The People We Keep follows 16-year-old April Sawicki, who lives in Little River, New York, in 1994. After a tumultuous home life and a strained relationship with her father, she runs away, seeking a fresh start. April navigates relationships, personal struggles, and her pursuit of a music career, ultimately finding solace in the chosen family she builds along her journey. The novel includes discussions of sexual violence, child abandonment, abuse, drug use, and anti-gay prejudice.

Allison Larkin's The People We Keep is lauded for its poignant storytelling and relatable protagonist. Reviewers praise its heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and resilience. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and feel certain plot elements are predictable. Overall, it's appreciated for its emotional depth and lyrical prose.

Potential readers who would enjoy The People We Keep by Allison Larkin are fans of heartfelt, coming-of-age stories. This novel will appeal to those who appreciated the emotional journeys in books like Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. These readers savor richly drawn characters and poignant transformations.

Melancholic / Emotional / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Hopeful

Allison Larkin

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

Get ready to explore The People We Keep and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The People We Keep Summary and Study Guide

Background

The People We Keep Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-6

The People We Keep Part 1, Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-31

The People We Keep Part 1, Chapters 7-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “On the Road”

Part 2, Chapters 32-41

The People We Keep Part 2, Chapters 32-41 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 42-59

The People We Keep Part 2, Chapters 42-59 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The People We Keep Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The People We Keep Character Analysis

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Themes

The People We Keep Themes

Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The People We Keep Important Quotes

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The People We Keep Book Club Questions

The People We Keep

Before You Read

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