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The Bridge

Aaron and Tillie stand on the George Washington Bridge expecting to end their lives.  Aaron and Tillie don’t know each other but they’ve come to the same conclusion that suicide is the only viable option for each.  What happens in Aaron jumps and Tillie doesn’t.  Or vice versa?  Or if they both jump?  Or if neither do? Bill Konigsberg’s genius is in his character development, and the story-telling technique of four possible plotlines allows for finite details of Aaron and Tillie’s personalities to emerge. They are genuine, they are real, they have issues, they have choices. Readers are led to consider how “life” is impacted by the choices we make. Bill Konigsberg develops an authentic description of what depression might feel like and he doesn’t glamourize suicide. It is questionable whether or not readers will find the fourth story to be repetitive but overall this unique take on a serious topic will keep readers intrigued.