Meredith has not left her home in 1, 214 days. In spite of this, she has managed to make a living, own a friendly cat named Fred, and treasure her steadfast, best friend, Sadie. Everything she needs (and doesn’t) can be delivered to her door, including the jigsaw puzzles of the many magnificent wonders of the world (which she’s mastered and which she will likely never see). When she finds herself forming two new unlikely friendships, however, her world begins to open up in unnerving and surprising ways.
This story is both sweet and tragic in so many ways. It is the story of how trauma can cause such crippling anxiety that one can so easily retreat into a solitary world. Meredith’s story is one of hope, and ultimately connection. She is able to mend the fences that have broken down because of miscommunication and distrust, and she is able to heal, albeit slowly and over much time. But this is not always the case. It is easy to see how one can turn to more deviant, darker internet voices that corrupt and radicalize. One can see how we have become so polarized in our society from these voices, because while Meredith’s situation may be extreme, she is certainly not unique.
As for the story itself, it is a very moving one. Meredith’s character is a truly endearing one: honest, loyal, and kind. She is also surrounded by complex characters, who have treated her with both kindness and cruelty, which have resulted in her well-earned trust issues. And while her story is traumatic, it is softened by the tenderness, warmth and humor in the narration.
I highly recommend this book – it will grab you, engage you, and inspire you.
kindread spirits 