The Bright Side of Going Dark

By: Kelly Harms

Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky, Katie Koster

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

From the bestselling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler comes a fresh, funny, and thoughtful story about going off the grid in order to truly live.

As one of the most popular influencers on social media, Mia Bell has lived her life online for years. With her celebrity dog and gorgeous fiancé, she is planning the ultimate virtual wedding - expensive, elaborate, and entirely paid for by sponsors. But off-camera, her world is far from picture perfect. After being jilted by her fiancé and faking her nuptials to please her sponsors, Mia finally has had enough. She heaves her phone off a cliff, ready to live - and maybe find love - offline for a change.

Mia’s sudden absence doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by techie loner Paige Miller, who hacks Mia’s account and begins impersonating the internet celebrity. Paige has her reasons. Her half sister, Jessica, idolizes Mia and desperately needs something to believe in. If taking over Mia’s online persona is Paige’s only means of connecting to her sister, so be it.

Creating a like-worthy life is more fun than Paige expected. But when she grows too bold and is caught in the act, a fiasco ensues that could forever change Mia, Paige, and the people who love them. Because somewhere amid the chaos is an invaluable lesson - one that only real life can teach.

©2020 by Kelly Harms. (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Refreshingly, each character is a true-to-life individual with complicated emotions and unique voices. A surprisingly easy read containing a little romance, a lot of personal growth, and an honest look at weighty topics.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Witty, lively, and au courant, The Bright Side of Going Dark will make readers think twice about refreshing Instagram for the tenth time today. Tackling thornier questions of mental health and the toll of constant comparison, this will appeal to fans of Meg Wolitzer and Elin Hilderbrand, who’ll adore the intertwining lives of Mia, her followers, and those they encounter IRL.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Even casual users knows how absurd and unrealistic social media can be—yet keep logging on day after day. Kelly Harms takes this dichotomy to new heights in a clever and unputdownable story of two women whose so-called online lives collide IRL. I laughed, I cried, I came away from the experience with a newfound appreciation for life—which is to say The Bright Side of Going Dark is everything I’d hope for in a Kelly Harms novel, and more. I loved every page.”—Camille Pagán, bestselling author of I’m Fine and Neither Are You

Phenomenal message and engaging story

An entertaining look at the pros and cons of social media. The two heroines were excellent, both dealing with issues that made them feel fun and relatable.

Technology Bad, Old School Good

I listened to about four hours of this book and had to give up. I can't handle the tech is bad message over and over again. I get it, the author thinks people are too addicted to social media and are missing out on life, social media influencers are all frauds, etc.

Thankfully I found this on Kindle Unlimited as a read and listen free so didn't waste a credit on it, just time.

Tough conversations, great storyline

Trigger warning: Love how this book gets at the heart of some tough conversations. Stigma aside, the story makes you think and consider topics/feelings that you may not otherwise relate to. I appreciate that one book can show all sides of the struggle of suicide. Grief, pain, and recovery are all discussed. Though I don’t closely relate to the struggle, I have seen and experienced loss associated with suicide and this may help me to better connect with how those friends feel.

Great story showing influence of social media in our lives

This story helped me understand the strong influence of today’s social media. I had no idea how a social media influencer made a living. It surprised me how much technology has controlled people’s actions in today’s world. Even as a senior citizen I keep my phone with me always and I am constantly referring to it. The author was very entertaining as well as educating. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

Unexpected, wonderful surprise

I’ve listened to this book several times and love how Kelly Harms weaves multiple tough subject matters into a heartwarming and at times humorous story. All of the characters blended so well together. In the end, you leave these characters with feelings of hope and happiness.

Bright Side

This book is so witty and insightful. I laughed, I cried, I cringed, and I cheered. I fell in love with the characters. In fact, I miss them already. Mia grew in me, but Paige is hilarious and a freaking genius. My heart was literally changed as I worried for all the Jessicas of the world. Wonderful book and fabulous performance!

Loved it! Great story w some trigger warnings

I was slow to get this one started but so happy that I did as I really enjoyed. Absolutely loved the ending and how everything came together in positive way that did not feel forced. Lots of hope!!

There is a lot going on in this book ... so trigger warnings for anyone who cannot read about mental health, attempted suicide, cancer, death of pets and family members and online addiction. I fast forwarded through 1/2 of one chapter that hit too close to home for me.

But... I laughed, cried and suspended belief in a couple spots. Love that book celebrates self-care/prioritizing mental health, honesty, human relationships, family, giving everyone a little grace and the power of DOGS! 😊

Easy read

I loved this book. The characters are funny and annoying at times but it has a perfect ending.

Bright indeed

Explores how social media works from a variety of roles - I found it a healthy and meaningful read.

Not For Me

I really liked the author’s Amy Byler book so I thought I’d try another, but I just couldn’t get into this one. I might still keep trying, I’m almost half way through, but I also might just return it and get my credit back. There are some important topics covered in the book as others have mentioned (mental health, grief and loss, dysfunctional mother-daughter relationships, etc.) which I like. However, I really can’t stand Mia. She’s so self absorbed, so shallow, and so inauthentic I just cringe every time the narration switches to her perspective. I literally want to bang my head against the wall when she’s talking. Paige is also annoying in her own way but I do enjoy her cynicism more than Mia’s fluffy, fake, inspirational quote way of talking. And overall, I just really don’t care about the story much. Like what’s the point?