A darkly funny thriller about one boy’s attempt to unravel the mysterious phenomenon affecting students in his new town, as he finds a way to resist sinister forces and pursue hope for them all.
Wallace Cole is perpetually moving against his will. His father has some deeply important job with an energy company that he refuses to explain to Wallace who is, shall we say, suspicious. Not that his father ever listens to him. Just as Wallace is getting settled into a comfortable life in Kentucky, his father lets him know they need to immediately depart for a new job in a small town in Upstate New York which has recently been struck by an outbreak of inexplicable hysterics–an outbreak which is centered at the high school Wallace will attend.
In the new town, go from disturbing to worse: trees appear to be talking to people; a school bully, the principal, and the town police force take an instant dislike to Wallace; and the student body president is either falling for him or slipping into the enveloping darkness. Bright Shining World is a novel of resistance, of young people finding hope and courage and community in a collapsing world.
I got a strong Stanger Things vibe after reading this description, and dark humor gets me every time.
I cannot emphasize how much I adored Wallace’s voice. I couldn’t contain my laughter at his internal monologue and snarkiness, but it was also easy to sense his vulnerability behind the humor. His past is heartbreaking, and his present isn’t much better with his father moving him around the country every few months. His awkwardness at his new school is endearing, and the supporting characters are just as likable.
The strange occurrences in the town – trees talking, weird visions, the outbreak of hysterics – and how it all relates to his father’s mysterious job had me forming theories (all incorrect) for several chapters, and the way the teens come together to fight for a common cause is admirable and heroic. Then the story spirals in a direction that was difficult to understand. I have no problem suspending disbelief in books – most of the time it increases my interest – but it still has to make sense to me within the confines of the story. Throughout the last half or more of the book, I was confused about what was going on, but kept reading because I assumed a logical explanation waited at the end – which is so abrupt I felt sure pages were missing. Maybe there’s a sequel?
The first part of this book is fabulous with a comedic, endearing MC, enjoyable supporting characters, and a curious mystery, but for me, the last half was difficult to follow and the abrupt ending left me baffled. Overall, it was an entertaining novel, and maybe other readers will have a better understanding that I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Thanks for sharing your review, Teri! 🙂 I enjoyed reading through it. Not sure yet if I’ll be adding to my tbr, but ill check out on Goodreads.
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It started out so promising, Jonny – I laughed so hard over some parts. After I wrote the review, I noticed other reviewers also had difficulty understanding what was going on.
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I’m glad there was at least some memorable parts that you truly enjoyed. I recently read a book that dragged the entire time with no laughs whatsoever and it just killed my mood.
Here’s hoping the next book you pick up is phenomenal!
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If this book was a person, it sounds as if he would have a split personality. Your reflection on the fist half (or personality #1 😊) sounds wonderful. Definitely something I would want to pick up. But personality #2 sounds very off putting. Such a shame ❤️
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That’s a perfect way to describe it, Tessa. The first half was absolutely five stars, but the last half just didn’t work for me.
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I looove snark and sarcasm! It seems to be a great read to have a good time!
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Also a fan of snark and sarcasm, Sophie – love those characters.
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Dark humor sounds good. Sorry about the ending, though.
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The last half was disappointing, but judging by other reviews, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. With it being an ARC, there’s still the potential for changes.
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I couldn’t help thinking of the trees in the Wizard of Oz. The description really is intriguing. Although thank you for the mindful heads-up. A lot of stories can start out great and then sort of disintegrate. I guess it depends on how much you like the first part. Hugs on the wing.
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It’s been so long since I’ve watched The Wizard of Oz (never really a fan), I’d forgotten about the trees. The first part was fabulous – just wish the second part kept up the streak. Hugs, Teagan!
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Thanks for sharing, Teri!
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Thanks for dropping by, Jan – hope you’re having a great week!
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Teagan thought of the Wizard of Oz and I thought of H.R. Puffnstuff when you mentioned the talking trees. I’m probably aging myself! Thanks for the review, Teri.
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I remember H.R. Puffnstuff! But I remember nothing about the trees, lol. I’d say I might have a thing about blocking out talking trees, except I still remember those from Lord of the Rings.
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LOL! Yeah, the trees and the flute talked! 🙂
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it’s really disappointing when first half rises high expectation and second half turns out confusing and difficult. Great review!
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I agree, Yesha. But I enjoyed the heck out of the first part of the book.
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Hm, while I loved STranger Things, from your description, I kinda got a Twin Peaks vibe – which I DID NOT love, precisely because it got too confusing and weird. I like confusing and weird, but it’s gotta go somewhere. Might be a miss for me.
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It started more Stranger Things, but then took a Twin Peaks turn. I loved Twin Peaks, but I probably couldn’t tell you exactly what happened in that show either, lol.
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Rats, Teri. I was all ready to purchase the book until I hit the second half of your review. I’m going to skip. Darn.
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It was still a great read, Diana, but I enjoyed the first half more than the second.
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So much of it sounded great. But I have a huge wish list that I can’t wait to dive into – thanks to you! I’m going to hold off on this one.
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