The Bridge

In this semi-fictional novel, two teenagers, Aaron and Tilly both struggle with suicidal thoughts. They don’t know each other until they both show up at the same time to the George Washington Bride intending to commit suicide. Bill Konigsberg tells an eye-opening story from multiple perspectives exploring multiple possible outcomes.

The book had a lot of important life lessons, especially about how we are all connected. It also shows the internet’s effect on mental health. One of the main reasons Tilly considers taking her life is the result of cyberbullying and Aaron does in part because his song doesn’t get enough hits and isn’t trending on Spotify. Bill Konigsberg’s book is very relevant as this is a serious problem facing youth today.

Aaron and Tilly are just kids experiencing these powerful feelings, however, I’m not sure that this book would be the right one for kids their age in a similar situation. Most of the text is written in first person, so the characters dark feelings can be very intense, which might have a negative impact on sensitive readers.

Overall, I thought the book was well done but would recommend it to a more mature audience.