272 pages | Paperback

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 toThe 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 Storiesreveals the complexities of an emotion weve all feltreminding us that were 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