Karin Lin-Greenberg's You Are Here receives praise for its compelling characters and authentic depiction of small-town life. Reviewers appreciate the intricate plot and emotional depth. Criticisms include a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it is lauded for its nuanced storytelling and vivid setting.

Readers who enjoy You Are Here by Karin Lin-Greenberg are typically interested in character-driven stories set in small towns. They would enjoy themes of community and personal struggles, similar to those in Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove.

You Are Here by Karin Lin-Greenberg is a contemporary novel focusing on diverse inhabitants of a dying mall in a small, unnamed Northeastern city. Through interconnected stories, it reveals their personal challenges, resilience, and evolving relationships, depicting a community's struggle and growth amidst changing economic and social landscapes.

**Marnie Walsh**  
A 38-year-old copy editor from London who navigates themes of loneliness and self-discovery after a toxic marriage and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her journey on the Coast to Coast Walk signifies her inner growth and search for human connection.  

**Michael Bradshaw**  
A 42-year-old geography teacher who struggles with feelings of loneliness and past trauma as he embarks on the Coast to Coast Walk. His evolving relationship with Marnie helps him rediscover companionship and resilience.  

**Cleo Fraser**  
A mutual friend of Marnie and Michael who organizes the Coast to Coast Walk with hopes of alleviating their loneliness and encouraging new romantic relationships. Her successful professional and personal life occasionally creates feelings of inadequacy in her friends.  

**Conrad**  
A pharmacist from London who initially attracts Marnie's interest with his handsome appearance. He serves as a contrast to Michael, with his superficial charm and lack of emotional depth.  

**Tess**  
A dentist and triathlete who was invited on the Coast to Coast Walk but ultimately doesn't attend. Her absence affects the group dynamic, and her later relationship with Michael lacks the emotional connection he finds with Marnie.  

**Natasha**  
Michael's wife, whose absence significantly impacts his emotional state and prevents him from fully committing to a new relationship with Marnie. Her leaving sets off a period of introspection and personal growth for Michael.  

**Brian and Barbara**  
An elderly Scottish couple who Marnie and Michael encounter during their walk. Their long-standing love and companionship contrast with the evolving relationship between Marnie and Michael, illustrating different stages of romantic commitment.

David Nicholls

Adult

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore You Are Here 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.

You Are Here Summary and Study Guide

Background

You Are Here Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Home”

Part 1 You Are Here Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Lakes”

Part 2 You Are Here Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Dales”

Part 3 You Are Here Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Moors”

Part 4 You Are Here Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Autumn”

Part 5 You Are Here Part 5 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

You Are Here Character Analysis

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Themes

You Are Here Themes

Symbols & Motifs

You Are Here Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

You Are Here Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

You Are Here Essay Topics

You Are Here

Before You Read

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Who Should Read You Are Here?

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