A spectacular debut from Claire Alexander. Meredith, Alone was surprisingly intriguing!

Meredith Maggs hasn't left her house for 1214 days. She fills her time with her freelance writing job (that she can do from home obviously), a work out routine, jigsaw puzzles and baking. She is perfectly content and not at all lonely. She has an array of friends including Sadie and her 2 kids who come to visit often, an online support group, Tom who comes to check on her weekly and her cat, Fred.

Told through two timelines (past and present) we learn the reasons from her past that make her not want to leave her home (be sure to check trigger warnings) and the strength and courage it takes to move past and overcome the seemingly impossible. If your a fan of Eleanor Oliphant, you will love Meredith Maggs.

I felt such a strong sense of love, loyalty, and hope through our MC and all her supportive friendships.

This book was a bit of a harrowing read. Meredith has not left her house in three years and at the beginning you do not know why but you know she is not agoraphobic.

This book pans back and fourth from past to present showing the traumas that Meredith lived through and the progress she is making present day. It is an exquisite account of pain, processing difficult events and complex relationships.

This is not a light read, I had to break it up and I feel the need to warn readers that you need to be in a particular mindset to digest this story, though it is well worth it. I’d also highly recommend checking the trigger warnings.

In the beginning we meet Meredith in her home who has not been outside her home in 1,214 days. Meredith has a cat named Fred, a close friend named Sadie and a new person who is the first new individual let into her home called Tom from a local charity. Meredith is also in the beginnings of a blossoming online friendship with a woman from her support group who will become a significant character later on.

Despite the heavy content (SA, domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, etc.) I found myself really enjoying this story. It was crafted in such a way that while it packs a gut punch it also leaves the reader with hope, and sometimes that’s all we can ask for.

5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

An enjoyable, moving read about a woman suffering from agoraphobia and the friends and family who help pull her out of her home.

If you're an introvert searching for a contemporary fiction book with a relatable protagonist, look no further. Meredith's story is not only relatable if you're one of the young women who felt isolated and lost during the pandemic, but it's perfect for those of us who struggle to socialize in the big, big world. This book's premise may seem niche and strange, but it's the perfect read for us anxious, home dwellers. I connected so deeply with this story and I'm sure others will too!

Yes, this will be compared to Eleanor Oliphant forever and always, and I think this one holds up. It's quirky, tender, and immensely satisfying. You want to hug Meredith and help her find her way. This is exactly what a book should be - serious in its themes and topics, but delivered in an approachable and light hearted way. We can all find something to relate to and learn from here.

For all those readers who have ever struggled with depression, family problems, or anxiety, this book is a must read.
Meredith has suffered trauma and hasn’t left her house in over three years.
She holds a job and interacts with friends who come to her house.
But things have to change and with small steps and lots of encouragement she is ready to embrace a new world.
The story was touching. I did feel cabin fever at the thought of not leaving the house for three years. I empathized with Meredith but also cheered her on as she tackled her fears.

4.5 stars rounded up
This is a fantastic book. After reading the synopsis and content warnings, I was worried it was going to be sad or give me anxiety. But the author does a wonderful job bringing you into the life of Meredith Mags. Meredith hasn't left her house in 1,215 days. A traumatic event and an unstable childhood has sent her to stay at home. A remote job, grocery delivery, online support group, and a best friend have kept her safe. I loved the advice that Meredith's therapist gives her. I'm also impressed by the health care system and the group Helping hands sending volunteers out to people who may need friendship. As an American that baffles my mind and makes me jealous.

“For better or for worse, life can change in a matter of seconds. People take their first and last breaths. Cars crash, planes plunge into oceans. The healing process after decades of hurt can begin with simple gesture”

Meredith has not left her home in 1214 days and counting and while she does have contact with the outside world, she is completely content never stepping foot into the outside world again. She has her puzzles, her cat Fred, and her best friend Sadie and that’s all she needs. From the moment I met Meredith I was rooting for her. She is kind and thoughtful and has been through a lot but that doesn’t impact the way she treats people. As the story unfolds, transitioning between past and present, we find out more about Meredith and her need to stay home.

I loved how the book explored family dynamics, mental health, and the power of healing in a relatable way. Meredith represents resiliencey, courage, and hope and I think you need to meet her too!

This is my first read by Claire Alexander and I look forward to reading more of her books

Thank you @netgalley and @grandcentralpub for the early copy

4.5 Stars

I absolutely loved this book! It is a feel good story, with well developed characters and a wonderful plot.

Meredith has suffered child abuse and neglect, but it's what happens to her as an adult that leads her to never leave the sanctuary of her own home. Even though she's alone, Meredith never stops trying to become healthy, and it's easy to applaud each of her tiny victories.

What a deeply beautiful and moving story. I was heartbroken by what Meredith experienced. She was a woman getting through traumatic events the best way she could. I loved watching her grow and slowly open up her restricted world as time went on. It was nice to read a story about a woman healing by gaining healthy friendships and family bonds. She was comfortable on her own but still encouraged others who wanted to find love and have families. It was truly a touching story that I loved reading. I definitely recommend others check this book out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

CW: death of parents, domestic violence, parental abuse, rape

🏠I stumbled upon this book somewhere (I do that a lot). I loved the premise. I was thrilled I was given the opportunity to read the arc.

🏠Present day, Meredith hasn’t left her house in 1000+ days. She’s established a routine, she has visits with a friend, and a loved cat 🐈. We flashback to several times in Meredith’s life and you begin to understand why she’s not left her house.

🏠The story doesn’t focus on Meredith and her solitude. We learn about her relationship (past and present) with her sister and mother. She also befriends Tom, a carer assigned to check in with Meredith.

🏠Overall I really enjoyed this book. She has lived a tough life and is focused on making a better future for herself.

Book was well written and a fast, easy read. I enjoyed the character of Meredith and was invested in knowing what happened to her. There is family drama but also friendships. There are many triggers in this book so be sure to look at them.

When I read the synopsis to this book I immediately thought about Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I loved that book and thought I would love this one as well; however it fell a little short for me. I couldn’t connect to Meredith. I did however love the flashbacks because they gave as insight on her difficult childhood.

𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗛, 𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗘 by Claire Alexander was my audiobook travel buddy earlier this month. That was nice for me, but maybe didn’t work quite as well for the book. Traveling to a time zone eight hours ahead messes with your sleep and listening to 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘩 while trying to get to sleep was my solution. It worked well because I kept dozing off. 😴 Then, I’d wake up and need to rewind to the place I last remembered. This happened over and over and over on my trip. For that, I’m sorry because I didn’t give the book all the attention it deserved. Still, I’m thankful for that middle of the night company and I did enjoy 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘩, 𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦.⁣⁣
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This is the story of Meredith, a shy, quirky woman nearing 40, who hasn’t left her home for over three years. A troubled childhood and a traumatic event drove her to the safety of her own home. Meredith works remotely, gets everything she needs delivered, has online support, a sweet rescue cat, and a best friend who visits regularly. She has a daily schedule and many activities she enjoys. Still, Meredith’s world is small and she knows it. She longs to leave the confines of her home, but what will it take to give her the courage to do so?⁣⁣
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That is the journey experienced with Meredith as she narrates her story. It was alternately funny, sad, traumatic, and hopeful. Also, maybe a tad neat and tidy. It reminded me a lot of 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘖𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘐𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘦, so I think fans of it will also enjoy this one. I dozed 😴 and rewound far too often to fairly rate this book, but I did like Meredith very much and appreciate her companionship on my own journey! ⁣⁣3.75 stars
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Thanks to @grandcentralpub for an ARC of #MeredithAlone.

Based on the cover, I was expecting a lighthearted look at a woman who can’t/won’t leave her house. This book was not that and honestly, I am so glad. This book broke my heart SEVERAL times, but it was absolutely worth it. Meredith Maggs has definitely become a favorite character. There was not one second where I wasn’t rooting for her. This was an amazing story of trauma and toxic families and friendship and human connection. I absolutely loved it. Also Tom, Celeste and Sadie were absolute gems. I adored them. Honestly, read this book. You’ll smile, you’ll cry and you’ll be happy about it.
TW: sexual assault, self harm, death, emotional abuse, physical abuse

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Meredith hasn't left her home in over 1200 days. She works from home, has groceries delivered, and has a best friend and her children that visit. The story is told in past and present so the reader gets the whole story behind Meredith. Meredith is a character that you hurt for and cheer for. She has a lot of trauma in her past that she must overcome in order to be able to live her life. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more books by this author. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

I wasn’t ready for this book and, at the same time, I’m glad I read it. It’s raw, it’s vulnerable, and it’s full of hope.

Meredith hasn’t left her Glasgow house in 1214 days and counting. She still has contact with the outside world, and with a select number of people, but she is content never stepping outside.

The question we answer in this book isn’t how Meredith has stayed home for so long but why. What happened to Meredith that causes her anxiety to spike at the thought of leaving the safety of her home? Why hasn’t she seen her family in years? We discover these reasons as the book alternates between events from the past and present.

Meredith is an endearing character who is brilliantly written. She has created a good life for herself despite very difficult past events. It’s really easy for readers to want to know more about her, to cheer for her, and to sympathize with her. While reading, I wanted to hug her and be friends with her.

The side characters—even the unlikable ones—are well developed and play important roles. I really appreciated that the likable characters—the select people—in her life were supportive, compassionate, and created a safe space for her to open up. The only reason I took off 1 star is because of the way Meredith pushed a certain friend (a wonderful supporting character imo) away about half way through the book. I understand the need for self-preservation especially after traumatic events, but she put this friend in a very difficult position. It did get resolved, but this part and a couple of others were a bit frustrating to read.

I think the author dealt with serious and sensitive topics quite well. I do recommend reading this book, but I also encourage you to read the content warnings beforehand.

Meredith, Alone is a book about courage, hope, friendship, and healing. Meredith’s recovery isn’t easy, yet I felt invested in her story and in every step she took to heal. The pacing of the book is a bit slow but that makes sense for this vulnerable story, and I think it leads to an ending that’s both realistic and positive.

This was just a breath of fresh air.

This was a sweet story, with true grit and "real life trauma" that was not only handled with care, but compeltely believable and real!!

I look forward to more from Claire Alexander!

Emotional story.

This was a very emotional story about trauma and the ensuing PTSD and the way it changes lives. In this case, Meredith went through a terrible childhood, followed by an awful traumatizing event which besides causing her to want to escape the outside world destroyed the relationship with her sister Fiona. Meredith is well and truly stuck, rendered unable to leave her house, even thinking of leaving causes panic attacks.

What I liked: Tom and Sadie, Meredith's friends and the only people besides random delivery workers that she meets with in person. Her online friendship with Celeste, who experienced a trauma of her own. Her cat, Fred. The way Meredith structured her life so that she had a daily routine and was rarely bored, despite being home 24/7. The writing style and research that went into the novel.

I just found it to be very emotional and deep. Definitely not a light read. I don't do spoilers so I can't tell you how it works out, but just be prepared to experience all the feels while reading.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.