sofiamarielg 's review for:

The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories by Marina Keegan

4.0

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I loved this book. It was beautiful, honest, and made me want to become a better writer. I liked the fiction portion best, as the characters populating Keegan's stories got stuck in my head the way Raymond Carver's do. Of the nonfiction, the personal essays were stronger than her journalism pieces, but it was all great. The final essay was so powerful and beautiful and spoke to the all-familiar jealousy that springs up when you encounter a fantastic piece of art someone else has created. Why didn't I do that? This was, quite honestly, how I felt the entire time I was reading this book. Yet Keegan's voice is so optimistic and open that you can't help but feel motivated and refreshed as you turn the last page. A perfect read for those looking to do some mental spring cleaning.