From the Bookshelf of Turning Pages At Midnight…

Bright Side (Bright Side, #1)

Kim Holden

Start date: July 21, 2015

Finish date: July 31, 2015

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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Buddy Reads

* September 2025 Buddy Reads
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What Members Thought

May 25, 2015 Kate marked it as 06-reasons

(view spoiler) ...more

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Sep 21, 2014 Candi~Dirty Laundry Review rated it it was amazing

I am going to try to write this review without breaking down and crying. I seriously think I am all out of tears though. In all of my life, I have never, EVER read a book of this magnitude. Sure, I’ve cried, been sad, heartbroken etc…but THIS!! This was one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, amazing, devastating, life changing tragic love stories that I have ever read. And when I say love story, I’m talking not just about relationship kind of love. I’m talking about love all around. The love I am going to try to write this review without breaking down and crying. I seriously think I am all out of tears though. In all of my life, I have never, EVER read a book of this magnitude. Sure, I’ve cried, been sad, heartbroken etc…but THIS!! This was one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking, amazing, devastating, life changing tragic love stories that I have ever read. And when I say love story, I’m talking not just about relationship kind of love. I’m talking about love all around. The love of friends, family, relationships, life….everything. Kim Holden…YOU ARE EPIC!!! FUCKING EPIC. So, let’s meet some of the amazing people from Bright Side. I’m going to try to do this without spoilers. Because, I just don’t do them. This will be a challenge.

First up, Kate “Bright Side” Sedgwick. 19 years old. Leaves sunny San Diego and leaves behind her best friend, Gus, for cold and snowy Minnesota to start her freshman year in college. Kate is such an enigma. She is the most selfless, caring, thoughtful person. Ever. I love her. Hard. Everyone needs a Kate in their lives.

Let’s talk about Gus. Such a funny, sexy, charming man. I fell for him hard. And bonus that he is a rock god!! (And another huge bonus that Kim Holden gives a shout out to the Deftones. One of my favorite bands!!!) Kate and Gus have known each other since birth. Their friendship, their bond….again. Everyone needs or deserves a friendship like that. It’s the most beautiful thing. I can’t wait to read his story coming in 2015!!!!!!

On to Keller Banks. Could he be more perfect? Such a beautiful man who got dealt a shitty hand in the game of life. My heart shattered for him so many times. I love this man. So hard.

Then there is the gang, as I call them. Kate’s lil’ family of some of the most wonderful human beings. Clayton, Peter, Shelly, Duncan and Audrey.

Again, hard to talk about this book without giving spoilers. There were so many doors I’ve kept closed for a long time. Reading this book, opened them all up. It left me exposed. Vulnerable. A crying, sobbing mess. It was actually quite therapeutic. On a brighter side, there also were a lot of LOL moments. I shook the bed so hard laughing I woke my husband up at 1 am, during one of Kate’s driving moments.

So, bottom line. Everyone needs to read this book. It’s one of those books that will rip your heart right out and put it back and leave you a better person. It makes you question everything you do as a person. How we live life. How we treat others. How we take the simple things for granted. How we need to live in the NOW. Never, EVER take life for granted. I try not to. But sometimes I steer off course. And Kate has reminded me to live life to its fullest. The world needs more Kates. Kim Holden, Thank you for making me want to be a better person. Bright Side is a book that I will never forget. ...more

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Jul 22, 2015 Lisa Cullinan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: re-read, 2019

Beautiful and inspirational ...

Bright Side was beautiful, simply put. She was testimony of everything good in life and that we should never take anything or anyone for granted. Bright Side floated through her life like an inspirational sermon, a love poem or a ballad. For a young girl of nineteen, she sure had seen her share of tragedy. But this book isn't about her misfortunes. No, this feels like a modern day religious scripture because there are very few people in this world who take the time ...more

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Oct 07, 2014 Alexandra rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I'm lost for words here...

I just know I just read something amazingly beautiful ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jul 20, 2015 Amy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, 2015

5 Amazing Stars

I put off reading this book for a long time. I was terrified of it I knew it was going to break me and it did, in the best way. This story is not easy. It is heartbreaking and beautiful. It is easily one of the best books that I have ever read. I loved every second, every moment of this book.

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Sep 14, 2015 Jennifer rated it really liked it

It took me awhile to get into this book but the 2nd half I loved so over all 3.75 stars for me

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 24, 2015 Jodie Squelch rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-reads

I am just speechless.... this book truly did do epic .....

It bought so many feels to the surface, they just over flowed and leaked out in to ugly tears.....

If I'm honest, I wasn't really fussed about this book but my friends wanted to do a group read so I jumped on board..... then I become addicted and couldn't put it down .... Devoured it in a day even whilst working .....

As the story unfolded and more and more questions popped up .... I simply needed to keep reading for answers .....

I can ho ...more

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Apr 07, 2016 Kiki rated it it was amazing

I finally took the plunge. It cut deep but was worth the wait. Kim Holden broke my heart and opened my eyes to so much. Thank you for sharing this amazingly beautiful story! I loved every page and my heart is still in recovery.

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Jul 02, 2015 Yvonne V (Naughty Professora) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I laughed. I cried. Underlying message: enjoy every day. Live boldly, love enthusiastically.

Looking forward to the second book, and hoping for resolution on some characters.

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