During her fleeting time on this Earth, Marina Keegan, 22, touched lives and captured hearts with her profound wisdom, captivating words, and unforgettable wry humor. Clearly a star in her own right, Keegan graduated magna cum laude from Yale in 2012. She had a play in the works that was going to be produced at the New York International Festival. As if life couldn’t get any better – there was a job waiting for her at The New Yorker. In the 22 years of her life, she had already accomplished more than some have in a lifetime. Proving how short life is and how we should live it to the fullest, despite our age and circumstances, Marina tragically lost hers in a car crash, five days after her graduation.
The Opposite of Loneliness starts out with Marina’s final essay for the Yale Daily News, The Opposite of Loneliness, the same title as the book. Her essay went viral in a matter of days, shortly after her death, reaching 1.4 million people in 98 countries. One can easily understand why, as the essay gave hope for the graduates who felt doubt and uncertainty of what would become of them once they graduated college, yet this essay can easily apply to anyone; despite age and circumstances. As Marina stated in her essay: “The best years of our lives are not behind us. Any notion of THE BEST years comes from clichéd “should haves…” “if I’d…” “wish I’d…” In addition to her essay, this book boasts a collection of nine short stories.
I normally can’t finish a book in one sitting, but Marina has this uncanny talent of captivating a reader’s attention, making them feel like they can’t put the book down until it’s read from start to finish. For a young woman at her age, her writing style, plots, and characters are so in-depth and developed that it’s almost unbelievable.
Author Bio:
Marina Keegan (1989–2012) was an award-winning author, journalist, playwright, poet, actress, and activist. Her nonfiction has been published in the New York Times; her fiction has been published on NewYorker.com and read on NPR’s Selected Shorts; her musical, Independents, was a New York Times Critics’ Pick. Marina’s final essay for the Yale Daily News, “The Opposite of Loneliness,” became an instant global sensation, viewed by more than 1.4 million people from ninety-eight countries.
For more information, please visit http://theoppositeofloneliness.com, and follow the book on Facebook and Twitter.
Oh wow, this sounds like a tear jerker – especially since I know that she passed away.
Sounds like a good read for sure.
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted..Improve Your Lawn with Bonus S
Tragic yet inspiring that she was able to accomplish so much in a short period of time. Seize the day!
Chelle @ oh just stop already recently posted..Fitness Friday: Color Me Rad 5K Here I Come!
Amazingly this young woman inspires more than most after passing.
Robin {Mom Foodie} recently posted..Best Roses to Use in an Archway or Trellis
I’m so sorry to hear her life was cut short. This looks like a page-turning inspring read.
My daughter is always looking for new books to read and this sounds perfect for her. Thank you for sharing!
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Very inspiring story with a sad ending. I have this on reserve at the library
Anne recently posted..Disneynature BEARS – New Clips and Printable Activity Sheets
I’ve always looking for a great book to read. Thanks for the suggestion.
Tonya recently posted..Lost River Cave: An Overview of Kentucky’s Only Underground Boat Tour
Wow, your description pulled me in, so young to lose your life but she made a profound impact.
Raijean recently posted..Want to do some Shopping? Enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
Such a tragedy that this amazing young woman’s life was cut short, but how inspiring how she lives on in her work.
Donna recently posted..Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Chocolate Ganache Topping
What a touching read. I’m sure there are a ton of emotions felt and expressed throughout this book.
Marcie W. recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – 4/16/14
I think I’d like to get this book for my daughter. She’s going to be graduating high school this year, and I bet there is a lot in these pages that she can relate to.
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) recently posted..Dr. Fischer Mineral Products Review & Giveaway
This is really sad but yet uplifting because of her wonderful words. I’d like to read this one.
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