Places in 'All the Bright Places'.

          Recently I read 'All the Bright Places' and happened to love it. As I finished it, I thought I'd just google the list of all the places but I was surprised to find nothing. So, I'm going to list down all the places in Indiana wandered by Violet and Finch in this great novel. This post isn't a review. If you want a review, you can check it out here.

1. Hoosier Hill.

          The first wandering is on the top most point in Indiana which is the Hoosier Hill. It stands at a height of 1257 feet. There isn't any great view but it's a landmark.

2. The Bookmobile Park:

This can't be included under any landmark as it's just a moving library. I loved how it's placed in the novel though, giving it a kind of an antique look. This is how it looks like.

Outside.

Inside.

3. Before I Die ___:

This was just some place where 'Before I Die' was written and passersby were supposed to write something which they wanted to do before they die. I loved how Violet and Finch wrote so many things without any second thought. That huge blackboard might look something like this.

4. Bookmarks:

This is just like another book store which isn't a place of significance to anyone unless you love books.

5. Purina Tower:

This tower is mentioned many times throughout the story, I had imagined a tall tower which emanated romance and peace but instead in reality it's just a normal building-like structure.

6. Kramer:

I completely forgot what this place was about. I have included it just as it is mentioned in the book.

7. Backyard Roller coasters:

John Ivers' backyard rollercoasters were really the coolest thing. When I searched, I was surprised that they exist. Human imagination and innovation can reach any bound.

John Ivers.

Blue Flash.

Blue Too.

8. Blue Hole:

This is the most significant place in the story where their love story begins and ends. Blue Hole is basically a bottomless pit of water. I couldn't get any good pictures about this. Instead, here is a picture of a Blue Hole in Bahamas.

9. Milltown, Shoe Tree:

This is a place where people leave their shoes hanging on a tree. I had pictured it to be something more colourful and exciting but this is the real view.

10. World's largest ball of paint:

This is a rather interesting thing to do. It started with a genius idea of how many layers of paints can a tiny ball handle. It still goes on and I loved this place. It may not be the most thrilling adventure but it sure is a weird amusement to look for.

11. Pendleton Pike Drive In:

This is where there was graffiti all over the place. I could neither get a specific picture about this nor any graffiti.

12. Ultraviolet Apocalypse:

It's a really great place in Munster, Indiana. It has Our Lady of Mount Carmel monastery which is really worth watching. I found these exact words which are in the novel and some more photos.

14. Taylor Prayer Chapel:

This is the last place mentioned in the book. This is the place where Violet gets Finch's letter and the story ends. It's a roadside tiny church.

This novel taught me that even though some places are uncommon or unusual, you should see the beauty in them. The rarest and even ugliest things need to be shined brightly though the ink. It was a great experience wandering through Indiana with Finch and Violet.

(Credits to the images go their creators. All are taken from Google.)

All the Bright Places. (Book Review #8)

Introduction:

          While I was checking out some young adult novels to read, this one kept popping up all the time. Finally, I looked it up and in its introduction was written, "'The Fault in our Stars' meets 'Eleanor and Park''. That one sentence made me read this outstanding novel. The fact that it's not just a work of fiction but a real story with real places and real people makes it more interesting. I'd call it more like 'Eleanor and Park' meets 'Paper Towns'. This love story of two young people travels across the boundaries of Indiana, enhances the meaning of literature and spreads the importance of loving special people. It's a heart warming story where the girl who has seen death meets the boy who wants to experience death. It's a depressingly beautiful story that will make you wander. It's in so many ways more intense and deeper that it might even be better written than 'The Fault in our Stars'.

Characters:

          This love story is of Violet Markey and Theodore Finch. Violet is the girl who survives a fatal car accident which takes away her sister's life. She's lost as she tries to contemplate life but finds no sense in it until Finch comes along bringing her out of her shell and into the real world. Finch is a troubled teenager with bipolar disorder who has no particular passion about anything. When he almost decides to kill himself, Violet comes in his life and gives him a purpose to stay. Among other characters, I liked how the typical college friends were set up. Amanda Monk was quite a surprise. It was a good change to see the famous girl being unsure about herself instead of being narrow minded. Violet's and Finch's parents were at extremes. Violet's were overprotective whereas Finch's were not at all bothered. All the characters stuck perfectly on the pages of a remarkey-able story.

Story line:

          The story starts when Finch and Violet are on their school's bell tower thinking more or less about death. Their friendship starts with quoting Virginia Woolf to each other. Soon they are partners in the 'Wander Indiana' project. In this, they wander many beautiful and adventurous places. All the bright places. It felt like I was travelling with them and exploring those great 11-12 places. I loved the idea of post-its. Think about anything random, write it on a post-it and stick it on the wall and cut the bad words into pieces. Then make a song by mixing all those words. That was something very intuitive. The story was then followed by a twist when Finch swallows many pills but then drags himself to a hospital. It all happens so unexpected and quick that you can't think enough and then you just read further into the story. As the story progresses, the couple is parted by Violet's parents but nonetheless they meet . Their love story is something that was simply brought together by their wanderings. Finally, on Finch's birthday, he plans a special night for Violet. He changes the entire look of his bedroom into a solar system sort of a way. He brings the feeling of Jovian Plutonian gravitational effect in the room. I loved how he lived in his man-cave or fort. It was something that wasn't symbolic of his disorder but only his existence. On that day, they fight and Finch takes off and disappears. The mystery of his whereabouts is solved by Violet which leads to his dead body at the Blue Hole. The suicide was termed as an accident when in reality, I think; all he wanted was to find the bottom of the bottomless Blue Hole. There isn't only one answer to the mystery of his but this is what I think. After his death, Violet wanders to the remaining five places alone. She finds clues that prove Theodore was there and at the last wandering she finds a letter from him which marks the end of the story.

All the bright places covered in this book are simply astounding. However, they can't be a part of the review. So, here's the places.

Overall Thoughts:

          'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven is a simple story with a deep meaning. It brings out the beauty of Indiana. It doesn't focus on the famous attractions but those which are lesser known yet wonderful. This gives it a more natural and intricate purpose. Another message conveyed is about how to treat people with disorders. In the book, Finch has bipolar disorder which makes him very different and suicidal. There might be many people you know who might be having some problems but you may never know. Such disorders are difficult to diagnose in this stressed out life but it's vital to observe and talk. Overall, it's a greatly written story. I've given this book 4 stars on Goodreads. In my opinion, it's an underrated novel. It deserves the highest readership. Go grab this book and let me know your views in the comments below.

July Photo Challenge #1

          July Photo Challenge is basically posting a photo every day for the rest of the month about a certain topic. My blogger friend Kara has started this amazing series which I'm glad to join. Usually, photo challenges are updated more on Instagram than Blogger. However, I've decided to post a photo once a week on my blog as well. That means you'll see five photo links here while all 31 photos on my Instagram account. You can check out Kara's site The Knight's Place for more details. This is what my photographic July is going to look like.

Check out my first photo!

Half Yearly Goals.

          I have seen many bloggers who set up goals for a month. It sounds really exciting but my blog isn't entirely about personal stuff. Hence, I don't follow the monthly principle. I have decided to make half yearly goals. It's a long term vision which will help me plan everything with proper precision. So, here are my goals to be achieved for the remainder of the year.

1. Blogging:

          I usually need two hours to write a good post. Even longer for posts like 'Are You Living?'  When my college will begin, I hope I'll find sufficient time for blogging. I don't want to end up like some person who knew a bit about writing but gave up to become a corporate junkie. I cannot be that person. Hence, my top priority will be to keep writing and posting, come what may. I intend to write three short stories in the next six months. I also have a smaller goal until September, which is my first blogoversary. I don't keep a followers goal because that's something which isn't under my control. But more followers are always nice.

2. Books:

          I have a goal of 50 books this year. Unfortunately, I only read 16 in the first half. Nevertheless, I'll still try to accomplish this goal. I finished 'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven today. So, that's a good start, I believe. Most likely, I'll read the rest two books of Khaled Hosseini, few of Ernest Hemingway, The Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi, Lolita and a few others. In Young Adult, I might read 'We Were Liars', rest of the 'Shatter Me' series and some novels by Gayle Forman, David Levithan and Stephanie Perkins. The list is just endless.

3. Solo Travelling:

          I've been thinking about this for a long time but haven't executed it yet. I think you can learn a lot about the places if you travel solo. In a place like Mumbai, it's safe and also normal to wander alone. This place is never bereft of people. Solo travelling also cuts down the unnecessary chit chats and gives more time to think.

4. Photo walk:

          This could be an extended part of travelling. I understood about this concept just a few months back and since then I have been wanting to go for a photo walk. Few of my photographer friends really enjoy this. Such wanderings may help to get a better vision of the world. I had clicked the above two photos in the last year. I'm not a photographer but I love to click.

5. People:

          After spending five years in my previous college, it'll be difficult to just move on. So, I'm going to be in touch with my college friends. I'm also actually going to keep my introverted self to a minimum and try to befriend new people in the new college. I hope this whole' people thing' works out.

6. Blogoversary:

          I can't wait for these two months to pass by. For my special one year of blogging, I have some great plans. I might finally buy a domain and print some blog cards. I'm so thrilled by this idea that it's going to be difficult to get through these two months. Keep reading and sharing my blog. Your support is what makes me going.

Half Yearly Favourites.

            Six months have already flown by without letting us know how fast time flies. In today's post, I'm going to mention my favourite moments and days throughout this half year. By doing this, I want to show my gratitude towards good things and thank God for everything he has given. This post will help me find some happiness in the dark sadness that surrounds. Here are my top 7 happy moments from January until June.

1. Short Stories:

          I wouldn't have thought of writing short stories without motivation from my family and friends. I have written five stories including a love story and I'm already writing a new one. This short story writing has helped me get some confidence about myself and my writing. I'm glad that readers liked it and I cannot be more hopeful. Here are the links to my short stories.

Beyond Bondage.

Fanatic Fangirls.

Patchy Perfections.

Passionate Prodigies.

Coincidental Love (Part One)

Coincidental Love (Part Two)

2. Blogging.

          I have taken blogging seriously in the past months. Because now I know what I do best, I am never going to give up on either blogging or writing. I made a fresh theme for the blog and also made a header. I started a blog series called Monday Moments. I love the idea of this as it helps to portray many moments and expressing them creatively in words. I have created a Facebook page through which you can get all the post updates. Also, you can now follow my blog by clicking the 'Join This Site' button on top right in the widgets section. These few changes have made my blog's appearance appealing and I like it. Feel free to follow my blog and express your opinion.

3. Travel trips:

Kerala.

          Until now, I went on three trips in the first half which were really amazing. I love travelling and hence I enjoyed these journeys throughout. In January, I went on a college Industrial Visit to Kerala. It was a whole new experience for me as it was my first time travelling without family. It was a great trip because of all my friends. You can read my Kerala trip here. The second one was to Panchgani with my family. After my exams and stressed out study days, it was the best trip where I relaxed the whole time. You can read about the touring Panchgani section here. The last one was just a two day trip to Pune. It was a fun family get-together. I enjoyed a lot over there.

4. Books:

          I have read 16 books till now in this half year. I have a goal of reading 50 books this year. So, 16 isn't satisfying at all. But, books are my favourite part of the day. I have read some excellent books while some boring ones. But, being the booknerd I am, I've loved and enjoyed every piece of the reading experience. Yon can check out some of the articles and book reviews I've written so far here.

5. Concert:

          1st March 2015 will forever be my favourite day on earth. It was the day I saw Ed Sheeran live in Mumbai with my best friend. That night was the most amazing, musical and lovely night of my life. Ed Sheeran concert experience is my take on that day. I read it sometimes to make sure it really happened because I still can't believe I saw Ed Sheeran.

6. Birthday:

          This March I had a birthday blast. I knew how everyone around me loved me. I was showered with love and so many gifts. It was indeed a special treat. I feel grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. 

7. Academics:

          My final year results haven't been declared yet but soon I'll be a graduate. That gives me a kind of a good feeling. I'm glad that I'll be doing MMS course which is two more years of academic education. I hope that this course will bring a new edge to my personality and boost my confidence.

How was your first half of the year? Do share.

Results. (Monday Moments #5)

          As he heard that the results were out, he went to check on the website. Everything was coming back to him. He remembered all those papers which were so difficult. Then, the faces of his teachers flashed in front of him which got him worried about his internal marks. He remembered all those bunked lectures. He remembered how he should have studied harder from the beginning rather than learning things one month before exams. As he approached his laptop, his heart was beating faster. It was faster than the time he was caught cheating. His anxious soul just couldn't stop going back to all those pre-exam days. The level of tension was building up so high within him that he thought he would explode. He was eagerly waiting for the results to be out. But now that they were, he wasn't sure why he was awaiting them in the first place. The pressure from his family was unreal, constant and terrorising. The burden of failure among his friends would be heavy. The looks his relatives and everyone else would give him were very real in his mind. He can even picture the faces of all those judgemental people talking about him. He reached his laptop and opened the website. The fear, tension, stress, pressure was insurmountable now. He logged in and waited. Finally, he saw his future typed out in six letters, 'PASSED'. The moment came when he saw those six magical letters for which he had roted millions of letters. In that moment, he could see his bright future and people's shut mouths. Despite everything that he had gone through that year, he passed. He became a graduate. In that precious moment, he felt grown up, responsible and an adult. In that one moment his fears were transformed to relief. That one determining moment held all the worth and finally blasted with a celebration. His life changed in that one moment.

(‘Monday Moments’ is a blog series wherein I write about an incident or a moment in a short paragraph. It’s not a story, but just a short description to express and explore the most common joys and also the uncommon miseries.)

5 Points to Create the Perfect Blog Header.

          Hello, readers! You can see, I have finally updated my blog by changing the theme, layout and adding a header. I had been meaning to put up an image as a header for quite a long time now. I just didn't know how to start. I had observed many people's sites, but that just created more confusion. But, at the end of the day, I just stuck to my own plan and made my blog's header image. Here are some of the points I considered while creating the perfect header for my blog.

1. Logo and Header:

          There is such a tiny difference between these two that it left me baffled. If you want to create a logo then it's quite a long task. But, creating a header is quite simpler than that. Once you've got the difference sorted then you can actually start working on your header image.

2. Blog Topics:

          In my header, you can see the main items that represent my blog. I have kept a book (The Fault in Our Stars) which covers the Books and reviews. I have kept a photo of Taylor Swift referring to the music and lifestyle sections. Further, there is a small diary symbolising the short stories I write. Then there's a camera for the photo posts. Further, you can see some travel pictures and finally the cup of coffee representing the Monday Moments section. By this, I have covered the entire idea of my blog in one picture.

You can try out this technique which will not only be your official blog banner but will also reflect your blog's scope and depth.

3. Props.

          You have to take reasonable care as to the objects you are using to make your blog's header. These will always be a part of your blog. A picture reaches the readers faster than words. Hence, it's of crucial importance to choose the props properly. They can be things related to your blog or simply one thing which is the most powerful element of your blog.

4. Colours:

          You have to be sure of the colour of the objects as well as that of the background. They both should match the theme of your blog. In my image, there are four items which are near to the colour blue. The background is a mere off-white which can match mostly anything. So, that will help me in case I decide to change the blog theme.

5. Camera and Editing App:

          After setting up everything, you must click it perfectly. I'm not a photographer. But it's common knowledge that the picture shouldn't be blur or too sharp. There should be adequate light and a really good camera. Once you are satisfied with the picture, you need to edit it to write the words, fix the theme, add a frame and so on. After many failed clicks and passage of a long time, I got the perfect click. After clicking it, I used 2 applications on my mobile. One for adding words and another for adding the effects.

I hope this information was helpful. How did you make your blog header?

Wanderlust Magic.

          I love everything about travel. I love packing, travelling, exploring new places, wandering new cities, writing about the adventures, clicking pictures and also collecting travel photos. It's not always possible to go on trips as per my wish. So, even when I love to write about it, it's not possible. Since travel is an important aspect of my blog, today I'm sharing some photographs which I found on Pinterest. After looking at these, I just feel like going on a world tour. Till then, here are some fascinating pictures for your wanderlust soul.

          Now I'm sharing some photos from around the world. You can see them on my Pinterest board, 'I Know Places'.

Taj Mahal, India.

Big Ben, London.

Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Statue of Liberty, USA.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai.

Gold Coast, Australia.

Bora Bora Islands.

Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.

Great Wall of China.

(Credits to all the images go to their creators.)