Author: Kelsey Sutton
Publisher: Philomel
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Summary from Goodreads:
With parents too busy to pay her attention, an older brother and sister who would rather spend their time with friends, and peers who oscillate between picking on her and simply ignoring her, it’s no wonder that Fain spends most of her time in a world of her own making. During the day, Fain takes solace in crafting her own fantastical adventures in writing, but in the darkness of night, these adventures come to life as Fain lives and breathes alongside a legion of imaginary creatures. Whether floating through space or under the sea, climbing mountains or traipsing through forests, Fain becomes queen beyond – and in spite of – the walls of her bedroom.
In time, Fain begins to see possibilities and friendships emerge in her day-to-day reality. . . yet when she is let down by the one relationship she thought she could trust, Fain must decide: remain queen of the imaginary creatures, or risk the pain that comes with opening herself up to the fragile connections that exist only in the real world? Told in breathless and visual verse, THE LONELY ONES takes readers through the intricate inner workings of a girl who struggles to navigate isolation and finds friendship where she least expects it.
In time, Fain begins to see possibilities and friendships emerge in her day-to-day reality. . . yet when she is let down by the one relationship she thought she could trust, Fain must decide: remain queen of the imaginary creatures, or risk the pain that comes with opening herself up to the fragile connections that exist only in the real world? Told in breathless and visual verse, THE LONELY ONES takes readers through the intricate inner workings of a girl who struggles to navigate isolation and finds friendship where she least expects it.
About Kelsey Sutton
Kelsey Sutton is the author of teen novels SOME QUIET PLACE and GARDENIA. She is also the author of two novels for middle grade readers, THE LONELY ONES and BENJAMIN. She lives in Minnesota, where she received a dual bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Bemidji State University. She is currently working on a master’s degree from Hamline University. Her work has received an Independent Publisher Book Award, an IndieFab Award, and was selected as a Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of 2013. When not writing, Kelsey can be found watching too much Netflix, ordering a mocha at the nearest coffee shop, or browsing a bookstore. You can like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @KelseyJSutton.
Review
"I want to inform them that I am not silent because I have nothing to say. I am silent because no one is listening." *
The Lonely Ones was not quite what I was expecting but in a very surprising way. Some how I missed that The Lonely Ones is written in verse. I cannot remember the last time I have read something written in verse but it worked for me. I devoured this middle grade book in one sitting. The verse not only makes the writing beautiful but it also pulls the reader into the lyrical world until the story ends.
Fain is visited by monsters during the night, monsters that visit the lonely ones. Fain's feels isolated from both her peers at school and her family at home so her adventures with the monsters are her escape and her adventure. Throughout the course of the book, Fain slowly makes friends and begins to need the monsters less and less.
The beauty of this book is the elegant verse used to describe the sometimes hard family situation Fain has to live with and the personal journey Fain is going through. As I was reading I kept highlighting different passages where the emotion and thoughts were so real it was hard to not stop and pause and stare at the words. I am not typically drawn to verse but am glad I picked up The Lonely Ones. If you are willing to give verse a try then I am sure you will enjoy this powerful and beautiful story of a lonely young girl who finds the happiness in herself and others.
* Quote taken from uncorrected proof
Giveaway:
2 Signed copies of The Lonely Ones (US & Canada)
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