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bellawoo's review against another edition
4.0
Clarity of voice
She's got talent, that's for sure. If this is just an anthology of her writing, we can only imagine the voice she would have developed with age and more life experience. Unfortunately, imagine is all we can do.
Her writing, both fiction and non-fiction, have such a clarity of voice, and an understanding of the universal human condition, wise beyond her years. Every piece was self-aware of the author's privilege. But it was never pretentious - if anything, it radiated authenticity.
This collection of stories and essays was how Keegan are sense of the world. It was the way she organized all the theories, observations and dreams in her head. It is truly tragic that literature has lost Marina Keegan.
She's got talent, that's for sure. If this is just an anthology of her writing, we can only imagine the voice she would have developed with age and more life experience. Unfortunately, imagine is all we can do.
Her writing, both fiction and non-fiction, have such a clarity of voice, and an understanding of the universal human condition, wise beyond her years. Every piece was self-aware of the author's privilege. But it was never pretentious - if anything, it radiated authenticity.
This collection of stories and essays was how Keegan are sense of the world. It was the way she organized all the theories, observations and dreams in her head. It is truly tragic that literature has lost Marina Keegan.
katemarcia's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely lovely and such a huge shame that there won't be any more.
The last two essays where she talks about her children and about the other Marina Keegans in the world dying hit you right in the gut but the book is just wonderful.
The last two essays where she talks about her children and about the other Marina Keegans in the world dying hit you right in the gut but the book is just wonderful.
arimanos's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 maybe? I don't know. This was a bit of a disappointment. After hearing all the rave and the reviews, I was expecting much more, but it wasn't really that great. The reason this became so popular is because of the author's death, and not to undermine that tragedy, but I don't think it's a good enough reason. Marina definitely had a lot of potential, but the work presented in this book was merely mediocre. I loved the introduction essay/ speech (The Opposite of Lonliness) because it felt like everything I wanted to say but didn't know how to. That one is something you should definitely read (especially if you just graduated college). Some of the other essays were quite relatable as well, and I enjoyed that. The nonfiction part didn't really have anything that grabbed my attention. It's was alright overall. Good, but not great.
11kjmarie's review against another edition
3.0
A suspenseful page-turner: I loved it! However, her nonfiction (in my opinion) is better than her fiction.
plotsandpotions's review against another edition
3.0
It was well written, but not my cup of tea. My husband bought me the book for our anniversary thinking it would be more direct regarding handling your quarter life crisis. Not the case. Only the first and last essay really drove the poibt home. The majority of her works are fiction and contain lots of drug use and nudity. Not my idea of fun or what I like to read.
mackenziencheez's review against another edition
3.0
Her essays, more like a 4, are far stronger than her short stories.
skmiles's review against another edition
4.0
Deeply moving, beautifully written and an incredible thoughtful reminiscing about life as a young person.