The Brightsiders: Embracing Music, Identity, and Friendship

In a world that constantly pushes us to conform to its norms, The Brightsiders, a novel by Jen Wilde, shines a light on the importance of embracing our true selves, seeking support from friends, and finding solace in music. Through captivating storytelling and a diverse cast of characters, Wilde takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and identity acceptance that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Meet the Brightsiders

The story revolves around Emmy King, a teenage drummer who finds solace from life's challenges through music. Emmy is a member of a popular band called The Brightsiders, known for their electrifying performances and catchy tunes. As the lead protagonist, Emmy's journey intertwines with the experiences of her bandmates and friends, each struggling with their own complexities of identity, relationships, and personal growth.

Embracing Individuality

One of the core messages of The Brightsiders is the importance of embracing individuality. Through her characters, Wilde showcases that people should be unafraid to express their true selves, even when faced with societal norms or personal doubts. By highlighting the struggles of various characters, such as the pressure to conform to stereotypes or the fear of judgment, the author encourages readers to be courageous in embracing their own uniqueness.

The Brightsiders

by Jen Wilde(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4260 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

The Power of Music

Music serves as a powerful catalyst for the characters' emotional journeys in The Brightsiders. Jen Wilde emphasizes the healing power of music, both for the characters and the readers. Emmy uses her drums to express her emotions, finding solace and release in the rhythm. Through her band's music, Wilde portrays the transformative and empowering role that music can play in our lives, helping us connect with others and find our own voice amidst the chaos.

Friendship and Support

The Brightsiders also delves deep into the dynamics of friendship and the importance of finding a support system. Emmy's bandmates, Alfie and Ryan, along with her best friend, Chloe, offer unwavering support and love throughout her ups and downs. Through their friendships, the novel showcases the immense strength that can be found in shared experiences, understanding, and acceptance. Readers are reminded that friends can be chosen family who uplift us during our most challenging moments.

The Brightsiders by Jen Wilde is a captivating story that explores the themes of identity, music, and friendship with great depth and authenticity. Through its relatable characters and compelling narrative, the novel inspires readers to embrace their true selves, find solace in music, and seek support from their chosen family. Regardless of age or background, The Brightsiders serves as a reminder that our individuality should be celebrated and that our journeys are enriched by the relationships we forge along the way.

The Brightsiders

by Jen Wilde(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4260 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

A teen rockstar has to navigate family, love, coming out, and life in the spotlight after being labeled the latest celebrity trainwreck in Jen Wilde's quirky and utterly relatable novel.

As a rock star drummer in the hit band The Brightsiders, Emmy King’s life should be perfect. But there’s nothing the paparazzi love more than watching a celebrity crash and burn. When a night of partying lands Emmy in hospital, she’s branded the latest tabloid train wreck.

Luckily, Emmy has her friends and bandmates, including the super-swoonworthy Alfie, to help her pick up the pieces of her life. She knows hooking up with a band member is exactly the kind of trouble she should be avoiding, and yet Emmy and Alfie Just. Keep. Kissing.

Will the inevitable fallout turn her into a clickbait scandal (again)? Or will she find the strength to stand on her own?

Jen Wilde, author of Queens of Geek, which Seventeen called, “the geeky, queer book of our dreams” is back with a brand new cast of highly diverse and relatable characters for her fans to fall in love with.

Praise for Queens of Geek:

"The book deals head on with issues of mental health, body shaming, sexuality, and internet celebrity, handling them with a delicate and skillful touch." —Teen Vogue

"This fun book about fierce friendships gives voice to a group of diverse female characters who are so defined by so much more than just their mental health and sexuality." —Bustle

"This celebration of geek culture and fandom promotes diversity and being true to oneself." —School Library Journal