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Bright Shining World
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.
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.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 30, 2020
Bright Shining World is a little bit Stranger Things mixed with some snarky humor and delightful bonding of a small town in crisis. The first half of this book starts out strong: we have Wallace's hilarious inner thoughts, while also a creeping sense of dread regarding the mystery overwhelming his new place of residence. If I were to rate the book solely on the first half, it would have been an almost 5 star read for me, but about halfway through the story takes a turn that felt disjointed and unbelievable (which feels difficult to type since this is not a realistic fiction novel). I think my issue lies more in the fact that I was completely confused and trying to catch up once the story changed. The talent is here, and I definitely would read another book from this author. Perhaps the YA crowd will roll with the sudden change of direction more easily than I was able to?
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
June 27, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf Books for Young Readers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was confusing, to say the least.
'Bright Shining World' follows Wallace Cole after he moves to a small town in New York because of his dad's job, where kids at the local high school are experiencing cases of hysteria - anything from going crazy in the lunchroom to talking to trees. Wallace knows that his dad and his job are somehow inexplicably tied to it all, but it's up to him to figure out what exactly is going on.
The biggest reason that I, personally, couldn't enjoy this book was because of how disjointed everything felt. Despite the fact that I actually really like the concept of this book (abnormal happenings in an otherwise normal world), transitions between descriptions of reality and dreamlike visions were nonexistent, and it only served to make me feel even more confused than I already was. It was hard to picture the events that were taking place, as a result.
The plot attempted to merge parts of a dystopian-like world with the everyday life of a high school kid, and let me tell you, it did not work. Plot twists were sudden and random - no buildup, just a reveal that tried to explain paranormal happenings logically and scientifically. There were also quite a few time skips, so the pacing of the book was affected, making things even more confusing.
All of that isn't to forget the healthy dose of social commentary that was sprinkled in at random times, mostly concerning how the current generation and ones to come are absolutely screwed, and the risks of untested scientific innovations. (This, of course, was told by authority figures in the book. One of the best things about this novel was probably how accurate the author managed to capture the 'voice' of a teenager.)
The ending was about as open and abrupt as you'd expect from this book. That being said, most of my questions about what was happening had been answered by this point, so I wasn't too upset about it.
Overall, the best thing I can compare this book to is a fever dream. While I did really like the concept that this book is centered around (as well as the one that is revealed close to the end of the story), the execution could have been significantly better and more enjoyable. If shiny covers paired with a confusing plot in a dystopian-like novel is exactly your sort of thing, I would definitely recommend this book.
This book was confusing, to say the least.
'Bright Shining World' follows Wallace Cole after he moves to a small town in New York because of his dad's job, where kids at the local high school are experiencing cases of hysteria - anything from going crazy in the lunchroom to talking to trees. Wallace knows that his dad and his job are somehow inexplicably tied to it all, but it's up to him to figure out what exactly is going on.
The biggest reason that I, personally, couldn't enjoy this book was because of how disjointed everything felt. Despite the fact that I actually really like the concept of this book (abnormal happenings in an otherwise normal world), transitions between descriptions of reality and dreamlike visions were nonexistent, and it only served to make me feel even more confused than I already was. It was hard to picture the events that were taking place, as a result.
The plot attempted to merge parts of a dystopian-like world with the everyday life of a high school kid, and let me tell you, it did not work. Plot twists were sudden and random - no buildup, just a reveal that tried to explain paranormal happenings logically and scientifically. There were also quite a few time skips, so the pacing of the book was affected, making things even more confusing.
All of that isn't to forget the healthy dose of social commentary that was sprinkled in at random times, mostly concerning how the current generation and ones to come are absolutely screwed, and the risks of untested scientific innovations. (This, of course, was told by authority figures in the book. One of the best things about this novel was probably how accurate the author managed to capture the 'voice' of a teenager.)
The ending was about as open and abrupt as you'd expect from this book. That being said, most of my questions about what was happening had been answered by this point, so I wasn't too upset about it.
Overall, the best thing I can compare this book to is a fever dream. While I did really like the concept that this book is centered around (as well as the one that is revealed close to the end of the story), the execution could have been significantly better and more enjoyable. If shiny covers paired with a confusing plot in a dystopian-like novel is exactly your sort of thing, I would definitely recommend this book.
November 24, 2020
Folks: ""Bright Shining World" is a really great book. The Holden Caufield-esque narrator (Wallace) is snarky, haughty, and self-deprecating all at once. The story has a number of unexpected twists, and the writing is fast and fluid with a number of wonderful turns of phrase. Supporting characters are quirky takes on traditional archetypes, and Wallace's complicated relationships with his father and with his crush Megan Rose are particularly well drawn. BSW is also a genre take on some serious environmental and spiritual themes, but, in the end, a sweet, sensitive, and fun read.
Comparisons some goodreads reviewers have made to "Stranger Things" are apt in that a small town mystery leads to the discovery of many new layers to reality. However in BSW, the villains and things to fear are corporatists and the structures that enable them... while the deeper realities discovered by the characters speak to new wonders. The author draws on a wide mix of spiritual traditions to create these wonders, from Mexican spirit animals (a la Pixar's "Coco" for those not familiar with the lore) to Buddhist constructs. In turbulent times like this, this is a novel that is ultimately about hope and possibility... so both fun and timely. Note: I read an advance copy.
Comparisons some goodreads reviewers have made to "Stranger Things" are apt in that a small town mystery leads to the discovery of many new layers to reality. However in BSW, the villains and things to fear are corporatists and the structures that enable them... while the deeper realities discovered by the characters speak to new wonders. The author draws on a wide mix of spiritual traditions to create these wonders, from Mexican spirit animals (a la Pixar's "Coco" for those not familiar with the lore) to Buddhist constructs. In turbulent times like this, this is a novel that is ultimately about hope and possibility... so both fun and timely. Note: I read an advance copy.
August 13, 2023
Not a bad story I just really wasn’t hooked on the book or connected with any of the characters. It’s fast pace (maybe a little too fast pace ?) but it has a couple comedic moments from the main character which were fun and an ending up to the imagination. Just easily forgettable in my opinion and I wouldn’t read it again.
December 26, 2021
If you want to read a weird book where you don't know what's real and you enjoy themes of "wow, the planet is fucked," this is the book for you.
I wrap up my thoughts on this book in this BookTube video.
I also did this entire reading vlog featuring this book.
I wrap up my thoughts on this book in this BookTube video.
I also did this entire reading vlog featuring this book.
November 18, 2020
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Bright Shining World is a book that, while it doesn't talk down to you, never really achieves any semblance of believability. Our main character is snarky and always has the perfect snippy one-liner to the adults, making him an instantly likable (though unrealistic) anti-hero. There are the usual "high school is weirder than science fiction" moments and in that way, this is kind of a fun play against type on the typical YA romance. But the eco agenda is heavy enough to be stifling (as well as very annoyingly repetitive).Story: Wallace has followed his distant father all around the USA, often staying in a town for maybe a year until his father fixes whatever problem is at the nuclear power plant and they move on to the next one. Wallace is tired of saying goodbye, of never getting to stay with a girl long enough to get intimate, and with a father who barely acknowledges him and looks to be permanently traumatized by the death of his wife many years ago. But Wallace's new school in upstate New York is different: the students are suffering from 'hysteria' and there are rumors of bright lights in the forest and the trees talking. Wallace soon begins to suspect his father is involved in more than just fixing nuclear power plants.
While the blurb makes this book sound serious, its tone is anything but grave. Rather, because of Wallace's constant snarky observations on his life and others' lives, it feels much more like a rant on the silliness of American culture. There are countless 'hit you over the head with a sledgehammer' paragraphs about how the world is killing nature and the Earth - even the plot itself is a rant against humanity's insatiability. I have to admit, the lack of subtlety felt like the greatest weakness in the book: the author could have made the message more poignant with a bit more care. By the time we meet the bad guy, the characterizations get ludicrous.
The characters themselves are quirky, if cliche'd. The overachieving cheerleader, the geek who stays in his basement all night, the jock who randomly hates anything new and beats up other kids (especially new kids), etc. It makes the characters and plot feel paper-thin and unrelatable. Wallace looks to be the only sane one in a world created to destroy Earth's ecosystem and he'll make sure you know that ad infinitum.
Wallace as a character is very snarky and that was fun - for about the first 20%. Then the 'angry angsty teen' began to wear thin when there were no natural dialogue scenes to be found. I couldn't engage in the plot or characters, especially when the 'twist' at the end (the reason for the hysteria) and the 'big bad' were just silly. At one point, I have to admit I thought about Shyamalan movies The Village and The Happening often since this felt like one of those movies. The ending was just as anticlimactic and disappointing as in those movies.
In all, I didn't hate Bright Shining World. It was easy to read and there were a few laughs with the Wallace repartee. But it also was clearly a book with an agenda the author wanted to forward and with characters who were cliches and cardboard cutouts of high school life. Wallace never turned into a person I wanted to root for and especially the adults were disappointingly the typical 'self obsessed, stupid, dense' caricatures that are a hallmark of anything aimed at teens. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
November 6, 2022
This book stood out to me the second I laid my eyes on the vibrant front cover. Who are these people? Why are the trees glowing? What is that factory in the background? I picked it up and read the reviews on the back that simply furthered my desire to read this book. I really enjoy YA novels and I felt that this would not be an exception to that feeling. I was right, I love this book.
The story opens up with a raunchy and snarky teenage narrator named Wallace Cole, he is moving across the country yet again for his father's job. Swiller uses such great voice to depict the story through Wallace's point of view. This new town he's heading to has apparently become riddled with hysteria among the high school students. On his first day, a popular girl named Megan Rose comes up to him and she mentions the trees, which intrigues Wallace. He and his new friend Stuart begin to question the reasonings behind the hysteria and if the trees have anything to do with it. Wallace finds a willow tree in the woods one night and his dead mom appears in front of him. As the story goes on, they uncover layer after layer of the complex situation, and how Wallace's dad is responsible. They attend a town meeting where a woman from Jackduke, the local energy company where Wallace's dad works, explains the situation and offers medication to the children who are suffering. A fight throughout the gymnasium breaks loose as all of the parents are on edge. Wallace and his father eventually discuss the situation and he learns about his job and how he controls the "Sen Energy" that is causing students to become hysterical. Wallace decides to break into the plant and the CEO finds him and offers him a job. He threatens him by saying he will kill Megan Rose, whom he has grown quite fond of. At the end of the story Wallace, Stuart, Megan Rose, and a few other students go to the willow tree to save the "night people" that will disappear if the new energy source continues to be used. He knows that the new source of energy will also turn people into mindless robots. The police finally catch up to the kids at the tree and surround them. Suddenly, the night people all appear in the sky and everyone is in awe. The police chief keeps his gun aimed at Wallace. Suddenly, everything stopped and the story ends there.
I really like the witty humor and reliability of the characters in this story. I could find at least three kids in my school who are carbon copies of each of the main characters. Wallace is full of one-liners that make the occasionally heart-wrenching story a little less sad. The story has plenty of unexpected twists that add to the suspense in every part of the story. The relationship that Wallace and his father share is one of my favorite parts of this story, I find that many teenagers can relate to it in one way or another. Its complexity also added another layer of mystique to the already suspenseful plot. This book was beautifully written and its creativity and storyline made sure I'd be reading it again soon.
No book is perfect, but this one comes pretty close. I think that there is only one flaw in this book. It's not the cliche characters or the classic small-town mystery, I love both of those tropes. The only thing that bothered me was the busyness. Sometimes it was just a little bit too much for me. For others, it might be perfectly their speed, but to me, it was a little jumbled at times. I think it was unnecessary for Hoch to try to get Wallace to work for Jackduke, and it just made things complicated. I understand why it happened I just felt like his having a 'gift' and being able to control the energy made it a little bit more sci-fi than it had to be.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read it again soon!
The story opens up with a raunchy and snarky teenage narrator named Wallace Cole, he is moving across the country yet again for his father's job. Swiller uses such great voice to depict the story through Wallace's point of view. This new town he's heading to has apparently become riddled with hysteria among the high school students. On his first day, a popular girl named Megan Rose comes up to him and she mentions the trees, which intrigues Wallace. He and his new friend Stuart begin to question the reasonings behind the hysteria and if the trees have anything to do with it. Wallace finds a willow tree in the woods one night and his dead mom appears in front of him. As the story goes on, they uncover layer after layer of the complex situation, and how Wallace's dad is responsible. They attend a town meeting where a woman from Jackduke, the local energy company where Wallace's dad works, explains the situation and offers medication to the children who are suffering. A fight throughout the gymnasium breaks loose as all of the parents are on edge. Wallace and his father eventually discuss the situation and he learns about his job and how he controls the "Sen Energy" that is causing students to become hysterical. Wallace decides to break into the plant and the CEO finds him and offers him a job. He threatens him by saying he will kill Megan Rose, whom he has grown quite fond of. At the end of the story Wallace, Stuart, Megan Rose, and a few other students go to the willow tree to save the "night people" that will disappear if the new energy source continues to be used. He knows that the new source of energy will also turn people into mindless robots. The police finally catch up to the kids at the tree and surround them. Suddenly, the night people all appear in the sky and everyone is in awe. The police chief keeps his gun aimed at Wallace. Suddenly, everything stopped and the story ends there.
I really like the witty humor and reliability of the characters in this story. I could find at least three kids in my school who are carbon copies of each of the main characters. Wallace is full of one-liners that make the occasionally heart-wrenching story a little less sad. The story has plenty of unexpected twists that add to the suspense in every part of the story. The relationship that Wallace and his father share is one of my favorite parts of this story, I find that many teenagers can relate to it in one way or another. Its complexity also added another layer of mystique to the already suspenseful plot. This book was beautifully written and its creativity and storyline made sure I'd be reading it again soon.
No book is perfect, but this one comes pretty close. I think that there is only one flaw in this book. It's not the cliche characters or the classic small-town mystery, I love both of those tropes. The only thing that bothered me was the busyness. Sometimes it was just a little bit too much for me. For others, it might be perfectly their speed, but to me, it was a little jumbled at times. I think it was unnecessary for Hoch to try to get Wallace to work for Jackduke, and it just made things complicated. I understand why it happened I just felt like his having a 'gift' and being able to control the energy made it a little bit more sci-fi than it had to be.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read it again soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
I read this book on the train in France when the recent travel ban was temporarily lifted (surely a brief window of time!). Traveling always serves to get one out of oneself, to open new doors, to discover new possibilities. And the same can be said for "Bright Shining World". It is a voyage into a new frontier, opening on a life of enormous new potential. Part detective story, part existential thriller, part spiritual adventure, it reminded me of Tom Robbins’ novels before YA was a thing, that smart, sassy style that made you want to be in the know. If YA weren’t a thing and Swiller could give free reign to his imagination, I have the feeling “Bright Shining World” would be a big, rambling hijinks-filled frolic in the world of self-awareness.
I loved his main character, Wallace Cole, a high school boy wise beyond his years who is stumbling along without guidance trying to figure out life. I loved the rich language and snappy dialogue too. Highly recommended.
I loved his main character, Wallace Cole, a high school boy wise beyond his years who is stumbling along without guidance trying to figure out life. I loved the rich language and snappy dialogue too. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2021
A great book. Very honest and real in the beginning. And funny. Then it takes a very weird turn that is wonderful. A book like this is a joy, because you don't really know where it's going. The author made all the right choices for me. I look forward to his next one.
October 29, 2020
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 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. 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.
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 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. 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.
February 15, 2021
Well, I was looking for a good book to read and I accidentally found a great one!
‘Bright Shining World’ by Josh Swiller, released in November, is just what the world needs to bury 2020 and crawl its way back to its bright shining self. It’s a fun, fast-moving story that hums with the rare science-fictiony joie de vie of a great 80’s movie. The story stands on its own; the characters are great, and easy to visualize, but what made this book special to me (being a writer myself) were two things:
It’s an absolute masterclass in the use of metaphors. Josh dishes out many dozens of world-class ones, often using them to accomplish many things at once...the one constant being to reinforce the already jaded snarkiness of his young narrator. Seriously, there were so many of these I wish I had written myself!
Succinctness! There are no lags in this book. What Josh is able to convey in a single sentence is amazing, and when I put ‘Bright Shining World’ down and returned to my own WIP I was inspired, and found myself pausing and trying to combine my next five good sentences into a single very powerful one.
I loved this book! This is my favorite aesthetic; when a book or movie is gritty, dark and real, but it’s fun (and funny) all the way through, I feel like it’s the work of a talented artist whose own optimism refuses to stay down, whatever struggles have tried him. Kenyon Gagne
‘Bright Shining World’ by Josh Swiller, released in November, is just what the world needs to bury 2020 and crawl its way back to its bright shining self. It’s a fun, fast-moving story that hums with the rare science-fictiony joie de vie of a great 80’s movie. The story stands on its own; the characters are great, and easy to visualize, but what made this book special to me (being a writer myself) were two things:
It’s an absolute masterclass in the use of metaphors. Josh dishes out many dozens of world-class ones, often using them to accomplish many things at once...the one constant being to reinforce the already jaded snarkiness of his young narrator. Seriously, there were so many of these I wish I had written myself!
Succinctness! There are no lags in this book. What Josh is able to convey in a single sentence is amazing, and when I put ‘Bright Shining World’ down and returned to my own WIP I was inspired, and found myself pausing and trying to combine my next five good sentences into a single very powerful one.
I loved this book! This is my favorite aesthetic; when a book or movie is gritty, dark and real, but it’s fun (and funny) all the way through, I feel like it’s the work of a talented artist whose own optimism refuses to stay down, whatever struggles have tried him. Kenyon Gagne
November 28, 2020
I loved this book. What is immediately apparent from the first page of Bright Shining World is that the reader is in very good hands. The voice of Wallace, the novel’s brilliantly drawn protagonist, pulls you in, full of wit and humor with a heavy undercurrent of pathos, and drops you off in a world that rhymes with all of the classics of the high school fish out of water stories, except that it is also colored by cruel post-industrial economic inequality and straight up weirdness. Homer High is Happy Days turned upside down—hysteria has invaded the student body, trees talk, and an unsettling heat wave has replaced fall in this upstate New York idyll. If you can suspend reality and just chill in the back seat, the book takes you on a ride full of happy surprises and unexpected truths. Most endearing of all though, is Swiller’s message, not the one about evil corporate interests undermining the world (which I found a little pat) but the other one, the uplifting one, about love. BSW has everything in common with Wallace—as much as it tries to obfuscate, it has trouble hiding its big, beautiful heart.
September 8, 2021
This book was weird.
I did like that the "souls" were all sorts of things, not just people. It reminded me of The Legend of Korra in that regard. In that, the souls are animals but also weird, made up things.
I understand that the main character was gloomy, but the book came off really preachy on climate change. I'm not sure if the author is personally invested in fighting against it. It's a worthy cause but I feel like it was forced down my throat.
I liked the descriptions of the father's eyes. How they seemed dark and soulless, the fire gone. And then the main character realizes it's because his father gave up his soul. The PTA scene is good as well.
One thing I didn't get was how/when the father died. The last time he was mentioned alive, he and the main character were having a conversation in the truck. Then the mc sees his father and mother together, and the mother was a soul, and the way the father was described he was now a soul too, right?
Like all, this book had positives and negatives. It didn't check all my marks for YA, but the concept, Sen energy, is definitely intriguing.
I did like that the "souls" were all sorts of things, not just people. It reminded me of The Legend of Korra in that regard. In that, the souls are animals but also weird, made up things.
I understand that the main character was gloomy, but the book came off really preachy on climate change. I'm not sure if the author is personally invested in fighting against it. It's a worthy cause but I feel like it was forced down my throat.
I liked the descriptions of the father's eyes. How they seemed dark and soulless, the fire gone. And then the main character realizes it's because his father gave up his soul. The PTA scene is good as well.
One thing I didn't get was how/when the father died. The last time he was mentioned alive, he and the main character were having a conversation in the truck. Then the mc sees his father and mother together, and the mother was a soul, and the way the father was described he was now a soul too, right?
Like all, this book had positives and negatives. It didn't check all my marks for YA, but the concept, Sen energy, is definitely intriguing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2021
Enter Wallace.
A snarky, intelligent, and scruffy teen who is forced to move from town to town by his father’s secret vocation. It's all mysterious and disruptive and yet Wallace’s normal until the newest town they move to is out of control with hysterical high schoolers. What unfolds is a story that first appears to be about disease, hysteria, and greed from a corrupt power plant, but transcends to spotlighting the bright shining light residing within us all. It is a story that illuminates the dark parts of our world, asking us to rid ourselves of what is breaking us down and creating vacant compliance. It begs us to transform, integrate, and embody our deep light and truest nature.
Swiller’s writing is fluid, witty, and surprising at times. He takes us on an unconventional path through the dimly lit forest to the glowing trees to offer us all hope. Read it and be ready to look within—for it’s not too late to save our world.
"Wake up," Bright Shining World says. "Wake up."
A snarky, intelligent, and scruffy teen who is forced to move from town to town by his father’s secret vocation. It's all mysterious and disruptive and yet Wallace’s normal until the newest town they move to is out of control with hysterical high schoolers. What unfolds is a story that first appears to be about disease, hysteria, and greed from a corrupt power plant, but transcends to spotlighting the bright shining light residing within us all. It is a story that illuminates the dark parts of our world, asking us to rid ourselves of what is breaking us down and creating vacant compliance. It begs us to transform, integrate, and embody our deep light and truest nature.
Swiller’s writing is fluid, witty, and surprising at times. He takes us on an unconventional path through the dimly lit forest to the glowing trees to offer us all hope. Read it and be ready to look within—for it’s not too late to save our world.
"Wake up," Bright Shining World says. "Wake up."
December 1, 2020
Bright Shining World is an excellent read! The main character, Wallace, drew me in right from the beginning with his wit, sarcasm, and extremely insightful observations. I couldn’t wait to follow him on his literal and figurative journey. Although the main character is a teenager, facing those challenges that are unique to his age (like crushes, bullies, and parties) and some that are unique to any age (talking trees, a town overwhelmed by hysteria) his clever insights will speak to any reader, and the book has lessons we can all draw from. I also loved the way the book weaves fantasy and spirituality into an otherwise typical American setting. As an English teacher, I am always looking for books that will draw in reluctant male readers, and this book is it! This will be front and center in my classroom library!!
June 25, 2021
This YA novel is a psychedelic trip, an ever-increasing tumble down a zany rabbit hole with no real end in sight. Something bizarre is happening to the youth in upstate New York and no one, not even the afflicted adolescents, can quite figure out what it is.
The author takes his time, building up to the central mystery while ostensibly cloaking it in all the usual accoutrements of a formulaic teen comedy flick: the gorgeous unattainable popular girl; the brutal jocks; the misfit losers, despairing, clueless parents; keg parties; football games; authoritarian principals.
But the plot deepens as the story layers on science fiction anomalies, government conspiracies and drugs. So many drugs. (Hey, Principal Snyder was right!)
The author builds to a terrifying, edge-of-your-seat confrontation that will leave you guessing until the very last page.
The author takes his time, building up to the central mystery while ostensibly cloaking it in all the usual accoutrements of a formulaic teen comedy flick: the gorgeous unattainable popular girl; the brutal jocks; the misfit losers, despairing, clueless parents; keg parties; football games; authoritarian principals.
But the plot deepens as the story layers on science fiction anomalies, government conspiracies and drugs. So many drugs. (Hey, Principal Snyder was right!)
The author builds to a terrifying, edge-of-your-seat confrontation that will leave you guessing until the very last page.
April 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book is really nothing to write home about. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it.
For at least half of the book, nothing made sense. I was really confused until they eventually explained it at the end.
Wallace moves to this new town where there’s been a case of a hysterics outbreak in the local high school - which he will be attending. Anywhere from going crazy at school to seeing a giant tennis ball with legs and arms follow you around.
This book really could’ve been amazing if everything wasn’t so vague in the beginning and if we didn’t get random plot twists thrown at us without prior mention.
Overall, it was an okay read. I probably won’t read it again.
This book is really nothing to write home about. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it.
For at least half of the book, nothing made sense. I was really confused until they eventually explained it at the end.
Wallace moves to this new town where there’s been a case of a hysterics outbreak in the local high school - which he will be attending. Anywhere from going crazy at school to seeing a giant tennis ball with legs and arms follow you around.
This book really could’ve been amazing if everything wasn’t so vague in the beginning and if we didn’t get random plot twists thrown at us without prior mention.
Overall, it was an okay read. I probably won’t read it again.
October 18, 2020
As one reviewer mentioned, Bright Shining World by Josh Swiller does have a "Stranger Things" feel to the storyline. I read this book in one sitting because I needed to figure out what this story was about and what was happening to the young people of this town. There were times I had to suspend belief and questioned whether to keep reading, but overall the story was satisfying, had some good world-building elements, and the characters were interesting along with the storyline.
Overall, an okay read. I would give this 3.5 stars out of 5.
#BrightShiningWorld #NetGalley
Overall, an okay read. I would give this 3.5 stars out of 5.
#BrightShiningWorld #NetGalley
September 25, 2021
Es un libro un tanto peculiar, con una historia que si bien está protagonizada por un adolescente, casi un adulto, no tiene nada de juvenil o de aventuras de adolescentes, quizá por eso es un libro que engaña un poco. Personalmente me ha gustado, tanto el protagonista, con su tono irónico, como los demás personajes, ninguno de los cuales se puede decir que es feliz. Creo que vale la pena leerlo porque es algo distinto a lo que estamos acostumbrados a leer en este tipo de género.
Opinión completa
Opinión completa
February 23, 2022
So I thought I'd end up giving this book 4 stars but decided on 3. It was a good book, no doubt about that. Though, I felt like it could be missing something. Just what it's missing I don't know. The abrupt ending was interesting. Also, I can't decide if it would be considered science fiction or not. Like it borders on it. To the point where it was annoying. Rather lack luster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
this book is amazing, it's dark, it's interesting, and it's straight-up hilarious, there were multiple occasions during late-night reading sessions where I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing so hard I woke up my siblings.
the story line is so confusing and mind-bending in the most amazing way
the story line is so confusing and mind-bending in the most amazing way
June 16, 2021
This book started out really strong but ultimately fell flat. It seems to lose cohesiveness and just gets confusing after the first third or so. The narration was really well done, but the lack of organization made the book a bit less enjoyable.
January 29, 2021
I found this extremely amusing, with the one-liners and humor exactly what I enjoy. But the actual story and what you are to gleam from it seemed over the top and a tad convoluted for my liking.
January 30, 2022
Did I understand anything that happened in this book? Hardly. Did I enjoy it nonetheless? Yessir!
August 4, 2022
this was such a fun dystopian read for right before school starts!!! the writing was so good & there was never a dull moment in the storyline :))
October 20, 2022
Middle school sci-fy essay meets acid trip (not the good kind)
May 8, 2024
It felt like I was reading a draft. There was no flow to the book and it felt unfinished. I liked the concept but felt it was lacking.
January 3, 2025
Reading this book was like eating a boiled potato.
August 8, 2024
Interesting….
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