The Lonely Stories: 22 Celebrated Writers on the Joys & Struggles of Being Alone

A collection of essays about the joys and struggles of being alone by 22 literary writers including: Lev Grossman, Jhumpa Lahiri, Lena Dunham, Jesmyn Ward, Yiyun Li, and Anthony Doerr If youre feeling lonely or if youve ever felt unseen, if youre emboldened by solitude or secretly longing for it: Welcome to The Lonely Stories. This cathartic collection of essays illuminates an experience that so few of us openly discuss. Some stories are heartbreaking, such as Jesmyn Wards reckoning with the loss of her husband and Dina Nayeris reflection on immigrating to a foreign country. Others are witty, such as Lev Grossmans rueful tale of heading to the woods or Anthony Doerrs struggles with internet addiction. Still others celebrate the clarity of solitude, like Claire Dederers journey toward sobriety and Lidia Yuknavitchs sensual look at desire. Thoughtful and affirming, The Lonely Stories reveals the complexities of an emotion weve all feltreminding us that we're not alone. Contributors include: Megan Giddings Claire Dederer Imani Perry Jeffery Renard Allen Maggie Shipstead Emily Raboteau Lev Grossman Lena Dunham Yiyun Li Anthony Doerr Helena Fitzgerald Maile Meloy Aja Gabel Jean Kwok Amy Shearn Peter Ho Davies Maya Shanbhag Lang Jhumpa Lahiri Jesmyn Ward Lidia Yuknavitch Dina Nayeri Melissa Febos