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When the Light Went Out
Five years after the accidental shooting of Marley Bricket, her friends, who were there the day she died, reunite when a box of letters from Marley is found in her former home. The discovery leads them on a scavenger hunt that reopens old memories, wounds, and betrayals, and leads them to question what they thought they knew about Marley’s death.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2019
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August 3, 2019Dear readers,
When I think of what WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT is about, I’m hit with many different thoughts. To me, it is a contemporary book about grief, and the way our imaginations reshape the memories of those we’ve lost. It is also a book about girls who are written off as too stubborn, too difficult, too much. Who guard their thoughts but cannot guard their hearts. Who hurt quietly, until suddenly, they roar.
It is a book about the weight of secrets and the pliability of truth.
It is a book about how we keep each other alive, even after death.
It is about sisters. Childhood. Riding bikes and rummaging through attics and remembering the magic of youth. Midnight wanderings. Hidden messages. Feeling small but being brave anyways. Finding hope when the world goes dark.
Simply put, WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT is about the lasting impact of friendship.
Please know this story contains many conversations about traumatic death. There is discussion of suicide and an on the page depiction of accidental gun violence at the hands of children. If these topics hit too close to home, take care of yourself. Reach out to me if you want to discuss whether or not reading this book is the right fit for you. Your wellbeing matters more than my fiction. Always.
Ultimately, I do hope this story finds its way to the people who need it. I offer it up as a jagged, imperfect piece of my heart.
All my love and gratitude,
Bridget
When I think of what WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT is about, I’m hit with many different thoughts. To me, it is a contemporary book about grief, and the way our imaginations reshape the memories of those we’ve lost. It is also a book about girls who are written off as too stubborn, too difficult, too much. Who guard their thoughts but cannot guard their hearts. Who hurt quietly, until suddenly, they roar.
It is a book about the weight of secrets and the pliability of truth.
It is a book about how we keep each other alive, even after death.
It is about sisters. Childhood. Riding bikes and rummaging through attics and remembering the magic of youth. Midnight wanderings. Hidden messages. Feeling small but being brave anyways. Finding hope when the world goes dark.
Simply put, WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT is about the lasting impact of friendship.
Please know this story contains many conversations about traumatic death. There is discussion of suicide and an on the page depiction of accidental gun violence at the hands of children. If these topics hit too close to home, take care of yourself. Reach out to me if you want to discuss whether or not reading this book is the right fit for you. Your wellbeing matters more than my fiction. Always.
Ultimately, I do hope this story finds its way to the people who need it. I offer it up as a jagged, imperfect piece of my heart.
All my love and gratitude,
Bridget
May 20, 2019
Everything is something.Marley was the oldest of eight neighbourhood friends, known as the Albany kids, and the mastermind behind their summer Adventures. Aidy, Teeny, Bigs, Harrison, Ruby, Nick and Olivia would join Marley, riding their bicycles around Cadence, California, enjoying the camaraderie and excitement of their scavenger hunts, never once reaching the end, always “in pursuit of a goal Marley never fully explained.”
Then Nick accidentally shot Marley. He and Olivia are the only ones who really know what happened that day. Five years have passed and Olivia is now older than Marley was when she died. The seven remaining Albany kids have all reunited for the first time since Marley died for one final Adventure.
“Trust me. The Adventure is going to have a different purpose this year.”The story unfolds through mostly alternating chapters, some focusing on the lead up to Marley’s death and the others beginning the morning of the fifth annual memorial held at the City Hall. This provides a picture of the effect this tragedy has had on the individual Albany kids, their group dynamics, some of their family members, and the town of Cadence as a whole.
No one in Cadence wanted to remember what Marley’s death actually did to the living.Marley was a complex character and I was never entirely sure if I liked her or not. I loved that she wasn’t portrayed in an entirely positive or negative way. I liked Olivia’s tenacity but at times her dramatic way of seeing everything irked me, although I understood the reasons behind it. I adored Nick, who was 11 when he accidentally shot Marley, and has had to essentially live with his pain alone, even though it wasn’t his fault. I enjoyed getting to know so many multifaceted characters, many of whom were keeping secrets, from others and sometimes themselves as well.
I hear a lot about gun violence but I consider myself very lucky that I can’t personally comment on its effects on the minds and lives of the adults and children who are left to try to pick up the pieces of their forever changed lives. If there’s one thing recent news items have shown it’s that we are currently failing survivors of this type of violence. It’s painful to read about but books like this are so important for both young adults and the young at heart.
Just some of my takeaways from this book are:
* We need to be sensitive to the different ways people grieve
* We can be haunted in so many ways
* The meanings we attribute to our memories and experiences can alter our perceptions
* People may be wearing social masks to pretend they’re okay when they’re really not at all. Don’t be afraid to look beneath the surface.
“Let’s make it so that we never again have to ask ourselves, How did this happen?”Having said all of this, I don’t think I can explain what this book is about anywhere near as well as its author; I’d encourage you to read Bridget’s review, which can be found here.
Content warnings include discussion surrounding accidental death and suicide, description of a character’s death as a result of a gunshot wound, and body shaming.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc., for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.
June 6, 2019
On the fifth anniversary of Marley’s accidental shooting, the town gathers to remember. Her neighborhood friends, even Nick, who fired the fatal shot with a gun no one thought was loaded, returns. He and narrator Olivia, the youngest of the Albany Street kids share a special bond. Ollie uncovers one last adventure Marley planned before her death.
Accidental shooting or suicide? The more the kids learn, the more questions they have. Marley was larger than life, the eldest and de facto leader of the group who ruled with cruelty and abusive words. In death she’s become iconic.
Nick was the only character I truly liked. He was bullied by Marley into taking the shot. Olivia’s tenuous relationship with the perplexed me. At times I wondered the extent of her mental illness. Could she, not Nick, have been the shooter? Was she possibly delusional? The adults were one-dimensional caricatures.
Bridget Morrissey created an intricate, compelling plot in WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I wish she had executed the premise better. At times the story drifted into the realm of Extreme Over-explaining and platitudes. Characters monologued telling without showing. This is the second Morrissey novel that began was a great idea and fizzled out.
WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT is an okay read that doesn’t live up to its blurb.
Accidental shooting or suicide? The more the kids learn, the more questions they have. Marley was larger than life, the eldest and de facto leader of the group who ruled with cruelty and abusive words. In death she’s become iconic.
Nick was the only character I truly liked. He was bullied by Marley into taking the shot. Olivia’s tenuous relationship with the perplexed me. At times I wondered the extent of her mental illness. Could she, not Nick, have been the shooter? Was she possibly delusional? The adults were one-dimensional caricatures.
Bridget Morrissey created an intricate, compelling plot in WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I wish she had executed the premise better. At times the story drifted into the realm of Extreme Over-explaining and platitudes. Characters monologued telling without showing. This is the second Morrissey novel that began was a great idea and fizzled out.
WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT is an okay read that doesn’t live up to its blurb.
June 14, 2019
I feel like the blurb and the marketing of this book was very misleading. I went into this thinking it was a thriller/ mystery and actually it was a contemporary.
I really couldn't get into the story or the writing. I think the plot was promising and could have been done really well but I don't know, I just feel like there was something lacking in this book.
I was incredibly bored while reading and started to loss interest quite quickly. It's not the worst book I've ever read but it certainly isn't the best.
I thought the characters were pretty bland and it took a while for anything to get going.
If I knew this wasn't a thriller going in, I might of enjoyed it more but it definitely didn't capture my attention or interest. I was quite disappointed in this one
I really couldn't get into the story or the writing. I think the plot was promising and could have been done really well but I don't know, I just feel like there was something lacking in this book.
I was incredibly bored while reading and started to loss interest quite quickly. It's not the worst book I've ever read but it certainly isn't the best.
I thought the characters were pretty bland and it took a while for anything to get going.
If I knew this wasn't a thriller going in, I might of enjoyed it more but it definitely didn't capture my attention or interest. I was quite disappointed in this one
June 12, 2019
that was boring. holy shit.
December 28, 2021
"Who you love is never the problem. It’s how you love them that matters."
This story promised a mystery that brings old friends back together after years of being separated. Which it did to a point but the mystery wasn’t there. It was obvious from the start how this was going to pan out and there were no surprises here.
I had zero expectations going into this, so I wasn’t disappointed. I also knew that this book wasn’t going to change my life or even make me feel inspired by the actions of these kids. What I did hope was that it lived up to its phenomenal synopsis and it didn’t even do that.
The story tried to make you believe that Marley was the glue to this story and that she was a great friend. She was far from it. Marley was a bully and her life was celebrated as if she was the greatest person. Yes, she was dealing with things that no one should deal with but she pressured Nick and Olivia into things that they didn’t want to do. It was cringy.
Nick was my favorite character and he was treated the worst. Olivia was the only bright light in his life and her sister kind of put a stop to that after the shooting. I can’t imagine how someone would feel after going through what he did. I’m glad the author didn’t do him dirty like other authors would have. I’m glad he was still around.
What I enjoyed was the adventures Marley created to pass the summer by. It sounded like endless fun and I’m glad that’s what kept this group of kids on Albany Lane together. That promise of one last hidden adventure was the best part of this.
When the Light Went Out was an okay book. Things were overly explained when all we really needed was a hint of one. It was too much. This is where my journey ends with this author. I just don’t have time for bully characters or over-explanations.
This story promised a mystery that brings old friends back together after years of being separated. Which it did to a point but the mystery wasn’t there. It was obvious from the start how this was going to pan out and there were no surprises here.
I had zero expectations going into this, so I wasn’t disappointed. I also knew that this book wasn’t going to change my life or even make me feel inspired by the actions of these kids. What I did hope was that it lived up to its phenomenal synopsis and it didn’t even do that.
The story tried to make you believe that Marley was the glue to this story and that she was a great friend. She was far from it. Marley was a bully and her life was celebrated as if she was the greatest person. Yes, she was dealing with things that no one should deal with but she pressured Nick and Olivia into things that they didn’t want to do. It was cringy.
Nick was my favorite character and he was treated the worst. Olivia was the only bright light in his life and her sister kind of put a stop to that after the shooting. I can’t imagine how someone would feel after going through what he did. I’m glad the author didn’t do him dirty like other authors would have. I’m glad he was still around.
What I enjoyed was the adventures Marley created to pass the summer by. It sounded like endless fun and I’m glad that’s what kept this group of kids on Albany Lane together. That promise of one last hidden adventure was the best part of this.
When the Light Went Out was an okay book. Things were overly explained when all we really needed was a hint of one. It was too much. This is where my journey ends with this author. I just don’t have time for bully characters or over-explanations.
May 23, 2019
Rounded up from 2.5. The idea of this book -- a group of friends reuniting on the five-year anniversary of an incomprehensible tragedy -- seemed a compelling plot. There were moments when I was totally engaged and following Olivia and the gang as they attempted one last adventure together. In between all the great action parts there was so much introspection and it seemed to be so repetitive. It was boring and I found myself skimming whole pages looking for the next crumb of the plot.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2019
I didn’t want to stop reading this one and finished in a couple sittings today, which is a plus. I think I expected something a bit different and this was more... meh? I don’t know how to describe it. I knew it was a contemporary instead of a mystery but I can’t really explain my disappointment without spoilers. I love scavenger hunt-style books and this was only half that? It was intriguing throughout at least.
April 13, 2023
DNF @ pg 71
The premise is interesting enough but I just can't get into this. The main character appears to have a pretty toxic relationship with Marley ( in the way that she is treated by her) and is still fixated on how 'great' she is 5 years later. MC doesn't seem to have any personality or interests of her own except telling the reader about Marley.
The premise is interesting enough but I just can't get into this. The main character appears to have a pretty toxic relationship with Marley ( in the way that she is treated by her) and is still fixated on how 'great' she is 5 years later. MC doesn't seem to have any personality or interests of her own except telling the reader about Marley.
January 10, 2022
So let me start with, this was not a bad book. There were just so many things that could have been approached differently, explained and left out. I was not a big fan of the 5 years prior flashback chapters that were only a fraction as long as the present day chapters. We all know what the big moment is based off the synopsis. But it takes about 130 pages to get to it and you're left going "oh ok." Too much build up and then move on. There were too many moments where there was uneccessary descriptions or world building that could have been left out and could have made this book a lot shorter or have gone into more detail about past events. By the time the big moment was explained and the last Part of the book started, the flashbacks were fully abandoned. If you are going to have these flashbacks then the story would have definitely benefited from these flashbacks in showing how these kids dealt with the tragedy and how they drifted apart during those 5 years. It definitely shed a dim light on a lot important issues but not enough to make an impact.
September 4, 2019
The plot of this book is a very interesting one that covers important issues like mental illness. Unfortunately, the characters weren't very likeable and that took away something for me. It was still a very quick read that I recommend giving a try if it sounds interesting to you.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
July 31, 2020
I was really looking forward to this book and I found it very disappointing. In some parts it was very confusing and I had to re-read it to understand what was happening. Even after I had re-read those parts I still thought the book was missing something. Overall I had expected this book to be better and if your looking for a good murder mystery book to read there are better ones.
April 18, 2020
I really liked this book, but it took me a while to get into it. Granted I was also reading two books for school at the same time. The overall story was very interesting, but I just couldn’t grasp the ending. It felt like the author randomly decided that Olivia should have been the one to have placed all the clues for “Marley’s Adventure”. I also felt the Olivia was getting a little obsessed with the fact that Marley was “still here”. I mean, I get that she did witness her friend get shot, but it has also been 5 years since her passing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2023
Made me cry. one of the best books I ever read.
I couldn't decide if I should hate olivia or if I should love her. I need a book, but from Marley's perspective, I really need that.
I couldn't decide if I should hate olivia or if I should love her. I need a book, but from Marley's perspective, I really need that.
June 16, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, in exchange for an honest review.
"To the other residence of Cadence, California, Marley was nothing but an event. A flower to drop outside Mr. Bricket's front door. An extra thank-you to give to God once a year. A lesson. To me, she was everything."
In the quiet town of Cadence, California, Olivia Stanton and her eight other friends run wild. Known as the kids of Albany Lane, they can be found following Marley around on their bikes at all hours of the day, stirring up trouble and are never, ever apart. They lived for the summertime, and for the huge scavenger hunt Marley always organized - The Adventure. Until Marley is killed by an accidental shooting, and everything changes.
Flash forward five years - The kids of Albany Lane have disbanded, and Olivia is still trying to hold it together. She thinks she's doing just fine carrying the weight of Marley around on her shoulders, until the five year memorial, when Nick Cline walks in - one of the Albany Lane kids, Olivia's former best friend, and the boy who accidentally pulled the trigger on Marley. And when Olivia discovers one final scavenger hunt that Marley orchestrated before she died, the Albany Lane kids are finally all together again. But as the kids try to solve Marley's puzzle, they find more questions than answers, and may have to rethink everything they thought they knew about what happened five years ago.
"We were kids, but we weren't young anymore. If we wanted to build a new world for ourselves atop the wreckage of our past, we could do it. Couldn't we?"
I ended up giving this book 3.5 stars. The synopsis immediately grabbed my attention - a scavenger hunt intertwined with a murder mystery vibe? Sign me up! It's like a summer camp mystery book without the camp part, and I am a sucker for those kinds of books. While those vibes were still there, the book ended up being different than what I was expecting, and definitely tackled some pretty tough topics along the way.
The story is told from Olivia's point of view. When Marley was killed, she was one of the youngest of the 9, and always seemed to be tagging along on Marley's heels. She was always viewed as Aidy's annoying little sister who always seemed to be messing up or getting underfoot. When Marley was shot, Olivia and Nick were the only two in the room. Determined to not mess it up, Olivia tries to be more and more like Marley as she carries her memory around on her shoulders - so much so that she forgets herself along the way.
I liked Olivia as a main character. Her grief is so raw and open and on the surface, no matter how much she tries to keep it buried. She is not perfect, or even a very likable character, but she's so real and relatable. I love watching her throughout the storyline, and seeing how she was different in the flashbacks from five years before. And I loved watching her discover who she is again while she reunites with her friends, and allows herself to finally come out from the burden of seeing Marley's last moments.
"After Marley died, she showed me how pliable the truth could be. How it molded itself to serve the situation at hand. My family, my classmates, even the people paid to help me cope - they all tried to trick me into thinking her death didn't affect me because it happened before I'd worn a bra or gotten my period...As these truths bent, so did I, until I was nothing more than a contortionist, squeezing myself into the box of a life Marley left behind."
I also loved watching Olivia reconnect with her sister, Aidy. Aidy had been Marley's best friend, and it's obvious the two girls grieved differently and separately over the past five years. As the group comes together again, so do the two sisters. Olivia begins to realize Aidy would do anything to protect her, and Aidy learns that Olivia needs her more than she may realize.
This book probably deserved more stars than I gave it, but I ended up knocking off a star mainly because I couldn't fully get into it for about half of the book. I'm not sure if it was the writing style or the pacing, but I felt a little disconnected until about 50%. Don't let my 3.5 turn you off, though - it really picked up at that point and I ended up really liking the storyline and the beautiful way it was told.
More than anything, this book was about grief. Everyone grieves differently, and through each of these kid's eyes we got to see that first-hand. Watching Olivia struggle with her own grief, and the shock of seeing Nick again, was so eye-opening and well-done. I felt like Morrissey found a little bit of my soul and put it to paper, using Olivia to do it. Grief is such a touchy topic, because it's different for everybody. But it can also bring people back together again, just like it did in this book. And while there was certainly a lot of grief throughout this story, there was also a lot of love and friendship, which are just as powerful. Those two things can span time and space, and can even surmount death. And if we let them, they can begin to help us heal.
"'I get what you mean about the room with no exit,' he said. 'You and me, we're stuck inside July 11 forever. But I really do have to believe there's a way for us to get out. And I think we're finding it.'"
When The Light Went Out released on June 4, 2019.
*All quotations taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
"To the other residence of Cadence, California, Marley was nothing but an event. A flower to drop outside Mr. Bricket's front door. An extra thank-you to give to God once a year. A lesson. To me, she was everything."
In the quiet town of Cadence, California, Olivia Stanton and her eight other friends run wild. Known as the kids of Albany Lane, they can be found following Marley around on their bikes at all hours of the day, stirring up trouble and are never, ever apart. They lived for the summertime, and for the huge scavenger hunt Marley always organized - The Adventure. Until Marley is killed by an accidental shooting, and everything changes.
Flash forward five years - The kids of Albany Lane have disbanded, and Olivia is still trying to hold it together. She thinks she's doing just fine carrying the weight of Marley around on her shoulders, until the five year memorial, when Nick Cline walks in - one of the Albany Lane kids, Olivia's former best friend, and the boy who accidentally pulled the trigger on Marley. And when Olivia discovers one final scavenger hunt that Marley orchestrated before she died, the Albany Lane kids are finally all together again. But as the kids try to solve Marley's puzzle, they find more questions than answers, and may have to rethink everything they thought they knew about what happened five years ago.
"We were kids, but we weren't young anymore. If we wanted to build a new world for ourselves atop the wreckage of our past, we could do it. Couldn't we?"
I ended up giving this book 3.5 stars. The synopsis immediately grabbed my attention - a scavenger hunt intertwined with a murder mystery vibe? Sign me up! It's like a summer camp mystery book without the camp part, and I am a sucker for those kinds of books. While those vibes were still there, the book ended up being different than what I was expecting, and definitely tackled some pretty tough topics along the way.
The story is told from Olivia's point of view. When Marley was killed, she was one of the youngest of the 9, and always seemed to be tagging along on Marley's heels. She was always viewed as Aidy's annoying little sister who always seemed to be messing up or getting underfoot. When Marley was shot, Olivia and Nick were the only two in the room. Determined to not mess it up, Olivia tries to be more and more like Marley as she carries her memory around on her shoulders - so much so that she forgets herself along the way.
I liked Olivia as a main character. Her grief is so raw and open and on the surface, no matter how much she tries to keep it buried. She is not perfect, or even a very likable character, but she's so real and relatable. I love watching her throughout the storyline, and seeing how she was different in the flashbacks from five years before. And I loved watching her discover who she is again while she reunites with her friends, and allows herself to finally come out from the burden of seeing Marley's last moments.
"After Marley died, she showed me how pliable the truth could be. How it molded itself to serve the situation at hand. My family, my classmates, even the people paid to help me cope - they all tried to trick me into thinking her death didn't affect me because it happened before I'd worn a bra or gotten my period...As these truths bent, so did I, until I was nothing more than a contortionist, squeezing myself into the box of a life Marley left behind."
I also loved watching Olivia reconnect with her sister, Aidy. Aidy had been Marley's best friend, and it's obvious the two girls grieved differently and separately over the past five years. As the group comes together again, so do the two sisters. Olivia begins to realize Aidy would do anything to protect her, and Aidy learns that Olivia needs her more than she may realize.
This book probably deserved more stars than I gave it, but I ended up knocking off a star mainly because I couldn't fully get into it for about half of the book. I'm not sure if it was the writing style or the pacing, but I felt a little disconnected until about 50%. Don't let my 3.5 turn you off, though - it really picked up at that point and I ended up really liking the storyline and the beautiful way it was told.
More than anything, this book was about grief. Everyone grieves differently, and through each of these kid's eyes we got to see that first-hand. Watching Olivia struggle with her own grief, and the shock of seeing Nick again, was so eye-opening and well-done. I felt like Morrissey found a little bit of my soul and put it to paper, using Olivia to do it. Grief is such a touchy topic, because it's different for everybody. But it can also bring people back together again, just like it did in this book. And while there was certainly a lot of grief throughout this story, there was also a lot of love and friendship, which are just as powerful. Those two things can span time and space, and can even surmount death. And if we let them, they can begin to help us heal.
"'I get what you mean about the room with no exit,' he said. 'You and me, we're stuck inside July 11 forever. But I really do have to believe there's a way for us to get out. And I think we're finding it.'"
When The Light Went Out released on June 4, 2019.
*All quotations taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
June 11, 2019
There was a great deal to love about this book.
Five years after the accidental shooting of Marley Bricket, her friends, who were there the day she died, reunite when a box of letters from Marley is found in her former home. The discovery leads them on a scavenger hunt that reopens old memories, wounds, and betrayals, and leads them to question what they thought they knew about Marley’s death.
It was an in-depth look at best friends during their childhood as they grappled with their grief. There were many poignant and thought-provoking moments and Bridget Morrissey's writing style was really lovely. There were moments when I would have liked more exploration of some of the supporting characters. For me, "When the Light Went Out" was more of a book of reflection on life's particular events, though there were also some twists and turns and drama. It was not so much about typical teen angst, rather it's focus was more about the journey of self-discovery.
Overall. I really enjoyed this novel and I certainly recommend it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Five years after the accidental shooting of Marley Bricket, her friends, who were there the day she died, reunite when a box of letters from Marley is found in her former home. The discovery leads them on a scavenger hunt that reopens old memories, wounds, and betrayals, and leads them to question what they thought they knew about Marley’s death.
It was an in-depth look at best friends during their childhood as they grappled with their grief. There were many poignant and thought-provoking moments and Bridget Morrissey's writing style was really lovely. There were moments when I would have liked more exploration of some of the supporting characters. For me, "When the Light Went Out" was more of a book of reflection on life's particular events, though there were also some twists and turns and drama. It was not so much about typical teen angst, rather it's focus was more about the journey of self-discovery.
Overall. I really enjoyed this novel and I certainly recommend it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 20, 2019
"When you're locked in a room with no exit, rearrange the furniture."
Alternating between the day Marley died and five years later at her memorial, the group of friends reunite to finish the Adventure, a scavenger hunt Marley loved to organize. Getting together and finishing what Marley started does not only stir up questions but also incomplete mourning.
Morissey explores the impact of childhood friendships and one's identity, how grief is needed in order to heal. Her storytelling is absolutely compelling. I was hooked immediately after finishing the first two chapters. And though I thought that this was some sort of murder mystery, it surprisingly is not. It is devastating but powerful and shows characters with pure emotions. It makes you keep reading, revealing fears and secrets while hoping for closure. Wonderful imagery and great writing.
"Things that are lost are not gone."
*I received an advance digital copy of this book by Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alternating between the day Marley died and five years later at her memorial, the group of friends reunite to finish the Adventure, a scavenger hunt Marley loved to organize. Getting together and finishing what Marley started does not only stir up questions but also incomplete mourning.
Morissey explores the impact of childhood friendships and one's identity, how grief is needed in order to heal. Her storytelling is absolutely compelling. I was hooked immediately after finishing the first two chapters. And though I thought that this was some sort of murder mystery, it surprisingly is not. It is devastating but powerful and shows characters with pure emotions. It makes you keep reading, revealing fears and secrets while hoping for closure. Wonderful imagery and great writing.
"Things that are lost are not gone."
*I received an advance digital copy of this book by Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2019
Review to come
August 13, 2022
found family best trope.
April 3, 2024
it was a lot confusing to say the least but the plot was interesting
May 20, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of When the Light Went Out by Bridget Morrissey.
DNF, unfortunately, I just can't do it. The characters were way too young when the plot tragedy occurred as my initial main beef. But the ugly relationship between the diseased friend and the protagonist was my second total hangup. I can't keep going.
DNF, unfortunately, I just can't do it. The characters were way too young when the plot tragedy occurred as my initial main beef. But the ugly relationship between the diseased friend and the protagonist was my second total hangup. I can't keep going.
February 17, 2019
A book carved out of the deepest depths of the universe and formed with the stars. A breathtakingly intense read, written with such complexity. We have been blessed with damaged and purely intricate characters and an intricate and perfectly woven plot. When the light went out will forever; i feel, hold a place in the saddest part of my soul but the happiest part of my heart. The use of imagery and personification throughout really made the book that much better than others I have read this year.
‘ we are the kids of Albany Lane, we will always search. And we will always have each other.’
Nick, the boy who pulled the trigger and Olivia the only witness to the tragic death of Marley.
Five years after the death of Marley Bricket, and the surprise return of Nick, the disbanded group of friends from Albany Lane reunite; thanks to Olivias discovering their final scavenger hunt come together with all their flaws, guilt and grief to finally shed a light on their last adventure. The friends discover the truths of the accident, unearth new daring questions and finally come to terms with the events that unfolded five years prior, and those issues which they have carried with them since. Can their last adventure bring them the closure they need for themselves and each other or does it stir up unwanted trouble between long lost friendship.
The story deals with the importance, childhood friendships and the issues with loosing yourself into the tragedy of death and how it can alter lives and relationships so distinctively yet so subtlety. An honest and pure read. Morrissey has a beautiful writing style, which took me some time to get used to and did leave me slightly confused at the beginning. Due to this felt like I completely missed the start of the book, and is the only reason It didn’t get 5 stars. But with a second read I’m sure every hidden detail of the book will become clear.
Merged review:
A book carved out of the deepest depths of the universe and formed with the stars. A breathtakingly intense read, written with such complexity. We have been blessed with damaged and purely intricate characters and an intricate and perfectly woven plot. When the light went out will forever; i feel, hold a place in the saddest part of my soul but the happiest part of my heart. The use of imagery and personification throughout really made the book that much better than others I have read this year.
‘ we are the kids of Albany Lane, we will always search. And we will always have each other.’
Nick, the boy who pulled the trigger and Olivia the only witness to the tragic death of Marley.
Five years after the death of Marley Bricket, and the surprise return of Nick, the disbanded group of friends from Albany Lane reunite; thanks to Olivias discovering their final scavenger hunt come together with all their flaws, guilt and grief to finally shed a light on their last adventure. The friends discover the truths of the accident, unearth new daring questions and finally come to terms with the events that unfolded five years prior, and those issues which they have carried with them since. Can their last adventure bring them the closure they need for themselves and each other or does it stir up unwanted trouble between long lost friendship.
The story deals with the importance, childhood friendships and the issues with loosing yourself into the tragedy of death and how it can alter lives and relationships so distinctively yet so subtlety. An honest and pure read. Morrissey has a beautiful writing style, which took me some time to get used to and did leave me slightly confused at the beginning. Due to this felt like I completely missed the start of the book, and is the only reason It didn’t get 5 stars. But with a second read I’m sure every hidden detail of the book will become clear.
‘ we are the kids of Albany Lane, we will always search. And we will always have each other.’
Nick, the boy who pulled the trigger and Olivia the only witness to the tragic death of Marley.
Five years after the death of Marley Bricket, and the surprise return of Nick, the disbanded group of friends from Albany Lane reunite; thanks to Olivias discovering their final scavenger hunt come together with all their flaws, guilt and grief to finally shed a light on their last adventure. The friends discover the truths of the accident, unearth new daring questions and finally come to terms with the events that unfolded five years prior, and those issues which they have carried with them since. Can their last adventure bring them the closure they need for themselves and each other or does it stir up unwanted trouble between long lost friendship.
The story deals with the importance, childhood friendships and the issues with loosing yourself into the tragedy of death and how it can alter lives and relationships so distinctively yet so subtlety. An honest and pure read. Morrissey has a beautiful writing style, which took me some time to get used to and did leave me slightly confused at the beginning. Due to this felt like I completely missed the start of the book, and is the only reason It didn’t get 5 stars. But with a second read I’m sure every hidden detail of the book will become clear.
Merged review:
A book carved out of the deepest depths of the universe and formed with the stars. A breathtakingly intense read, written with such complexity. We have been blessed with damaged and purely intricate characters and an intricate and perfectly woven plot. When the light went out will forever; i feel, hold a place in the saddest part of my soul but the happiest part of my heart. The use of imagery and personification throughout really made the book that much better than others I have read this year.
‘ we are the kids of Albany Lane, we will always search. And we will always have each other.’
Nick, the boy who pulled the trigger and Olivia the only witness to the tragic death of Marley.
Five years after the death of Marley Bricket, and the surprise return of Nick, the disbanded group of friends from Albany Lane reunite; thanks to Olivias discovering their final scavenger hunt come together with all their flaws, guilt and grief to finally shed a light on their last adventure. The friends discover the truths of the accident, unearth new daring questions and finally come to terms with the events that unfolded five years prior, and those issues which they have carried with them since. Can their last adventure bring them the closure they need for themselves and each other or does it stir up unwanted trouble between long lost friendship.
The story deals with the importance, childhood friendships and the issues with loosing yourself into the tragedy of death and how it can alter lives and relationships so distinctively yet so subtlety. An honest and pure read. Morrissey has a beautiful writing style, which took me some time to get used to and did leave me slightly confused at the beginning. Due to this felt like I completely missed the start of the book, and is the only reason It didn’t get 5 stars. But with a second read I’m sure every hidden detail of the book will become clear.
May 17, 2019
Thanks so much to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!
..........huh?
Honestly, guys, I feel like I'm missing something. This entire book went over my head.
The story follows a group of friends who are brought back together on the fifth anniversary of their friend's death by accidental shooting. The group is then thrown into an incredibly intense scavenger hunt that forces them to question everything that they've always known about the incident, and whether it was really an accident at all.
Honestly, I could not tell you what happened in this book. It flipped back and forth between the present and the day of the shooting, but I found this transition so choppy and I could not discern what was happening at all.
I liked the diversity obviously. There's several people of color, and a queer character, but none of them really felt all that developed and their dynamics were really confusing. Also.... the romance??? huh????
I just.... y'all what the hell happened in this book? Am I just dumb?
Am I too dumb for this book?
Trigger and Content Warnings: Accidental shooting, gun violence, gun death (fairly graphic), mentions of mental illness/suicide, mentions of body shaming
..........huh?
Honestly, guys, I feel like I'm missing something. This entire book went over my head.
The story follows a group of friends who are brought back together on the fifth anniversary of their friend's death by accidental shooting. The group is then thrown into an incredibly intense scavenger hunt that forces them to question everything that they've always known about the incident, and whether it was really an accident at all.
Honestly, I could not tell you what happened in this book. It flipped back and forth between the present and the day of the shooting, but I found this transition so choppy and I could not discern what was happening at all.
I liked the diversity obviously. There's several people of color, and a queer character, but none of them really felt all that developed and their dynamics were really confusing. Also.... the romance??? huh????
I just.... y'all what the hell happened in this book? Am I just dumb?
Am I too dumb for this book?
Trigger and Content Warnings: Accidental shooting, gun violence, gun death (fairly graphic), mentions of mental illness/suicide, mentions of body shaming
November 15, 2019
In this novel there is a group of Kids ranging in age from 11 to 15. They live in a area called Cadence on a street called Albany Lane. One summer day, three of the children were messing around and they found Mr. Brickets gun. Marley Bricket was accidentally shot and killed by a boy named Nick Cline. 5 years later, they uncover a box of multiple things that contributed to the adventure that Marley setup. So, was Marleys death an accident or a planned suicide? Marley Bricket was a very joyful girl that had many friends through out school and her street. Olivia, the narrator of the novel, and her friends start to uncover what was going on in Marleys life. Marley is the definition of a complex character because she was hiding what she felt on the inside which was being depressed. They end up coming to this conclusion pretty easily. Near the end of the book they spend the night in the "haunted house". While they are there they discover a note written by Marley that gave multiple hints to what she was going to do, which was find an "unloaded" gun and play around with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and the story behind it when all the pieces of the puzzle started to make sense. Anyone who has suffered an unexpected loss, especially at a young age, I think would really enjoy this.
The book follows a group of neighborhood kids who grew up together, and suffered the unexpected loss of one of their "gang" when some of them were playing with a gun they didn't realize was loaded. The two of them Ollie, and Nick were the most damaged by the loss as they were in the room when their friend Marley died. The book really follows Ollie AKA Olivia as she is the youngest, and the one who appears to be having a relapse of her grief five years after the incident at the town's memorial for Marley. Although, as we find out throughout the book, and as it is in "real life," things aren't always what they appear to be.
As I said I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, with a great storyline, which is the perfect combination!
The book follows a group of neighborhood kids who grew up together, and suffered the unexpected loss of one of their "gang" when some of them were playing with a gun they didn't realize was loaded. The two of them Ollie, and Nick were the most damaged by the loss as they were in the room when their friend Marley died. The book really follows Ollie AKA Olivia as she is the youngest, and the one who appears to be having a relapse of her grief five years after the incident at the town's memorial for Marley. Although, as we find out throughout the book, and as it is in "real life," things aren't always what they appear to be.
As I said I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, with a great storyline, which is the perfect combination!
January 26, 2019
I’m reeling from this beautiful, intense book. Profound and unflinching, it follows Ollie Stanton, who for five years has carried the painful and cherished memory of her friend Marley, who died of a self-inflicted and questionably intentional gunshot wound. The remnants of an annual scavenger hunt Marley would organize reunite Ollie and her now-fractured group of childhood friends, who unravel what Marley left them and come to a measure of closure over their friend’s death. I loved this author’s first YA contemporary WHAT YOU LEFT ME. WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT is a new level of eloquence and power, with deeply heartfelt explorations of grief and identity, obviously contemporary questions of gun violence and who it leaves behind, and an uncanny precision of human observation. This is a book you need on your list this year.
January 23, 2020
More like two and a half stars, maybe.
I feel like the back blurb, cover art, and title promised a verrrrry different story than what we actually get, and not in a good way. I was extremely confused by the first half. Olivia bounced back and forth between opinions so frequently, sometimes on the same page, and her actions made so little sense I wondered if I had accidentally picked up a sequel. When the twist was revealed it started to make sense, and from there everything felt a lot more coherent. I also consistently forgot how old the main characters were supposed to be because they all constantly acted like they were twelve, and again, not in any endearing way that I could forgive for narrative purposes. I actually really wanted to dnf it—I’m glad I didn’t, but it took FOREVER.
tl;dr it sounds more interesting than it is but if you can make it to the climax things start improving
I feel like the back blurb, cover art, and title promised a verrrrry different story than what we actually get, and not in a good way. I was extremely confused by the first half. Olivia bounced back and forth between opinions so frequently, sometimes on the same page, and her actions made so little sense I wondered if I had accidentally picked up a sequel. When the twist was revealed it started to make sense, and from there everything felt a lot more coherent. I also consistently forgot how old the main characters were supposed to be because they all constantly acted like they were twelve, and again, not in any endearing way that I could forgive for narrative purposes. I actually really wanted to dnf it—I’m glad I didn’t, but it took FOREVER.
tl;dr it sounds more interesting than it is but if you can make it to the climax things start improving
February 16, 2019
Surprising ~ Sad ~ Triggering
tl; dr: five years after an accidental shooting, the friends are still dealing with the grief.
Bridget Morrisey's story of tragic death and the ramifications of loss is surprising. I thought this might be a murder mystery, and there are surprises that come out. But, this book is more a meditation on loss at a young age. When seen as a literary YA, the power of the book is easier to understand. Many teens lose someone, usually tragically. This book pulls no punches. The emotions of loss are describing with poetic, and heart-breaking, truthfulness. This book, while powerful, might be too challenging for some readers. Note: suicide is discussed.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
tl; dr: five years after an accidental shooting, the friends are still dealing with the grief.
Bridget Morrisey's story of tragic death and the ramifications of loss is surprising. I thought this might be a murder mystery, and there are surprises that come out. But, this book is more a meditation on loss at a young age. When seen as a literary YA, the power of the book is easier to understand. Many teens lose someone, usually tragically. This book pulls no punches. The emotions of loss are describing with poetic, and heart-breaking, truthfulness. This book, while powerful, might be too challenging for some readers. Note: suicide is discussed.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2024
Marley gets shot accidentally by Nick Cline when they were younger. Nick is my favorite character because I felt bad for him ever since he accidentally shot Marley because everyone in his friend group did not want to talk to him anymore because of the incident. Marley was my least favorite character because they go back in the past before the incident and in the present after the incident. But in the past before the incident Marley acted very bossy and kind of bratty which I did not like. I feel like everyone did not understand how Nick actually felt ever since the accident. I feel like Nick deserved more love because I felt bad for him. I have a lot of emotions towards this book. I have a lot of emotions towards Nick as well which made me love this book even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2019
Giving this 3.2 stars
There was the Marley the neighborhood kids knew and the Marley only her family knew. I am really not sure how I feel about this story a 16 year commands a 11 year old to shoot her after stealing her father's gun and telling the poor boy it wasn't loaded. The kids seem to idolize this young lady. Was it suicide by friend or an horrible accident! At some point I was reading this just to finish and get to the end. Every life is a gift and Marley just didn't know how special she was.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was the Marley the neighborhood kids knew and the Marley only her family knew. I am really not sure how I feel about this story a 16 year commands a 11 year old to shoot her after stealing her father's gun and telling the poor boy it wasn't loaded. The kids seem to idolize this young lady. Was it suicide by friend or an horrible accident! At some point I was reading this just to finish and get to the end. Every life is a gift and Marley just didn't know how special she was.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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