The Lonely Ones by Kelsey Sutton

Thank you to Nichole from YA Reads Blog Tours for the opportunity to share The Lonely Ones by Kelsey Sutton with my readers. This novel wasn't on my TBR list until very recently and I am glad that I was able to read such a wonderful book.

Title: The Lonely Ones
Author: Kelsey Sutton
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Pages: 240
Source/format: e-ARC from publisher on Netgalley
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | IndieBound | Penguin Random House

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

When your only friend is your own endless imagination, how do you escape your mind and connect to the world around you?

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.

M Y T H O U G H T S

The Lonely Ones is a story written in verse about Fain Fredericks. In the middle of the night, Fain hears the calls from creatures with claws, scales and feathers. She climbs outside and the creatures proclaim her to be a beautiful and a queen. The next day she returns to reality. Because Fain is ignored by her family, she finds solace in an imaginary world where she is worshiped.

Kelsey Sutton has written a story that many children can relate to. Children might feel left out and ignored by their parents and siblings. Many children play make believe and have imaginary friends to keep them occupied. Fain is a middle child. Dana and Tyler are have their own lives and her parents are preoccupied with her younger brother, Peter, and with other things.

Sutton writes in poetic verse which makes the story flow quite nicely. She captures the emotions of Fain perfectly. When reading The Lonely Ones, I feel like I am reading Fain's journal. Each poem is titled and I see The Lonely Ones as a compilation of journal entries. Each line break is made intentionally. It encourages the reader to read Fain's thoughts in a certain way. Fain escapes reality through writing, her dolls, adventures, quarries and art.

The Lonely Ones is a quick and charming read. Readers can connect with Fain through the times of loneliness. Her friend moves away. The recession hits and Fain had to move. Her parents argue, her older siblings have better things to do and her little brother is often crying. Her classmates laugh at her. She has trouble fitting in and making friends.

At night, with her monster friends, she is able to travel the world, swim with the mermaids, hide from dragons, find buried treasure and fly. When the sun rises, she must return to reality. Read about Fain's journey to a world where she can be herself. Through words she can create magic!

SOME OF MY FAVORITE QUOTES

"My sister doesn't understand
that without the darkness
we couldn't see the stars"

"So by the time
the magic comes
I've created some
of my own."

"My friends are right:
there is beauty
in desolation."

"My writing,
my need to create worlds with words,
started with a moment."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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. Check Kelsey on Goodreads and check her website.