Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark is a quirky, heartfelt story about two teens, Abram and Juliette, who bond over shared grief after their parents’ affair and untimely deaths. The book explores healing, humor, and unexpected connections in the face of loss. It’s a touching, realistic read for contemporary YA fans!

I'm going through the books I requested pre-2018 when I stopped blogging to clean up my NetGalley TBR and this was on the list. I don't think it's a book for me anymore and will not be reviewing at this time, but if I do read it, I will update this review. Thank you for the opportunity.

I see from my notes that I finished this book and gave it four stars, but I don't remember now exactly why that was! I do remember finding the plot compelling enough that I raced through the book.

I requested this book years ago, and am no longer interested in reading. Thank you for the opportunity.

I don't think I would have read this book if I hadn't seen it through NetGalley, but I'm glad I did. I would have expected it to be super sappy and dramatic, but it wasn't... it was actually a lot of fun.

Abram and Juliette shouldn't be together because of their connection. Their connection is that his dad and her mom were having an affair and died in a car crash. What? Crazy, right? Well after a chance encounter at a CVS they connect with each other and go on adventures (including going to Taco Bell). A cute quick novel about forgiveness and young love.

I can certainly see why teens would enjoy this story. There's drama, romance, swoons, second chances, addiction, etc. At the same time, though, it just didn't feel realistic to me at all. It wasn't my cup of tea, but I will definitely be recommending it. It was well written and unique.

Finding Mr. Brightside was a quick contemporary young adult read, but one that was mature in its themes and content, so much that it felt more like a New Adult novel at times. Recommended to those who are comfortable with heavier and triggering topics mixed in with a typical romance storyline but yet aren't looking for too deep an examination of either. Read in 2015.