The Bridge

Two teenagers, strangers to each other, have decided to jump from the same bridge at the same time. But what results is far from straightforward in this absorbing, honest lifesaver from acclaimed author Bill Konigsberg.

Aaron and Tillie don’t know each other, but they are both feeling suicidal, and arrive at the George Washington Bridge at the same time, intending to jump. Aaron is a gay misfit struggling with depression and loneliness. Tillie isn’t sure what her problem is — only that she will never be good enough.

On the bridge, there are four things that could happen:

Aaron jumps and Tillie doesn’t.

Tillie jumps and Aaron doesn’t.

They both jump.

Neither of them jumps.

Or maybe all four things happen, in this astonishing and insightful novel from Bill Konigsberg.

Kudos

  • Junior Library Guild Selection
Amazon Barnes & Noble Indiebound

Reviews

“Konigsberg’s portrayal of depression is raw, honest, and nuanced. A heartbreaking bridge into depression supported by a strong foundation of hope.” —Kirkus Reviews

“An intricate tale brimming with questions and possibilities. … a poignant, sincere look at the many ways mental illness affects young people, as well as those they know and love.” —Booklist

“Konigsberg’s approach underscores depression’s coercive power and the gifts of human connection, and he sharpens a universal story by populating it with distinctly individual characters.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“The Bridge swept me up and swept me along, and made me forget everything but this book, this book, this book. A powerful, honest, heart-tugging, nail-biting, so-real-it-reaches-into-your-bones story about suicide and mental health and the ways in which too many of us struggle alone. Except we’re not alone. Bill Konigsberg makes that beautifully, movingly clear. Stunning.” —Jennifer Niven, New York Times Bestselling Author of All the Bright Places

“An incredibly meaningful look into the lives-and deaths-of two teens struggling with thoughts of suicide. Compulsively readable and astonishingly important, Aaron and Tillie’s story will stay with you for a long time after you’ve turned the last page.” – Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times Bestselling Author of Letters to the Lost