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inconsiderate's review against another edition
1.0
Although the eponymous essay resonates with a certain valedictorian profundity, the rest of the book felt tacked on, almost as if the author was writing to meet a deadline, and wasn't given enough time to really solidify the ideas she was trying to establish. Which makes obvious sense, as this book was cobbled together from rambling essays and half-realized stories which were gathered up after her death. I am confident that if Marina hadn't died when she did, these stories could have been refined into something truly brilliant. On the other hand, one could argue that without an early death, these stories would have never reached us at all. But would that have been so bad?
mimimilaa's review against another edition
3.0
*3.5 stars
Marina Keegan is obviously an amazing author; it was amazing how easily I was drawn into her stories even though they were all short. I truly enjoyed reading them so much, it is so sad to me that she didn't get the chance to continue her writing because I would have loved to read a novel by her.
That being said, I do wish that not all of her short stories were so negative. I feel like they were often very pessimistic and it would've been nice to see a little bit of optimism added in, but I still really did enjoy them. Her writing was truly magical.
Marina Keegan is obviously an amazing author; it was amazing how easily I was drawn into her stories even though they were all short. I truly enjoyed reading them so much, it is so sad to me that she didn't get the chance to continue her writing because I would have loved to read a novel by her.
That being said, I do wish that not all of her short stories were so negative. I feel like they were often very pessimistic and it would've been nice to see a little bit of optimism added in, but I still really did enjoy them. Her writing was truly magical.
snikkidee's review against another edition
4.0
I am greatly saddened that this talented writer, Marina Keegan, died at such a young age. The title essay "The Opposite of Loneliness" made me cry. Some of the short stories and essays were worthy of 5 stars while others fell a bit short. However, this was one of the best collections I've read.
zoefruitcake's review against another edition
3.0
I read this as part of the 2018 Read Harder Challenge (a book published posthumously and a book of essays). Aspiring writer Marina Keegan was tragically killed in a car accident shortly after graduating. She was so young this is very much a snapshot of the start of a life. I don't wish to speak ill of the dead however I'm not sure she would have made it as a writer. I enjoyed the non-fiction parts more than the fiction, especially the title piece and also her experience of being a celiac. As I have a serious dairy allergy I found myself agreeing with her at every turn.
neshasurya's review against another edition
2.5
an intriguing collection of essays and short stories, but it wasn't nearly as impactful or life-changing as some reviewers had suggested. i like the essay better than the short stories.
lillycano's review against another edition
3.0
Recommendation from my running partner Ajay. Quick read and a few of the short stories will stick with me. Especially the submarine one ❤️