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Fade into the Bright
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Expected 2 Jan 79Five Feet Apart meets Tell Me Three Things in this YA contemporary novel about two sisters, one summer, and a diagnosis that changes everything.
Abby needs to escape a life that she no longer recognizes as her own. Her old life--the one where she was a high school volleyball star with a textbook-perfect future--has been ripped away. Abby and her sister, Brooke, have received a letter from their estranged dad informing them he has Huntington's disease, a fatal, degenerative disorder that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. And when the sisters agree to genetic testing, one of them tests positive.
Fleeing to Catalina Island for the summer, Abby is relieved to be in a place where no one knows her tragic history. But when she meets aspiring documentary filmmaker Ben--tall, outdoorsy, easygoing, with eyes that don't miss a thing--she's thrown off her game. Ben's the kind of guy who loves to figure out people's stories. What if he learns hers?
Abby needs to escape a life that she no longer recognizes as her own. Her old life--the one where she was a high school volleyball star with a textbook-perfect future--has been ripped away. Abby and her sister, Brooke, have received a letter from their estranged dad informing them he has Huntington's disease, a fatal, degenerative disorder that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. And when the sisters agree to genetic testing, one of them tests positive.
Fleeing to Catalina Island for the summer, Abby is relieved to be in a place where no one knows her tragic history. But when she meets aspiring documentary filmmaker Ben--tall, outdoorsy, easygoing, with eyes that don't miss a thing--she's thrown off her game. Ben's the kind of guy who loves to figure out people's stories. What if he learns hers?
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2021
22 people are currently reading
1566 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 14, 2021
Reading this book equal to the hurt by ten million tiny razor blade cutting your heart! I had no idea I had gallons of tears to drop down! I was about to be drawn in my own tear bath!
I’m still so shaky, incredibly sad and I barely gather my words to form a meaningful review. But I think my words will be not enough to express my feelings properly. I’m speechless , dry and red-rimmed eyed, broken hearted, deeply sad, numb!
It was impossible not to feel for Abby who is so brave, strong and mature for her young age, forced to make tough decisions for her life.
The story starts with Abby and her sister Brooke’s getting letter from their estranged father which will traumatically change their lives forever. Their father is suffering from Huntington disease which means they also have chance to carry the genes of it. Both of them go through six months long genetic consultation and after they get results, they find out one of them is sick. You already know who she is!
Abby just escapes to her aunt Cynthia’s house to spend her summer, making new friends, attracted by the charm of mysterious Ben who is filmmaker, planning to go to USC for the next semester.
I loved the way Abby handled the risk of the disease. It was so natural for her to struggle, questioning each move she is going to make.
The love story of she and Ben was heartwarming, sweet even though it was a little bit instant. I loved both of them. I also ached for them.
I also connected easily with the supporting characters including Aunt Cynthia , her sister Brooke. Their love for Abby made me cry several times. Actually the book made me cry million times.
I know the book was a true tear jerker can rip your heart out but it was truly well written with its deeply layered, pure characters, realistic, thought provoking, stunning approach to mental disease.
I’m giving my full, teary, heartfelt, inspirational, moving five stars! It’s truly worth it!
Special thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s/ Delacorte Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I’m still so shaky, incredibly sad and I barely gather my words to form a meaningful review. But I think my words will be not enough to express my feelings properly. I’m speechless , dry and red-rimmed eyed, broken hearted, deeply sad, numb!
It was impossible not to feel for Abby who is so brave, strong and mature for her young age, forced to make tough decisions for her life.
The story starts with Abby and her sister Brooke’s getting letter from their estranged father which will traumatically change their lives forever. Their father is suffering from Huntington disease which means they also have chance to carry the genes of it. Both of them go through six months long genetic consultation and after they get results, they find out one of them is sick. You already know who she is!
Abby just escapes to her aunt Cynthia’s house to spend her summer, making new friends, attracted by the charm of mysterious Ben who is filmmaker, planning to go to USC for the next semester.
I loved the way Abby handled the risk of the disease. It was so natural for her to struggle, questioning each move she is going to make.
The love story of she and Ben was heartwarming, sweet even though it was a little bit instant. I loved both of them. I also ached for them.
I also connected easily with the supporting characters including Aunt Cynthia , her sister Brooke. Their love for Abby made me cry several times. Actually the book made me cry million times.
I know the book was a true tear jerker can rip your heart out but it was truly well written with its deeply layered, pure characters, realistic, thought provoking, stunning approach to mental disease.
I’m giving my full, teary, heartfelt, inspirational, moving five stars! It’s truly worth it!
Special thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s/ Delacorte Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
July 1, 2021
Fade into the Bright is a beautiful, emotional story of a family deeply affected by Huntington’s Disease. It hit really close to home for me because my father has a neurogenerative disease.
These two sisters find out their father has Huntington’s Disease, and one or both of them could also carry the genes that cause the disease. Thus begins Abby’s journey.
While this may seem like it would be a sad book, it’s full of so much hope, love, and dizzying joy that far outweighs the sombering diagnosis. Abby’s journey is an exceptionally inspiring one.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
These two sisters find out their father has Huntington’s Disease, and one or both of them could also carry the genes that cause the disease. Thus begins Abby’s journey.
While this may seem like it would be a sad book, it’s full of so much hope, love, and dizzying joy that far outweighs the sombering diagnosis. Abby’s journey is an exceptionally inspiring one.
I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 8, 2021
4.5 ⭐️ A heartbreaking story about a young girl facing the challenges of a devastating illness and finding a way to come terms with what it means for her life and her future.
This book made my heart ache in the best way! Abby and her sister receive a letter from their estranged father breaking the news that he has Huntington’s Disease, an incurable illness, and that it’s genetic.
Told in alternating timelines of before and after, we take the journey with Abby as she goes through the required steps involved in testing and the emotional aftermath of her diagnosis. This book gave me so many feels! I was so invested in Abby and the entire family. I loved how the authors gave insight into how the diagnosis affected the entire family - it was so raw and real.
Abby’s journey was one that was told so honestly - with the sadness, anger, despair and hope that you would expect. I definitely shed a few tears as I rode this roller coaster of emotion along with Abby.
But don’t for one minute discount this book as too sad! It wasn’t! At all! It was filled with so much love, friendship, acceptance, hope and joy too that ultimately it leaves you feeling like you read a happy book. The message that the joys and love outweigh the hardships in life shines bright as you turn the last page.
A huge thank you to the authors, Jessica Koosed Eating and Alyssa Schwartz for sending me a signed finished copy & Let's Talk Books Promo for providing an arc and buddy read of this amazing YA novel. This is on my highly recommended list - don’t let this one slip by.
This book made my heart ache in the best way! Abby and her sister receive a letter from their estranged father breaking the news that he has Huntington’s Disease, an incurable illness, and that it’s genetic.
Told in alternating timelines of before and after, we take the journey with Abby as she goes through the required steps involved in testing and the emotional aftermath of her diagnosis. This book gave me so many feels! I was so invested in Abby and the entire family. I loved how the authors gave insight into how the diagnosis affected the entire family - it was so raw and real.
Abby’s journey was one that was told so honestly - with the sadness, anger, despair and hope that you would expect. I definitely shed a few tears as I rode this roller coaster of emotion along with Abby.
But don’t for one minute discount this book as too sad! It wasn’t! At all! It was filled with so much love, friendship, acceptance, hope and joy too that ultimately it leaves you feeling like you read a happy book. The message that the joys and love outweigh the hardships in life shines bright as you turn the last page.
A huge thank you to the authors, Jessica Koosed Eating and Alyssa Schwartz for sending me a signed finished copy & Let's Talk Books Promo for providing an arc and buddy read of this amazing YA novel. This is on my highly recommended list - don’t let this one slip by.
Want to read
March 31, 202031st of March 2020: I'll read anything these authors write. I just wish they wrote a sequel to The Lost Causes. I'm still waiting for it to happen though.
March 28, 2023
4/5
Heartbreakingly adorable. Abby is the strongest character, she is extremely well written in all her feelings and emotions.
The side characters are not only unique but don’t fall flat in the story, I adored Brooke and Lucy.
Ben was simple, but he was perfect for this book and nothing about their relationship felt fake or rushed. Their conversations and reactions were perfectly described and the dialogue was very accurate to how teenagers truly act.
I adore this book, I must visit Two Harbours one day.
Heartbreakingly adorable. Abby is the strongest character, she is extremely well written in all her feelings and emotions.
The side characters are not only unique but don’t fall flat in the story, I adored Brooke and Lucy.
Ben was simple, but he was perfect for this book and nothing about their relationship felt fake or rushed. Their conversations and reactions were perfectly described and the dialogue was very accurate to how teenagers truly act.
I adore this book, I must visit Two Harbours one day.
April 12, 2023
(4.5/5) took me a while to finish cuz school is annoying but this was quite lit the perfect summer read. ugh i wanna go to two harbours so bad now but anyway, abby and ben are my babies i love them❤️🩹❤️🩹
April 23, 2022
I am all over the place with this book.
It’s a heavy topic, yet an intriguing one. If you had a 50% chance of carrying a gene that results in Huntington’s Disease (a horrible, ultimately fatal, degenerative condition) with typical onset occurring in one’s 40’s/50’s …would you want to know as a young adult? Would you choose genetic testing? What are the implications if you’re positive (a ticking time bomb) on how you choose to live knowing the excruciating way you will die?
Oof. Despite the anguish and genuine terror of the situation, it was executed in a very young adult way, which was off-putting. Of course, no one would behave well in such a situation. Perhaps, I just didn’t really like the main character? Regardless, it’s a thoughtful book and I’m betting others would really enjoy it.
Favorite line:
“We all make choices we regret. That’s how we learn to make the good ones.”
It’s a heavy topic, yet an intriguing one. If you had a 50% chance of carrying a gene that results in Huntington’s Disease (a horrible, ultimately fatal, degenerative condition) with typical onset occurring in one’s 40’s/50’s …would you want to know as a young adult? Would you choose genetic testing? What are the implications if you’re positive (a ticking time bomb) on how you choose to live knowing the excruciating way you will die?
Oof. Despite the anguish and genuine terror of the situation, it was executed in a very young adult way, which was off-putting. Of course, no one would behave well in such a situation. Perhaps, I just didn’t really like the main character? Regardless, it’s a thoughtful book and I’m betting others would really enjoy it.
Favorite line:
“We all make choices we regret. That’s how we learn to make the good ones.”
Read
May 20, 2021Well this story stole my heart. There is a certain essence of tragedy that brings together souls. I adored the heart wrenching aspect of familial bonds.
May 11, 2021
The warm sand threaded between her toes as the repetitive rushing of the ocean waves filled the rest of her senses. The weight in her chest, the fear and worry crushing her heart was at war with the peace this place provided her. It was a place she didn’t know she needed, but it was a cocoon she could not allow herself to escape from now. There was something healing about this island.
Fade Into the Bright was an emotional journey that left me wanting to hug Abby tight.
Abby has just learned the news that a positive test result leaves her with a terminal illness diagnosis and now she’s reeling from the news and unable to catch her breath. She travels to Catalina island to visit her aunt and regain a sense of control.
This book has Five Feet Apart and The Fault in Our Stars vibes and I loved it just as I loved those books, too. While it had a similar feel to those books, Fade Into the Bright was its own story with its own heartwarming characters.
I recommend if you enjoy new love stories, YA books, summer getaways, and emotional journeys that cause you to learn something about how we as humans process life.
TW: Terminal Illness, Huntington’s Disease, Death of a Loved One, Abandonment, Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Drug Addiction.
*I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Fade Into the Bright was an emotional journey that left me wanting to hug Abby tight.
Abby has just learned the news that a positive test result leaves her with a terminal illness diagnosis and now she’s reeling from the news and unable to catch her breath. She travels to Catalina island to visit her aunt and regain a sense of control.
This book has Five Feet Apart and The Fault in Our Stars vibes and I loved it just as I loved those books, too. While it had a similar feel to those books, Fade Into the Bright was its own story with its own heartwarming characters.
I recommend if you enjoy new love stories, YA books, summer getaways, and emotional journeys that cause you to learn something about how we as humans process life.
TW: Terminal Illness, Huntington’s Disease, Death of a Loved One, Abandonment, Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Drug Addiction.
*I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
May 3, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.
If you work in a library, you are familiar with the requests for books that will make you cry. It sounds strange (I get it), but this is actually a pretty common request. Readers will want something that will make them FEEL all the emotions. Books that used to be my go to's for this included Everything Everything, Orbiting Jupiter, All the Bright Places , etc. Fade into the Bright now also has a place on that list.
Abby and her sister Brooke haven't seen their father since he walked out on them 10 years ago. So when he sends them a letter telling them he has Huntington's Disease (HD) and that it is genetic, everything changes. Because Brooke is convinced they should get tested so they can make a plan. And Abby goes along with this idea, which is fine until they get their results. Brooke was negative.
Abby was positive.
So now, instead of having a lifetime ahead of her, she has a life and a certain death. And when you realize how your life ends, it makes it hard to worry about right now, because right now is kind of an illusion. And nothing changes the end outcome. As Abby tries to deal with this, she runs off to stay with her aunt on Catalina island. There she meets some friends and thinks she's moving on. But as the summer progresses, she knows she isn't really moving on. She's hiding. And she can't do that forever.
Highly recommend. It is probably best for grades 8 and up as there is some sex (one scene, not graphic) and the characters are in between senior year and college.
If you work in a library, you are familiar with the requests for books that will make you cry. It sounds strange (I get it), but this is actually a pretty common request. Readers will want something that will make them FEEL all the emotions. Books that used to be my go to's for this included Everything Everything, Orbiting Jupiter, All the Bright Places , etc. Fade into the Bright now also has a place on that list.
Abby and her sister Brooke haven't seen their father since he walked out on them 10 years ago. So when he sends them a letter telling them he has Huntington's Disease (HD) and that it is genetic, everything changes. Because Brooke is convinced they should get tested so they can make a plan. And Abby goes along with this idea, which is fine until they get their results. Brooke was negative.
Abby was positive.
So now, instead of having a lifetime ahead of her, she has a life and a certain death. And when you realize how your life ends, it makes it hard to worry about right now, because right now is kind of an illusion. And nothing changes the end outcome. As Abby tries to deal with this, she runs off to stay with her aunt on Catalina island. There she meets some friends and thinks she's moving on. But as the summer progresses, she knows she isn't really moving on. She's hiding. And she can't do that forever.
Highly recommend. It is probably best for grades 8 and up as there is some sex (one scene, not graphic) and the characters are in between senior year and college.
April 16, 2022
This was a great YA/New adult summer romance story about eighteen year old Abby who is dealing with the news that her father was recently diagnosed with Huntington's disease and she and her sister both have 50/50 odds of having the gene too. The book does such a great job showing how hard it can be learning that you might have HD, deciding whether to get tested and dealing with having a relative with the disease. Great on audio and highly, highly recommended. Plus can we all just admire this gorgeous cover???
April 26, 2021
A small white envelope held her fate. Abby wasn't sure she wanted to know, but now she did. She was gene-positive for Huntington's disease. Reeling from the diagnosis, she flees to her estranged aunt's home on Catalina. She hopes the distance will give her the room to process and determine what's next for her, as what was important before the envelope doesn't seem so important any more.
Huntington's disease was described as a combination of ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. It's a devastating disease with no cure at this time. Could you imagine being 18 years old and finding out this was your fate? That was what Abby had to deal with in Fade Into the Bright.
It was no surprise the diagnosis threw her off balance. How could it not? It was heartbreaking to be in her head as she tried to come to terms with what this would mean for her future. She was second guessing her short range plans and questioning if she should even bother with any for the long term.
This book could have been all doom and gloom, but the authors chose to be realistic, while also having Abby look for the bright spots in the darkness. They showed people with the disease being in loving relationships, they highlighted research being done to manage symptoms, and also presented characters who chose not know their results. They helped me look for those pockets of hope, as I watched Abby struggle with the things she did and did not have control over.
This was a book with sad parts, but oddly, not sad overall. The sweet romance, strong friendships, and touching familial moments balanced out the darker parts. This story made my heart both ache and burst with joy, and also left me really thinking about life in general.
Overall: An emotional rollercoaster, which left me uplifted and hopeful.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Huntington's disease was described as a combination of ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. It's a devastating disease with no cure at this time. Could you imagine being 18 years old and finding out this was your fate? That was what Abby had to deal with in Fade Into the Bright.
It was no surprise the diagnosis threw her off balance. How could it not? It was heartbreaking to be in her head as she tried to come to terms with what this would mean for her future. She was second guessing her short range plans and questioning if she should even bother with any for the long term.
This book could have been all doom and gloom, but the authors chose to be realistic, while also having Abby look for the bright spots in the darkness. They showed people with the disease being in loving relationships, they highlighted research being done to manage symptoms, and also presented characters who chose not know their results. They helped me look for those pockets of hope, as I watched Abby struggle with the things she did and did not have control over.
This was a book with sad parts, but oddly, not sad overall. The sweet romance, strong friendships, and touching familial moments balanced out the darker parts. This story made my heart both ache and burst with joy, and also left me really thinking about life in general.
Overall: An emotional rollercoaster, which left me uplifted and hopeful.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
May 23, 2021
Read my full review here: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/fad...
If you’re looking for a good cathartic cry, this gorgeous YA read is for you. While the topic is not an easy one, the book is hopeful overall and encourages readers to live their best lives without worrying about what the future may hold.
These characters are beautifully written. I don’t know how I would deal with what Abby goes through, but I enjoyed reading how she came to terms with the news. Her friend group was amazingly supportive, as well as Abby’s aunt and uncle.
Prior to reading this book, I had only heard about Huntington’s disease when Olivia Wilde’s character got it in the TV show House. I really enjoyed learning more about the disease. To me it felt well-researched and very informative.
If you’re looking for a good cathartic cry, this gorgeous YA read is for you. While the topic is not an easy one, the book is hopeful overall and encourages readers to live their best lives without worrying about what the future may hold.
These characters are beautifully written. I don’t know how I would deal with what Abby goes through, but I enjoyed reading how she came to terms with the news. Her friend group was amazingly supportive, as well as Abby’s aunt and uncle.
Prior to reading this book, I had only heard about Huntington’s disease when Olivia Wilde’s character got it in the TV show House. I really enjoyed learning more about the disease. To me it felt well-researched and very informative.
June 12, 2021
Very minor spoilers
4.5 STARS
When Abby learns her estranged father has Huntington’s Disease and that she has a 50% chance of inheriting it, she and her sister go through six months of genetic counseling. After learning she’s got the gene, Abby escapes to her aunt’s bungalow on a small island where she meets friends who don’t know she’s going to develop HD.
Huntington’s Disease and ALS are my two nightmare illnesses. I had genetic counseling testing for breast cancer genes right after the BRCA genes were identified. Because it was new science, there were a lot more precautions. My blood participated in genetic research in the mapping of the genome for breast cancer, so I know a lot about the science in FADE INTO THE BRIGHT, which writers Jessica Coosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz did exceptionally well.
FADE INTO BRIGHT is filled with heart and emotion, family, friendship and possible romance centered around the question, what would you do if you knew you were going to develop a horrible, deadly illness, possibly as young as your 30s. Would you still go to college? Let yourself fall in love? Would you take more risks? Take more time for family?
While Etting and Schwartz did impeccable genetic research, I think they missed the mark on some of the nuances of the emotional aspects. One common sentiment that irritated me and most cancer survivors I know is the comment, “I could be hit by a bus tomorrow” because my chances of being hit by a bus are roughly the same as anyone else’s. Once diagnosed with cancer, I had substantially higher chances of dying of cancer than people who didn’t have cancer. Abby had a 100% chance of dying prematurely from HD unless she died sooner from something else. While she might not be upset when friends suggested the “bus theory”, but I have never heard of anyone finding comfort in that.
****tiny spoiler****
The reason I rated down to 4 stars was because I thought it was a huge cop out having the dad leave because he didn’t want to burden his family with the knowledge he had the Huntington’s Disease Gene. Parents don’t disappear from their kids’ lives because they’re magnanimous. That reason was the easy way out of the dilemma of why dad left.
****end spoiler****
FADE INTO THE BRIGHT is a heartfelt read for those interested in medical/health stories.
4.5 STARS
When Abby learns her estranged father has Huntington’s Disease and that she has a 50% chance of inheriting it, she and her sister go through six months of genetic counseling. After learning she’s got the gene, Abby escapes to her aunt’s bungalow on a small island where she meets friends who don’t know she’s going to develop HD.
Huntington’s Disease and ALS are my two nightmare illnesses. I had genetic counseling testing for breast cancer genes right after the BRCA genes were identified. Because it was new science, there were a lot more precautions. My blood participated in genetic research in the mapping of the genome for breast cancer, so I know a lot about the science in FADE INTO THE BRIGHT, which writers Jessica Coosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz did exceptionally well.
FADE INTO BRIGHT is filled with heart and emotion, family, friendship and possible romance centered around the question, what would you do if you knew you were going to develop a horrible, deadly illness, possibly as young as your 30s. Would you still go to college? Let yourself fall in love? Would you take more risks? Take more time for family?
While Etting and Schwartz did impeccable genetic research, I think they missed the mark on some of the nuances of the emotional aspects. One common sentiment that irritated me and most cancer survivors I know is the comment, “I could be hit by a bus tomorrow” because my chances of being hit by a bus are roughly the same as anyone else’s. Once diagnosed with cancer, I had substantially higher chances of dying of cancer than people who didn’t have cancer. Abby had a 100% chance of dying prematurely from HD unless she died sooner from something else. While she might not be upset when friends suggested the “bus theory”, but I have never heard of anyone finding comfort in that.
****tiny spoiler****
The reason I rated down to 4 stars was because I thought it was a huge cop out having the dad leave because he didn’t want to burden his family with the knowledge he had the Huntington’s Disease Gene. Parents don’t disappear from their kids’ lives because they’re magnanimous. That reason was the easy way out of the dilemma of why dad left.
****end spoiler****
FADE INTO THE BRIGHT is a heartfelt read for those interested in medical/health stories.
January 21, 2022
4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Abby finishes her senior year of high school and prepares to go to college, a letter arrives in the mail addressed to her and her sister. It turns out to be from their father who left them several years ago and hasn’t contacted them since. The letter is simple and blunt—their father has tested positive for Huntington’s disease, and there’s a 50/50 chance that the girls inherited that gene. When the test comes back, it shows that only one of the girls has it, but both of their lives are forever changed. Abby escapes to Catalina Island for the summer, hoping to at least try to have a normal summer. But then she meets Ben, an aspiring filmmaker, who tries to figure people out. What happens when the girl who wants to forget her problems meets the boy trying to figure them out?
I was really interested in this book as soon as I read the description! I wasn’t expecting this story to go the way it did. The alternating POVs from past and present were really good—Abby’s summer and the days leading up to the results gave the reader plenty of insight as to the emotional rollercoaster that came with that letter. Ben was such a sweet character and I loved his interactions with people, particularly Abby! It was kinda insta-love and I thought that their feelings were a bit rushed, but it was still cute. However, I was majorly disappointed with all the sexual comments and a non-graphic sex scene that occurred throughout the book. Between that and the darker themes, I would definitely say this should be upper YA or for more mature readers.
Overall, I thought this book was touching and provoked a lot of thought about life. Older readers who are looking for a romantic read similar to Five Feet Apart would probably enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Abby finishes her senior year of high school and prepares to go to college, a letter arrives in the mail addressed to her and her sister. It turns out to be from their father who left them several years ago and hasn’t contacted them since. The letter is simple and blunt—their father has tested positive for Huntington’s disease, and there’s a 50/50 chance that the girls inherited that gene. When the test comes back, it shows that only one of the girls has it, but both of their lives are forever changed. Abby escapes to Catalina Island for the summer, hoping to at least try to have a normal summer. But then she meets Ben, an aspiring filmmaker, who tries to figure people out. What happens when the girl who wants to forget her problems meets the boy trying to figure them out?
I was really interested in this book as soon as I read the description! I wasn’t expecting this story to go the way it did. The alternating POVs from past and present were really good—Abby’s summer and the days leading up to the results gave the reader plenty of insight as to the emotional rollercoaster that came with that letter. Ben was such a sweet character and I loved his interactions with people, particularly Abby! It was kinda insta-love and I thought that their feelings were a bit rushed, but it was still cute. However, I was majorly disappointed with all the sexual comments and a non-graphic sex scene that occurred throughout the book. Between that and the darker themes, I would definitely say this should be upper YA or for more mature readers.
Overall, I thought this book was touching and provoked a lot of thought about life. Older readers who are looking for a romantic read similar to Five Feet Apart would probably enjoy this book.
April 28, 2025
My Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25/5)
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TW : FMC with life threatening disease (please read trigger warning before you start this book)
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This book hurt my heart, squeezed my soul and made me realize the meaning of being grateful. It hurt so good when I finished reading this book ! It follows our main character Abby, as she grapples with her new reality of living with a diagnosis that'll shatter her future, might strain her relationship with her family, a missing dad who might be suffering and a new relationship that might fall apart and break her heart because of it.
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The story starts off with the choice, and is told in two time-lines : before and now. The switch between past and present gave depth to her growing character and her imperfect personality, and the writing style along with it made the story hit even harder. It was heartbreaking, soul crushing, but it also made me understand and feel her decisions, her worry and hesitance towards everything! I loved the found family of friends she made, her aunt who gave her shelter for her getaway, the talking African parrot who somehow made sense. I felt like every character introduced in this story had a role to play, both for Abby and us as readers, giving advice, moral support and just being the best influence one can be ! Towards the end of the book, I was wishing for an aunt who would give unwavering support and gives you a nudge when you are struggling, a Brooke to stand by you even when you would grow old and grey and take care of you, a Curtis to slow me down and guide me while falling off a cliff, a Lucy to be the bright beacon when you are struggling to make friends, a Nina to give you advice and be the best friend when you are going through the shittiest time, a Chip to bring me back and ground me when mind plays tricks, an Ellen to be the a silent pillar, and of course a Ben to love you despite everything even when you already know the future is going to be hard. I love everyone from this book.
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The plot reads like a slice-of-life, but with added elements to it. The Romance doesn't feel like the main component, but a part of the main character's journey which I adored. I loved the way the sister's relationship develops over time and the open conversations they had despite being heartbroken. While this book hurt me in all good ways, I felt like the way our main character approached her decisions to be slightly perplexing, and her decisions quite rash. While I understand why, I didn't feel like our poor Ben deserved certain things. Even towards the end, we could have had more moments with the dad and the whole family in general to get closure, and the epilogue felt too open ended for my liking. (Ignore me at this point I'm nitpicking) BUT if you are ready to get your heart broken and rearranged in the best way possible, read this book !
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Favourite Lines from the Book
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"There’s a difference between being homesick and missing something that no longer exists. And my home, at least as I know it, is definitely in the second category."
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“Look, none of us have a clue what’s in store for us, right?” She lets out a small sigh. “But if you spend all your good years focused on the bad years, then you’ve kind of defeated the point of them.”
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Sometimes things happen that turn your entire life upside down. And it doesn’t matter what you do or how you fight it because you have zero control.”
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Thank you so much Netgalley & Random House Delacorte Press for the gifted e-arc !
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TW : FMC with life threatening disease (please read trigger warning before you start this book)
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This book hurt my heart, squeezed my soul and made me realize the meaning of being grateful. It hurt so good when I finished reading this book ! It follows our main character Abby, as she grapples with her new reality of living with a diagnosis that'll shatter her future, might strain her relationship with her family, a missing dad who might be suffering and a new relationship that might fall apart and break her heart because of it.
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The story starts off with the choice, and is told in two time-lines : before and now. The switch between past and present gave depth to her growing character and her imperfect personality, and the writing style along with it made the story hit even harder. It was heartbreaking, soul crushing, but it also made me understand and feel her decisions, her worry and hesitance towards everything! I loved the found family of friends she made, her aunt who gave her shelter for her getaway, the talking African parrot who somehow made sense. I felt like every character introduced in this story had a role to play, both for Abby and us as readers, giving advice, moral support and just being the best influence one can be ! Towards the end of the book, I was wishing for an aunt who would give unwavering support and gives you a nudge when you are struggling, a Brooke to stand by you even when you would grow old and grey and take care of you, a Curtis to slow me down and guide me while falling off a cliff, a Lucy to be the bright beacon when you are struggling to make friends, a Nina to give you advice and be the best friend when you are going through the shittiest time, a Chip to bring me back and ground me when mind plays tricks, an Ellen to be the a silent pillar, and of course a Ben to love you despite everything even when you already know the future is going to be hard. I love everyone from this book.
.
The plot reads like a slice-of-life, but with added elements to it. The Romance doesn't feel like the main component, but a part of the main character's journey which I adored. I loved the way the sister's relationship develops over time and the open conversations they had despite being heartbroken. While this book hurt me in all good ways, I felt like the way our main character approached her decisions to be slightly perplexing, and her decisions quite rash. While I understand why, I didn't feel like our poor Ben deserved certain things. Even towards the end, we could have had more moments with the dad and the whole family in general to get closure, and the epilogue felt too open ended for my liking. (Ignore me at this point I'm nitpicking) BUT if you are ready to get your heart broken and rearranged in the best way possible, read this book !
.
Favourite Lines from the Book
.
"There’s a difference between being homesick and missing something that no longer exists. And my home, at least as I know it, is definitely in the second category."
.
“Look, none of us have a clue what’s in store for us, right?” She lets out a small sigh. “But if you spend all your good years focused on the bad years, then you’ve kind of defeated the point of them.”
.
Sometimes things happen that turn your entire life upside down. And it doesn’t matter what you do or how you fight it because you have zero control.”
.
Thank you so much Netgalley & Random House Delacorte Press for the gifted e-arc !
May 26, 2021
Abby's future is laid out in front of her - attending the University of Colorado to play volleyball in the fall. But when a note from her estranged father telling her about his fatal genetic diagnosis, her world is turned upside down. When the news is delivered that Abby also has the genetic marker for Huntington's disease, she takes off to stay with her Aunt Cynthia for the summer on Catalina Island. There she meets the beach hut gang and they quickly welcome Abby into the fold. Alternating between past and present timelines, Abby must grapple with her future as she is caught between running from her diagnosis or coping with it. What would you do if you knew exactly how you were going to die?
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. Fade Into the Bright sucks you in from the start and you feel every sentiment right alongside Abby. My heart absolutely broke for Abby as she processed what her future now holds. The book is also chalked full of surprises that completely catch you off guard.
I loved the summer love element to the story. Ben is such a wonderful character and is incredibly complex. Deemed as a "fixer" in relationships, Ben just gets Abby and was extremely understanding and gentle with her emotions. But he also helps Abby see that everyone has their own darkness and she's not the only one dealing with baggage.
Abby's struggle to figure out the direction of her life is incredibly relatable for so many. She doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up and quickly realizes that she's lacking a true passion to pursue. Coupled with her diagnosis and only being 18, Abby has a lot to unpack and her journey to self-discovery was well done.
Overall, I loved the book. I was invested from the beginning and cried at the end. It was a beautiful story filled with complex characters and themes all wrapped up in a YA novel. The setting was divine and I want to visit Catalina so I can hang with the beach hut gang and meet the free-spirited Cynthia and Chip.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. Fade Into the Bright sucks you in from the start and you feel every sentiment right alongside Abby. My heart absolutely broke for Abby as she processed what her future now holds. The book is also chalked full of surprises that completely catch you off guard.
I loved the summer love element to the story. Ben is such a wonderful character and is incredibly complex. Deemed as a "fixer" in relationships, Ben just gets Abby and was extremely understanding and gentle with her emotions. But he also helps Abby see that everyone has their own darkness and she's not the only one dealing with baggage.
Abby's struggle to figure out the direction of her life is incredibly relatable for so many. She doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up and quickly realizes that she's lacking a true passion to pursue. Coupled with her diagnosis and only being 18, Abby has a lot to unpack and her journey to self-discovery was well done.
Overall, I loved the book. I was invested from the beginning and cried at the end. It was a beautiful story filled with complex characters and themes all wrapped up in a YA novel. The setting was divine and I want to visit Catalina so I can hang with the beach hut gang and meet the free-spirited Cynthia and Chip.
April 26, 2021
Confession - I love a good cry. If I'm scrolling through the channels and Tears of Endearment is on, I am 100% going to put myself through the emotional ringer. (If you have no clue what I mean by that, stop reading this review and go stream Terms of Endearment immediately.) Some of my favorite books require tissues at the ready - The Fault in Our Stars, Wonder, Me Before You, PS I Love You, Five Feet Apart, The Lovely Bones, A Little Life... I'm tearing up just writing this list. And now I've got a new one to add to it - Fade Into the Bright.
Abby is a high school senior when she and her older sister, Brooke, receive a letter from the father they haven't seen in more than a decade explaining that he has Huntington's disease, a fatal degenerative disorder. The sisters agree to genetic testing and one of them tests positive, changing both of their lives forever. Abby runs away to a remote part of Catalina Island where no one knows her secret and meets a wannabe documentary filmmaker named Ben who prides himself on uncovering people's stories. How long will Abby be able to keep hers?
The authors do a wonderful job of telling this story from Abby's POV. She's dealing with so many emotions and reconsidering what her future holds but she never once comes across as whiny or over-the-top. Her relationship with Ben is a slow burn that's completely believable and the secondary characters are so well-rounded (her eccentric aunt's boyfriend, Chip, might be my favorite).
Fade Into the Bright will take you on an emotional roller coaster but it's one that feels honest and earned and while this book is YA, I found it very relatable. I read it in a day, tissues at my side, anxious to see what would happen while dreading it at the same time. Abby's story is one that will stick with me for a long time.
Thanks to Let's Talk Books Promo, KCC PR, Delacorte Press and Random House Children's for a copy to review.
Abby is a high school senior when she and her older sister, Brooke, receive a letter from the father they haven't seen in more than a decade explaining that he has Huntington's disease, a fatal degenerative disorder. The sisters agree to genetic testing and one of them tests positive, changing both of their lives forever. Abby runs away to a remote part of Catalina Island where no one knows her secret and meets a wannabe documentary filmmaker named Ben who prides himself on uncovering people's stories. How long will Abby be able to keep hers?
The authors do a wonderful job of telling this story from Abby's POV. She's dealing with so many emotions and reconsidering what her future holds but she never once comes across as whiny or over-the-top. Her relationship with Ben is a slow burn that's completely believable and the secondary characters are so well-rounded (her eccentric aunt's boyfriend, Chip, might be my favorite).
Fade Into the Bright will take you on an emotional roller coaster but it's one that feels honest and earned and while this book is YA, I found it very relatable. I read it in a day, tissues at my side, anxious to see what would happen while dreading it at the same time. Abby's story is one that will stick with me for a long time.
Thanks to Let's Talk Books Promo, KCC PR, Delacorte Press and Random House Children's for a copy to review.
June 24, 2022
FADE INTO THE BRIGHT
Jessica Koosed Etting
Abby and Brooke are sisters and have been informed in a letter from their estranged father that they might have a life-threatening disorder. They must decide whether to find out if they have the HD gene or not. They can live their life and wait to see if symptoms manifest or not, or test and know what will come.
I think the point of the book is to decide if you would want to know before or wait? How would this change the course of a life? While the story sounds super sad, it was really more of a hopeful book that suggested that people can live their best lives now and still plan for what the future might look like.
I thought that Abby was presented as a strong young woman faced with some very tough facts. She had to come to terms with the issues and then regained her footing. She was well written, realistic, and appropriate for the situation. In fact, I like all of the characters in the book.
I think this is a great book for a discussion group because there is a great deal to think about.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Jessica Koosed Etting
Abby and Brooke are sisters and have been informed in a letter from their estranged father that they might have a life-threatening disorder. They must decide whether to find out if they have the HD gene or not. They can live their life and wait to see if symptoms manifest or not, or test and know what will come.
I think the point of the book is to decide if you would want to know before or wait? How would this change the course of a life? While the story sounds super sad, it was really more of a hopeful book that suggested that people can live their best lives now and still plan for what the future might look like.
I thought that Abby was presented as a strong young woman faced with some very tough facts. She had to come to terms with the issues and then regained her footing. She was well written, realistic, and appropriate for the situation. In fact, I like all of the characters in the book.
I think this is a great book for a discussion group because there is a great deal to think about.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
April 24, 2021
4.5 stars
My thoughts:
-I absolutely adored this book and gobbled it up in one sitting. This one felt like so much more than a young adult book for me and caused me to pause frequently and have a moment of reflection.
-This one cover a lot of heavy topics with grace and tact. I really appreciated this story being told from Abby's POV and I felt myself struggling alongside her. There were more than a few tears shed in this one!
-I adored the relationships in this book. They were honest, real and absolutely relatable. I am begging for a sequel on this. There is so much left to Abby's story ❤
My thoughts:
-I absolutely adored this book and gobbled it up in one sitting. This one felt like so much more than a young adult book for me and caused me to pause frequently and have a moment of reflection.
-This one cover a lot of heavy topics with grace and tact. I really appreciated this story being told from Abby's POV and I felt myself struggling alongside her. There were more than a few tears shed in this one!
-I adored the relationships in this book. They were honest, real and absolutely relatable. I am begging for a sequel on this. There is so much left to Abby's story ❤
March 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It was a nice change of pace from all the other books I have been reading. I love the summer vibe behind it and I like the situation Abby is in.
August 8, 2023
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to the advanced copy of this book to read.
November 9, 2023
Beautifully written, this is an emotional roller coaster ride! Tears, laughs and everything in between! The story of Abby and how she navigates the diagnosis of Huntington’s is eye-opening.
February 5, 2025
Fault in our stars but way less problematic
July 4, 2021
3.5, nearly 4. But the main character was meh.
July 25, 2023
yeah i’m definitely not sobbing my eyes out…
December 22, 2021
Wow… I connected so deeply to this book and to Abby and her situation.
Receiving news like this at any point in your life is so incredibly heartbreaking but it’s even more so when you’re terribly young. You feel like you have so much more to give the world and that you have so much time to live but when all of that gets taken away from you and your life has an expiration date… how do you deal with that?
I held up the entire time reading this except the end. Damn, the ending was really sad but I’m so happy I managed to read this book this year. As much as it’s about loss, heartache, pain, suffering and struggle, it’s equally about hope, love, strength, courage and the bonds that make life worth living 💕
5/5 stars
Receiving news like this at any point in your life is so incredibly heartbreaking but it’s even more so when you’re terribly young. You feel like you have so much more to give the world and that you have so much time to live but when all of that gets taken away from you and your life has an expiration date… how do you deal with that?
I held up the entire time reading this except the end. Damn, the ending was really sad but I’m so happy I managed to read this book this year. As much as it’s about loss, heartache, pain, suffering and struggle, it’s equally about hope, love, strength, courage and the bonds that make life worth living 💕
5/5 stars
June 27, 2024
It was good! Way too close to home for my taste, but it was still really good.
July 13, 2021
Abby desperately wants to escape a life she no longer recognizes. A once college bound girl looking for a career as a volleyball player quickly disappears after receiving a letter from her estranged father. He informs her that he has a rare genetic disorder called Huntington disease and that children have a fifty-fifty chance of getting it. So, Abby goes to get tested with her sister Brooke, and one of them tests positive.
Retreating to her aunt’s house on Catalina Island, Abby finally feels relieved being somewhere no one knows her history. When she meets aspiring filmmaker Ben, she’s completely thrown off guard. Ben tends to figure out people’s stories and try to fix them? Will he learn hers?
First word I want to say about this book is…WOW! This book has every bit of emotion that excites you, makes you laugh, and at the end tears at your heartstrings. Abby’s struggle coming to terms with HD is both inspiring and tragic, but in the end, it makes her strong for she knows that she is not alone in her fight. A truly wonderful story about family, strength, and love.
Reviewed by Skye Kordistos, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library
Retreating to her aunt’s house on Catalina Island, Abby finally feels relieved being somewhere no one knows her history. When she meets aspiring filmmaker Ben, she’s completely thrown off guard. Ben tends to figure out people’s stories and try to fix them? Will he learn hers?
First word I want to say about this book is…WOW! This book has every bit of emotion that excites you, makes you laugh, and at the end tears at your heartstrings. Abby’s struggle coming to terms with HD is both inspiring and tragic, but in the end, it makes her strong for she knows that she is not alone in her fight. A truly wonderful story about family, strength, and love.
Reviewed by Skye Kordistos, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library
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