The Bright Side of Going Dark

I purchased this book based on the positive reviews. But I am sorry that I did. My thoughts about this book, after reading it entirely, are contrary to the other reviews and I think it is important to present another perspective. I wish I had stopped at Chapter 3, when the author used the specific word for a part of the male anatomy eight times, beginning with the first sentence. It was like listening to a child say a naughty word over and over, just for the shock value. This character’s job was to review and flag certain words used on the company’s social media platform. But the way the author wrote this chapter was objectionable to me. I also have a very strong objection to the author’s use of the subject of suicide in this book. The topic is not covered realistically or respectfully, and should not be used in this type of fiction story. This topic comes as a complete surprise to the reader. One should know ahead of time that the topic of suicide is a strong part of the story line. In addition, I didn’t like either one of the characters, Mia and Paige. They were both very self-centered, immature, and dishonest throughout the story. But, in order to tie up loose ends and bring the story to a happy ending, the reader is meant to believe that they were suddenly reformed of their bad ways, and all was well. I have never written a negative review of a book before. But this story bothered me and I would like to share a differing opinion.

Bright side of going dark

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
Kelly Harms has written one of the most incredible books in The Bright Side of Going Dark! I was inclined to like this book anyway because I really enjoyed The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, but to say I loved it is an understatement. This book is so much beyond the blurb on the book jacket. Its honestly difficult to discuss without giving away too much. Harms does an artful job talking about some very heavy and weighty issues like mental health, relationships, suicide, and death, but also joy, love, and finding your voice and footing in the world. She is able to strike the balance for joy and sorrow and good and bad in a way that it feels real. I related to a number of things in the book especially the weight of grief not just when we lose our people, but when we lose our animals. I enjoyed this so much that even though I had a copy I still pre-ordered the ebook and then bought the audible version too.

Second Kelly Harms this month. A good thing that came out of the pandemic. Would love to be friends with any of her characters. Happy

I loved this book! The characters were well developed and very human. The story itself was how these women were connected in an unusual way through social media. As the story evolves, all three evolve as well. The book was fun, funny and engaging. Worth the read!

During this Covid epidemic we have all been forced into a virtual life! This thoughtful book about how an Internet Influencer is brought back to the joys of real life was just the boost I needed. Read it on a kindle outside under a tree with your dog by your side!

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