THE BRIDGE by Bill Konigsberg

 

Two teens arrive on the George Washington Bridge in NYC. Both have reached a decision to end their time on this earth. Will he jump? Will she jump? Will both jump? What if neither jumps? THE BRIDGE follows the stories of Aaron and Tillie, but in an unusual way. Written in versions A, B, C, and D, readers get to read the story from all four perspectives. 

Aaron sees the girl standing at the railing a short distance away. As he watches, she ascends the railing and jumps to the river below. Ripped from his own personal focus and issues, Aaron dials 911 and reports the possible suicide and he returns home. After confessing his observation to his father and his own thoughts of jumping, Aaron seeks the help of a psychiatrist to help with the feelings of depression that threaten his personal safety.  Aaron's issues are not his alone as proven from the evidence of those closest to him.

Tillie struggles with being adopted. Her Asian features are the focus of taunting from classmates, and the sudden estrangement from her father is causing stress that seems beyond Tillie's control. She doesn't want to leave her mother and her little sister who she dearly loves, but everything is just too much. As she stands on the bridge she observes something she couldn't possibly imagine when the boy standing on the same bridge makes the decision to jump. Her reaction is panic and fear that this was what she was about to do.

Both teens jump to their deaths. This version is brief, but its impact is long lasting and far reaching. If only they knew how much their decisions would change those near and dear to them.

Aaron and Tillie both decide today is not the day. They form a sometimes uncomfortable friendship at first full of secrets and skepticism. As they open up to each other and other key people in their lives, they find that support helps. It doesn't solve all their problems, but it makes things a bit easier.

Author Bill Konigsberg takes an unusual look at depression and suicide. His words are frank and his focus on the rocky road that follows a diagnosis of depression will speak to those who have had their own personal experiences with mental health issues. Konigsberg takes a likely upsetting and ultimately serious issue and makes it relatable for teens without glamorizing it. I highly recommend THE BRIDGE.