The Bridge written by Bill Konigsberg, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Aaron and Tillie don’t know each other, but they both end up on George Washington Bridge at the same time, both thinking of jumping. In a series of alternate storylines, Konigsburg takes us through various possibilities that start in the same place. From various perspectives, most heavily those of Aaron and Tillie, but also including friends, parents and even nieces and grandchildren, we read through various scenarios - one in which Aaron sees Tillie jump, one in which Tillie sees Aaron jump, and one in which they decide not to jump together. The major plot points of the various stories tend to remain, but the steps leading to them and the ways in which they are handled alter from version to version. By the end of the book, it is clear that while many events in our lives happen outside of our control, our responses to those actions can drastically change how things play out long term. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: As one might expect, the plot of this book centers around depression and suicidal thoughts, which can make it a hard and heavy read. Konigsberg openly speaks about his own journey with mental health and a suicide attempt in an author’s note at the end of the book. His experiences clearly lend a great deal of insight and depth to the story, helping to convey aspects of severe depression in raw and tangible ways. This book could serve as an incredible resource for teens who are experiencing depression or for those who are better trying to understand what depression may feel like for others. Connections to psychology or health curriculum are readily found. That being said, it is difficult for the reader to not palpably feel the hopelessness and pain that both Aaron and Tillie feel throughout the story, which could be difficult for a reader who is in the midst of their own mental health crisis, so this book should be shared with care and content warnings. The final narrative offers one of greater hope, and offers many examples of positive coping mechanisms and helpful support networks, which are wonderful tools for teens to see in operation. A strong addition to a collection aiming to support teen mental health.