I read "Bright Side" by Kim Holden a year ago, in April 2015. Bright Side has inspired me so much since reading her story. I had never read a book that touches on real issues before reading "Bright Side". I have recommended this book to almost everyone that I’ve talked to, and I have mentioned it so many times in classes. When you read "Bright Side", have tissues by your side – a full box, or maybe two.
I got the chance to go to a book convention in Nashville in June of 2015, and Kim Holden happened to be signing. I was able to meet her, talk to her, buy both "Bright Side" and Gus’ stories, and get pictures with her on 3 out of 5 days. Kim Holden did a keynote speech on the last day of the convention, and she was so inspiring. Meeting Kim Holden was a blessing, just like reading "Bright Side" was.
Kate is the main character, "Bright Side" being the nickname that her friend Gus gives her. The reasoning behind the nickname is that she is always looking at everything in a positive light. "She doesn't just look on the bright side, she lives there,” Gus said this when describing Kate to the friends that she makes when moving to a small town in Minnesota. Keller is one of those friends. Kate meets Keller in a coffee shop that he works at. Kate goes through so many adversities in her 20 years of life. Kate is always telling Gus to "do epic," which becomes a huge component that makes her who she is. "Bright Side" brings up many issues that are present in society today – such as LGBT and down syndrome.
Bright Side made me look at life differently, and taught me six lessons.
1. Do Epic
Doing something amazing each day. Excel at what you are doing.
2. Live on the Bright Side
Even when you are down, find something great that happened in your day.
3. Live every day as if it’s your last.
Be spontaneous. Create a bucket list and do those items.
4. Take time to watch the sunset.
Sunsets are showtime. They are beautiful and can change in a minute.
5. You are Brave
Do something you would not normally do. Go outside of your boundaries.
6. Life is hard
You might have heard this from a parent, I know I have. But I never paid attention to this saying until reading Bright Side.
Because of Bright Side, I have tried new things that seem scary at first, but because of Kate, I know that it is possible. If she got through the adversities life threw at her with a smile on her face, I can conquer something that seems difficult.
Here is a short synopsis of "Bright Side" by Kim Holden.
"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, and musically gifted. She’s also never believed in love. So when Kate leaves San Diego to attend college in the small town of Grant, Minnesota, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with Keller Banks.
They both feel it.
But they each have a reason to fight it.
They each have a secret.
And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you ...
And some will end you."
