“We all have to fight to make the most of the life we're given.”
One of my co-bloggers/friends told me about this book when it was first released. It was her favorite book of last year and one of her favorite books of all time. I knew it would be good, but I dragged me feet when it came to reading it. Why you might ask? I knew the subject matter would be sensitive for me so I put it off. Then I put it off some more. When I saw it was available on audio, I thought ...more
4.5~Stars
Dude, I can't even….
It has been days. Days!! I just can't, but I gotta. But I can't. I must.
Numbness. Feels. Overload.
It's impossible.
Here I go.
I'm going.
Okay.
So.
Maybe it would be best if I started at the beginning.
It all started as a goodreads recommendation….from Donna. Donna. The person I want to hug. Punch in the face. Hug. Punch. Damn you! You owe me valium…and ice cream. After the recommendation, I read the synopsis. Intriguing. I also loved the fact that it only had three rev ...more
Dude, I can't even….
It has been days. Days!! I just can't, but I gotta. But I can't. I must.
Numbness. Feels. Overload.
It's impossible.
Here I go.
I'm going.
Okay.
So.
Maybe it would be best if I started at the beginning.
It all started as a goodreads recommendation….from Donna. Donna. The person I want to hug. Punch in the face. Hug. Punch. Damn you! You owe me valium…and ice cream. After the recommendation, I read the synopsis. Intriguing. I also loved the fact that it only had three rev ...more
This book wrecked me! It was incredibly touching and heartfelt. Despite dealing with some rather depressing subject matter, it was handled with care. I can't say that I didn't cry big fat tears, but I can say that I smiled far more than I cried while reading this book. It was beautiful.
The heroine, Kate, moves from San Diego to Grant, Minnesota for college. Right off the bat, I loved her. It is easy to understand why her best friend, Gus, gave her the nickname "Bright Side". She is the type of p ...more
The heroine, Kate, moves from San Diego to Grant, Minnesota for college. Right off the bat, I loved her. It is easy to understand why her best friend, Gus, gave her the nickname "Bright Side". She is the type of p ...more
First of all: I get it.
To all the people out there who say they don’t like these types of books, books that make you hurt and feel and clutch your Kindle at 3 AM as tears blur your vision and you hope against hope that the character isn't headed towards what you think they're headed towards: I get it.
Life is hard. This world is a tough place. Crappy things are happening out there, things that break your heart on the evening news, and sometimes it’s easier to just drift along and float above the ...more
To all the people out there who say they don’t like these types of books, books that make you hurt and feel and clutch your Kindle at 3 AM as tears blur your vision and you hope against hope that the character isn't headed towards what you think they're headed towards: I get it.
Life is hard. This world is a tough place. Crappy things are happening out there, things that break your heart on the evening news, and sometimes it’s easier to just drift along and float above the ...more
What would you do if you found it that you had only six months to live ?
Would you clean out your account and go about doing things on your bucket list. Would you throw a pity party and expect all of your near and dear ones to come be with you as you spend at precious moments on this earth. Would you leave quietly and hide out so you don't see sadness in the eyes of your beloved people and it'll break your heart?. What will you do in the last month...week...day...hours ?
Or would you touch all the ...more
Would you clean out your account and go about doing things on your bucket list. Would you throw a pity party and expect all of your near and dear ones to come be with you as you spend at precious moments on this earth. Would you leave quietly and hide out so you don't see sadness in the eyes of your beloved people and it'll break your heart?. What will you do in the last month...week...day...hours ?
Or would you touch all the ...more
3.5 stars!
I’ve been on an angst-fest/emotional kick lately so when I saw the blurb for Bright Side, I knew it was a book I wanted to read ASAP. Now that I’ve finished it, the first thing that popped up in my mind was well, that wasn’t what I expected. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the last 25% of the book that completely blew me away, I would’ve given this book 2 stars. That being said though, the heroine is a pretty refreshing character and the dry humor and sarcasm present in the book were things ...more
I’ve been on an angst-fest/emotional kick lately so when I saw the blurb for Bright Side, I knew it was a book I wanted to read ASAP. Now that I’ve finished it, the first thing that popped up in my mind was well, that wasn’t what I expected. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the last 25% of the book that completely blew me away, I would’ve given this book 2 stars. That being said though, the heroine is a pretty refreshing character and the dry humor and sarcasm present in the book were things ...more
6++++++ #DoEpic #BeBrave Stars
Reading is my getaway, my sanctuary I have a busy life and don't we all? But reading is my Me time. I love reading and I have read a lot of books this year so far saying that no insults to anyone here but this has been my FAVOURITE Read of the year so far this book is a book of life and living, friendship LOVE all in one. I know that a lot know what the story entails but for those who don't I'm going to try my best to keep my thoughts as SPOILER FREE as possib ...more
Reading is my getaway, my sanctuary I have a busy life and don't we all? But reading is my Me time. I love reading and I have read a lot of books this year so far saying that no insults to anyone here but this has been my FAVOURITE Read of the year so far this book is a book of life and living, friendship LOVE all in one. I know that a lot know what the story entails but for those who don't I'm going to try my best to keep my thoughts as SPOILER FREE as possib ...more
➦I liked this book. I went in blind and it wasn't anything like I thought it would be. I'm definitely in the minority here and I won't be gushing over how beautiful the story was and such. Perhaps I just failed to connect to the heroine or may be I was just a bit torn up because of the whole awkward love triangle going on here.
➦I liked both Gus, heroine's best friend, and Keller, heroine's boyfriend. I just never really fell in love with either of them. Not to say that their character developme ...more
If there was ever a book that proved I have a black heart, it's this one.
I felt nothing. I was bored. ...more
I felt nothing. I was bored. ...more
Aug 31, 2014
Alexis *Reality Bites*
rated it
it was amazing
Recommended to Alexis *Reality Bites* by:
Donna ~ The Romance Cover
5 STARS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance
My my my…what a read! Slow easy beginning, AMAZINGLY beautiful ending! I did not give this book 5 STARS it SNATCHED the 5 STARS right out of my hands.
Kate Sedgwick has faced many adversities in her young life thus far; having a mother who was not so motherly and in addition a sister Grace, to care for all on her own... Instead of cowering in fear at the cards life dealt Katie did what she had to do, she grew up fast. When the book starts Kate is about to ...more
Genre: New Adult Romance
My my my…what a read! Slow easy beginning, AMAZINGLY beautiful ending! I did not give this book 5 STARS it SNATCHED the 5 STARS right out of my hands.
Kate Sedgwick has faced many adversities in her young life thus far; having a mother who was not so motherly and in addition a sister Grace, to care for all on her own... Instead of cowering in fear at the cards life dealt Katie did what she had to do, she grew up fast. When the book starts Kate is about to ...more
So I finished this and I am not impressed.
You know that feeling that you get when you read the first line or the first chapter of the book and you just know you are going to love what you're reading and never want to put it down? Yeah, Bright Side had the opposite effect. I started reading and I was like, okay, maybe this could be good, but the writing is a bit off. Then I read a few more chapters and was like, okay, where is this going... (from the beginning I already figured out the premise: p ...more
You know that feeling that you get when you read the first line or the first chapter of the book and you just know you are going to love what you're reading and never want to put it down? Yeah, Bright Side had the opposite effect. I started reading and I was like, okay, maybe this could be good, but the writing is a bit off. Then I read a few more chapters and was like, okay, where is this going... (from the beginning I already figured out the premise: p ...more
I started this book by audio and finished the last 30% in my living room reading and balling my freaking eyes out until 2:00 am.
This book is so much more than 5 stars, it makes me question most of my 5 star ratings because it just MORE. I loved this book on a level I can't describe. Bright Side made me grateful for the life I have been given, it broke my heart imagining the struggles of other people around me, and it made me want to be a better person.
Bright Side isn't just a book or a charact ...more
This book is so much more than 5 stars, it makes me question most of my 5 star ratings because it just MORE. I loved this book on a level I can't describe. Bright Side made me grateful for the life I have been given, it broke my heart imagining the struggles of other people around me, and it made me want to be a better person.
Bright Side isn't just a book or a charact ...more
Im sorry! I’m a bonafide book crier, there’s no shame in my game. I felt NOTHING!!! I tried. My tear ducts were as dry as the Sahara Desert. And I had been wanting to read this book for forever. I was more interested in the songs which most were made up, than the plot. I had to push myself to finish. I seriously wanted to DNF this book.
Aug 31, 2014
Jennifer Kyle
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
cry-baby-books
3.75 Sunset Stars
"My life will not be a fairy tale, and that's okay. My life is reality."
After very slowly reaching the 70 percent mark I had put this book aside feeling that the rest of the story would be anticlimax.
So many friends have read this book in full and just loved it so I went back in today. Upon my completion, I will say the overall message isn't anything we haven't heard or read before but somewhere in the delivery and beautiful way Katie touched those around her was.
"She' ...more
"My life will not be a fairy tale, and that's okay. My life is reality."
After very slowly reaching the 70 percent mark I had put this book aside feeling that the rest of the story would be anticlimax.
So many friends have read this book in full and just loved it so I went back in today. Upon my completion, I will say the overall message isn't anything we haven't heard or read before but somewhere in the delivery and beautiful way Katie touched those around her was.
"She' ...more
Apr 19, 2019
Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
*****FIVE STARS*****
Here are my overall ratings:
Heroes: 5+++++
Heroine: 5+++++
Plot: 5+++++
Angst: 5
Steam: 3
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5+++++
Here are my overall ratings:
Heroes: 5+++++
Heroine: 5+++++
Plot: 5+++++
Angst: 5
Steam: 3
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5+++++
Phew...
I thought the story had several aspects that felt forced and inorganic, nevertheless, I was completely invested in Kate (aka Bright Side); although not so much the numerous side characters as they felt like props whose main function was to make “Bright Side” look all bright, sunny, and perfect....more
I will say that the strongest part of the story was the last quarter of the book, which had me in tears. Definitely worth reading, but be prepared to do some serious eye-rolling and frequent “oh,
"If you start a book and a couple of chapters in you decide you just aren't into it that's one thing, but once you reach the halfway point, there's no turning back"
This books would probably have been a 4-4.5 star rating if it wasn't for its first 50%, which had me continuously
AND THE WORD DUDE, really!?? DUDE?? It shows up 195 times(yes, I counted!!).
I hated every time one of the characters said "dude". I would add 2 more stars, but that effing word cheapened so much this book.
If I were to ...more
This books would probably have been a 4-4.5 star rating if it wasn't for its first 50%, which had me continuously
AND THE WORD DUDE, really!?? DUDE?? It shows up 195 times(yes, I counted!!).
I hated every time one of the characters said "dude". I would add 2 more stars, but that effing word cheapened so much this book.
If I were to ...more
5 ‘do epic ‘ stars
‘Regret just leads to second-guessing and anger and sadness and I sure as hell can’t afford any of those.’
I. AM. NUMB! As I sit here wiping the tears off my keyboard I’m at a loss for words, and hours after finishing Bright Side, I’m still an emotional mess. This story made me swoon, it made my heart soar, it made me laugh, it made me sob, it devastated me and it inspired me and it wrecked me!
I inhaled Bright Side in one sitting and when it was over, I was left staring into spa ...more
Apr 23, 2016
warhawke
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
People who like light/funny ugly crying book
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Kate Sedgwick moved to a new small town for her college education. With her bright, bubbly personality, she could charm just about anyone. Still, she never really opened up to anyone other than her best friend Gustov (Gus) Hawthorne.
Keller Banks was pretty hard to resist with his good looks and adoring personality. Both he and Kate were attracted to each other yet they tried to resist the pull because both of them have se ...more
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Kate Sedgwick moved to a new small town for her college education. With her bright, bubbly personality, she could charm just about anyone. Still, she never really opened up to anyone other than her best friend Gustov (Gus) Hawthorne.
Keller Banks was pretty hard to resist with his good looks and adoring personality. Both he and Kate were attracted to each other yet they tried to resist the pull because both of them have se ...more
So, I don't think I could ever pick a rating on this book. The numbers 1-5 are too simplistic of a way to describe my feelings on this book so I won't rate it. Don't know if I ever will.
I also don't really know how to review this, but I'll try and say something short. This book had exactly the opposite effect on me that it had on other readers. Instead of being uplifting, I found it so incredibly sad and after finishing it, it left me in such a depressed mood. Please do not read the spoiler tags ...more
I also don't really know how to review this, but I'll try and say something short. This book had exactly the opposite effect on me that it had on other readers. Instead of being uplifting, I found it so incredibly sad and after finishing it, it left me in such a depressed mood. Please do not read the spoiler tags ...more
Bright Side by Kim Holden
5 breathtaking stars!!!
This book is up there on my favourite reads of 2014, hell even up there on my favourite reads of ALL TIME! Yes it is seriously that good. This is a book that I couldn’t put down, not for one measly second. Once I started I couldn’t stop and once I had finished I was completely and utterly devastated. I was not ready for this book to end, I just wanted more.
The writing style is fluid, beautiful, emotional, cap ...more
5 breathtaking stars!!!
“Today, my life is awesome.”
This book is up there on my favourite reads of 2014, hell even up there on my favourite reads of ALL TIME! Yes it is seriously that good. This is a book that I couldn’t put down, not for one measly second. Once I started I couldn’t stop and once I had finished I was completely and utterly devastated. I was not ready for this book to end, I just wanted more.
The writing style is fluid, beautiful, emotional, cap ...more
4.5
Well I got my answer, happy and ignorant Fares is gone, replaced by a sad looking lump of mixed emotions. Actually come to think of it I've always been that :)
But this book is sadly positive, and while I feel sad I also feel happy. Confusing? Yes that's me.
------------------------------------------------
I just want to point out that I know nothing about this one, so right now I feel happy and ignorant :) I wonder what will I feel after finishing.
Buddy read with the most sadistic and mice pers ...more
Well I got my answer, happy and ignorant Fares is gone, replaced by a sad looking lump of mixed emotions. Actually come to think of it I've always been that :)
But this book is sadly positive, and while I feel sad I also feel happy. Confusing? Yes that's me.
------------------------------------------------
I just want to point out that I know nothing about this one, so right now I feel happy and ignorant :) I wonder what will I feel after finishing.
Buddy read with the most sadistic and mice pers ...more
Jun 05, 2016
Natalie ✩★ The Biblioholic ★✩
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Lovers of tear-jerkers
I realize that I'm in the minority with giving this book below 5 stars but I couldn't help it. I'm a huge fan of a happily-ever-after. Nuff said.
As beautifully written as the story was, and it was beautiful, unfortunately my heart was broken beyond repair. And as much as I loved Gus, I can't find the will to read his book. Love should never die. Ever. Reading his book would be like contradicting that and I just can't.
Yes I loved Kate. Her personality made even me happy. Her relationship with Gus ...more
As beautifully written as the story was, and it was beautiful, unfortunately my heart was broken beyond repair. And as much as I loved Gus, I can't find the will to read his book. Love should never die. Ever. Reading his book would be like contradicting that and I just can't.
Yes I loved Kate. Her personality made even me happy. Her relationship with Gus ...more
5 “And I still want to be Kate when I grow up” Stars
“GO, DO EPIC”
Buddy-read with this charming boy who accepted to be my buddy-reads-partner for life and he totally has cheated on me already.
HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS BOOK:
FINALLY AFTER A MILLENIUM I HAVE WROTE A REVIEW.
*Takes a deep breath, cracks her fingers, close her eyes.*
I hope this review makes justice to the EPICNESS this story is. I am so nervous because this is a book I really want everyone to try out, but I feel my soul will break if som ...more
“GO, DO EPIC”
Buddy-read with this charming boy who accepted to be my buddy-reads-partner for life and he totally has cheated on me already.
HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS BOOK:
FINALLY AFTER A MILLENIUM I HAVE WROTE A REVIEW.
*Takes a deep breath, cracks her fingers, close her eyes.*
I hope this review makes justice to the EPICNESS this story is. I am so nervous because this is a book I really want everyone to try out, but I feel my soul will break if som ...more
I decided to pick up Bright Side after hearing many gushing reviews and being recommended as a tearjerker. I was in need of a good cry so this was a no brainer. But it's SO much more than that. This story has moved and inspired me. I'm not going to talk about the plot whatsoever because that's for everyone to discover and enjoy on their own.
In all honesty, I was moving pretty slowly at first. I wasn't sure where the story was going, if anywhere. Then close to halfway... BAM! Everything is put ...more
In all honesty, I was moving pretty slowly at first. I wasn't sure where the story was going, if anywhere. Then close to halfway... BAM! Everything is put ...more
Aug 31, 2014
Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
The heart of this book is to never take anything for granted. Enjoy every moment...every hug and every kiss, bask in the good and lessen the bad. And you never really realize the impact you have on those around you.
And the heart of this book is all things Kate. She epitomizes everything I just said...and that's saying a lot. She's had a horrible childhood but her saving grace was her sister, Gracie, and her best friend, Gus. Now, she's moved to Minnesota for college and to get a fresh start.
...more
And the heart of this book is all things Kate. She epitomizes everything I just said...and that's saying a lot. She's had a horrible childhood but her saving grace was her sister, Gracie, and her best friend, Gus. Now, she's moved to Minnesota for college and to get a fresh start.
...more
Kate grew up believing that she needed to take care of everybody...[her mother, sister, friends, strangers],...
She had an exceptional disposition about life... with no regrets. Tragedies included.
A 20 year best friend relationship, a passionate ‘in-love’ relationship, college friends,
music, and values on life,
are at the heart of this story.
Sappy - sweet - sad -
- intimate storytelling!
This is another one of those books where I can understand high rating reviews — and low ones.
Readers can choos ...more
She had an exceptional disposition about life... with no regrets. Tragedies included.
A 20 year best friend relationship, a passionate ‘in-love’ relationship, college friends,
music, and values on life,
are at the heart of this story.
Sappy - sweet - sad -
- intimate storytelling!
This is another one of those books where I can understand high rating reviews — and low ones.
Readers can choos ...more
4.5. Review to come
Read this review and others over on my blog:
Between the Sheets and Covers
Between the Sheets and Covers
Between the Sheets and Covers
Between the Sheets and Covers ...more
Read this review and others over on my blog:
Between the Sheets and Covers
Between the Sheets and Covers
Between the Sheets and Covers
Between the Sheets and Covers ...more
*****5++ Epic Stars*****
If this book were a person I would want to hug it so, so hard, maybe even go on vacations with it, go dancing and even tell it all of my secrets. Bight Side is a beautiful and uplifting story that I will never, ever forget. <3
Kate Sedgwick is the kind of girl who lives her life on the Bright Side, always looking for the positive in every situation and every person. She has known the meaning of pain from a very young age but instead of using it as an excuse to become j ...more
If this book were a person I would want to hug it so, so hard, maybe even go on vacations with it, go dancing and even tell it all of my secrets. Bight Side is a beautiful and uplifting story that I will never, ever forget. <3
Kate Sedgwick is the kind of girl who lives her life on the Bright Side, always looking for the positive in every situation and every person. She has known the meaning of pain from a very young age but instead of using it as an excuse to become j ...more
This is the story of Kate. Kate and the world that she creates around her, the world that makes your life a little bit better because you know her. Because she smiled at you and it brightened your day. It’s a story about life, love and friendship. About being brave and living the life you were given; making the best of it. No matter what.
Kate is heading to Minnesota from sunny California to attend college. Leaving behind Gus, her best friend for the Grant College Experience. *Fist Pump* Between ...more
Kate is heading to Minnesota from sunny California to attend college. Leaving behind Gus, her best friend for the Grant College Experience. *Fist Pump* Between ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signed Book (and Swag) Auction! | 1 | 7 | Oct 01, 2017 04:47PM | |
| The Challenge Fac...: Alessia & Avi - Bright Side | 28 | 22 | Jun 06, 2016 08:34PM | |
| Turning Pages At ...: Bright Side by Kim Holden | 75 | 68 | Aug 20, 2015 12:25AM | |
| Young Adult Conte...: Bright Side by Kim Holden - Starting February 4, 2015 | 52 | 70 | Aug 17, 2015 07:05AM | |
The Challenge Fac...:
Vicci & Sadie - Bright Side
|
13 | 20 | Jun 28, 2015 06:34AM | |
| Gus is LIVE!!!! | 7 | 112 | May 26, 2015 06:48PM |
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Bright Side
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Ciannon Smart has been holed up in her England home since the pandemic began a year ago, but by no means has she been idle. She’s been on...
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“Reading is an escape from the outside world. Everyone needs a little of that to keep their sanity.”
—
274 likes
“Today, my life is awesome.
I don’t want to think about tomorrow.
Or the day after that.
So I repeat to myself: Today, my life is awesome.”
—
188 likes
More quotes…
I don’t want to think about tomorrow.
Or the day after that.
So I repeat to myself: Today, my life is awesome.”
