In 'The Opposite of Loneliness,' Marina Keegan brilliantly captures the complexity of young adulthood through a collection of poignant essays and stories. Each piece reflects her rich inner world and the exhilarating yet terrifying sense of possibility that comes with being on the brink of adulthood. Keegan's writing resonates with anyone who has ever felt both lost and hopeful in their pursuit of identity and purpose. Her untimely passing adds an indelible poignancy to her words, making them even more impactful. This book is a celebration of life, connection, and the enduring spirit of youth that lingers long after the last page is turned.
By Marina Keegan
Published: 2014
"We’re all scared, and we’re all just trying to figure it out."
An affecting and hope-filled posthumous collection of essays and stories from the talented young Yale graduate whose title essay captured the world's attention in 2012 and turned her into an icon for her generation. An affecting and hope-filled posthumous collection of essays and stories from the talented young Yale graduate whose title essay captured the world's attention in 2012 and turned her into an icon for her generation. Marina Keegan's star was on the rise when she graduated magna cum laude from Yale in May 2012. She had a play that was to be produced at the New York International Fringe Festival and a job waiting for her at the New Yorker. Tragically, five days after graduation, Marina died in a car crash. As her family, friends, and classmates, deep in grief, joined to create a memorial service for Marina, her unforgettable last essay for the Yale Daily News, "The Opposite of Loneliness," went viral, receiving more than 1.4 million hits. She had struck a chord. Even though she was just twenty-two when she died, Marina left behind a rich, expansive trove of prose that, like her title essay, captures the hope, uncertainty, and possibility of her generation. The Opposite of Loneliness is an assem-blage of Marina's essays and stories that, like The Last Lecture, articulates the universal struggle that all of us face as we figure out what we aspire to be and how we can harness our talents to make an impact on the world.
Marina Keegan was an American author, playwright, and journalist, celebrated for her poignant and insightful explorations of youth, identity, and the human condition. A graduate of Yale University, her voice resonated through her notable works, including the posthumously published collection of essays and stories titled 'The Opposite of Loneliness,' which showcases her ability to blend lyrical prose with emotional depth. Her writing style is characterized by vivid imagery and a keen observation of everyday life, often reflecting a sense of longing and connection. Tragically, Keegan passed away in 2012 at the age of 22, but her work continues to inspire and resonate with a growing audience.
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“We’re all scared, and we’re all just trying to figure it out.”
The Opposite of Loneliness
By Marina Keegan
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