Summary of The Opposite of Loneliness Book by Marina Keegan
4.5 . 1194 reviews
Short summary
The Opposite of Loneliness is a collection of essays and poems written by Marina Keegan while she was an undergrad at Yale, with the poem with the same name written for the New Yorker. It is not just a compilation of random works but a front-row seat to how the mind of a budding world changer works. Although preceded by a tragedy, it is a story of hope for the future.
Marina Keegan was an American author, playwright, and journalist. Keegan is best known for her essay The Opposite of Loneliness, which went viral and was viewed over 1.4 million times in 98 countries. Her rise came after her death in a car crash just five days after graduating magna cum laude from Yale University.
“What we have to remember is that we can still do anything. We can change our minds. We can start over.” ~ Marina Keegan
Life can be very uncertain; it is essential that we recognize this and not get taken by surprise
Listen the first key point
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The story of Marina Keegan is one of great tragedy and loss, one where so much talent was cut short in the most unfortunate of ways. When Keegan graduated from Yale in 2012, she was already poised for greatness, boasting an impressive resume. Keegan had interned with Paris Review and the New Yorker. There was even a job waiting for her with the latter.
Life is filled with so many positive possibilities in the present; we must seize them when we can.
These are often the makings of a great story, but life has other plans, unfortunately. Regardless of what we have planned, fate can take both drastic and good turns. Unfortunately, there is no natural way to gauge just what the future holds; we can only make sure today prepares us for whatever comes.
The future is often uncertain, plagued with a variety of outcomes that we mostly have no control over.
Marina Keegan was involved in a ghastly car crash just four days after graduation. The unfortunate event brings to a halt what many believe would have been a very illustrious career in writing. But try as we may, life happens regardless of what we have planned for it. Life's uncertainty can be cruel and sudden, especially when we are not prepared for it.
There is only so little we can do when fate does as it pleases. For Keegan, she did what she could to ensure today would make for a better tomorrow. Although she had no way of knowing, many of her works eerily foreshadowed her unfortunate fate, and some showed the gravity of words we say without any real consideration.
It is essential to possess and cultivate the habit of appreciating life and living it in the present.
Keegan lived just like she wrote, with awareness and appreciation for the many complexities that come with life. She had planned so much but spent her time worrying about the future, often about her colleagues' fates.
And I cry because everything is so beautiful and so short. ~ Marina Keegan
second key point
If we are determined and disciplined, we can make a difference in the world regardless of what our gifts are
Keegan's writing is heavily indicative of a determination to change the world and make a difference. She spoke with so much enthusiasm and naivety that it is such a shame she didn't express her full potential. For Keegan, her idea of the world was still innocent, and anything was possible if you were resolute.
"The Opposite of Loneliness" is a collection of essays and stories written by a talented young writer. This book explores themes of youth, love, ambition, and the fear of the unknown. With a mix of humor, vulnerability, and insight, the author captures the essence of what it means to be young and hopeful, while also acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties of life. Through her powerful and relatable writing, she invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and find solace in the shared human condition.
Who should read The Opposite of Loneliness
Young adults seeking inspiration and guidance in navigating life's uncertainties.
College students grappling with the transition to adulthood and finding their purpose.
Anyone craving a poignant collection of essays and stories about youth and ambition.
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Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.
Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.