Bright Side: 1

Product Information

She lived up to her nickname Bright Side because she could put positive spin on anything that came her way. Happily, those very friends will see him through difficult times, helping him find a way to deal with them, usually with laughter and good humour.

You start to fear that you’ll be that person hurting and feeling and clutching your tear-stained Kindle as you pray that The Almighty Worst won't happen. But Gus is not the only stellar friends that Kate brings to the party – she introduces us to a whole array of fabulous people, all of whom make not only her life but ours all the brighter for knowing them. I hate reading sad books, but I also am so grateful that I took the time to let my heart break and enjoy this story! It reminded me today to smile at strangers a little more widely , love my husband a little more intensely , hug my son a little more tightly . Kate tries to suppress her intensifying feelings for him, but the more she gets to know him, the more she falls for everything about him.I think the best way for adults to present the story is as a reminder to all of the kids that we don’t necessarily know what others are dealing with. This story made me swoon, it made my heart soar, it made me laugh, it made me sob, it devastated me and it inspired me and it wrecked me! It might also be a good opportunity to remind kids that it’s okay to share with an adult – later, outside of the group – if they need anything like food or warm clothes. Have you ever come across someone who always looks on the bright side of life, regardless of the hardships the one has to bear? She has made the most of the crap that life has dealt her and is one of these people that puts everybody first.

Eva Cassidy’s cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” (“For you there will be no crying”), and Beth Orton’s “Sweetest Decline”.So much so that in times of uncertainty and sadness about my losses, I may find myself thinking, “What would Kate do? Some of her favorite things: reading, writing, her husband and her son, her bicycle, Facebook, iced coffee, and music. The product of a less acceptable upbringing, she learnt early on not only how to care for herself but her sister Grace.