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Into the Great Wide Open
Building on the success of A Stranger in This World , the widely praised collection of stories that was one of the most exciting literary debuts of recent years, Kevin Canty has written a blistering, unforgettable first novel. Set in the sprawl of suburbia, with its shattered families and hollow lives, Into the Great Wide Open is the story of two young people fleeing their families' emotional abandonment to find refuge in each other.
Smart but scarred, Kenny Kolodny yearns to awake from the nightmare of his smashed-up his mother is in an institution and forever away; his father is an abusive alcoholic; his brother lives abroad. Seventeen and alone, he hangs on the periphery of his world, until he makes a passionate connection with the troubled, beautiful, fiercely independent Junie Williamson. Kenny discovers in their highly charged, intensely erotic relationship a reality--and a capacity for caring--he has not known before.
In prose startling for its diamond-hard edges and bravura lyricism, Kevin Canty revives the heady carnival of adolescence, evoking its confusing emotional landscape and its heightened sensuality, too soon lost. Into the Great Wide Open is a haunting, mesmerizing novel by a writer of deep sensitivity and undeniable talent.
Smart but scarred, Kenny Kolodny yearns to awake from the nightmare of his smashed-up his mother is in an institution and forever away; his father is an abusive alcoholic; his brother lives abroad. Seventeen and alone, he hangs on the periphery of his world, until he makes a passionate connection with the troubled, beautiful, fiercely independent Junie Williamson. Kenny discovers in their highly charged, intensely erotic relationship a reality--and a capacity for caring--he has not known before.
In prose startling for its diamond-hard edges and bravura lyricism, Kevin Canty revives the heady carnival of adolescence, evoking its confusing emotional landscape and its heightened sensuality, too soon lost. Into the Great Wide Open is a haunting, mesmerizing novel by a writer of deep sensitivity and undeniable talent.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
9 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Canty
26 books107 followersKevin Canty writes novels and short stories. He is a faculty member in the English department at the University of Montana at Missoula, where he currently resides. He received his Masters degree in English from the University of Florida in 1990, and M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Arizona in 1993.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 7, 2008
This is quite honestly my favorite book. I love it.
December 31, 2007
Possibly the most moving and disturbingly accurate novel about young love ever put to paper.
October 26, 2015
This is a perfect example of why I think the term "YA" shouldn't simply be applied to stuff where the main character is a teenager. This book is dark, ladies and gentlemen -- and the sex scenes aren't written for kids. Yes, it's about teenage love, but if I had a teenage kid I would not want them to read it. Or maybe I would....because it definitely shows how life can and will break your heart.
Beautiful writing. I even put a couple of lines on my Tumblr blog.
Beautiful writing. I even put a couple of lines on my Tumblr blog.
May 5, 2008
It was a good book to read about a young couple, first loves, finding what you really love and experiencing new feelings. It mad me think about the why I changed through high school. I liked the way it was written, it may be for younger audiences but I am 23 and I liked it.
June 6, 2010
I liked this book at one point, when I was younger, back when I had almost no standards. Now the story seems painfully obvious. I'm still very much interested in novels about first love, but this one is so flat. The main character is just a Boy with hormones and a hard-on. The dialogue is boring and too realistic. If I wanted to hear real teenagers talk to each other, I'd go hang out at the mall or watch some reality show on MTV.
May 2, 2008
Reading this lead to a lot of dreams about past relationships. The aching, pain-in-the-chest dreams that put you right back to being out of love and twenty years old. That doesn't sound like a recommendation, but it is.
February 25, 2021
Lust-driven romance from a clueless guy’s perspective.
February 3, 2019
God-dammit. I finally found my perfect teenage book boyfriend of all time. Kenny. He has no future, His dad is a drunk, He is to smart for school. He is not interested in the popular twit's at school. He is into fucked up damaged girls. He wipes his fathers ass and lives in squalor and believes in forever. The best thing he has going for him is his big heart and his dick. Only thing is his girlfriend Junie is to damn stupid, ignorant, and fucked up to see he is and probably the only best thing that ever happened to her. She wont know until she is around 50 and remembers back to a boy that loved her and only her in a pure unadulterated manner and wanted to make her happy in any way he could. I hope she remembers with tears of regret in her eyes. That Kenny with a innocent beautiful heart not tainted or jaded or lying laid his heart at her feet and she turned her head the other way. This to me was not a YA book and it took me a couple chapters to really get into the book but into it I did into the great wide open of Kenny's heart.
August 27, 2020
An amazing portrait of being a teenager in a dysfunctional family. I would say The Catcher in the Rye is a good yardstick of how someone would feel about this book: like that and you'll like this. If you're put off by that book, which a lot of people viscerally are, you'd probably hate this one for the same reasons. This is the story of a 17-year old child of an alcoholic single father and his first, very intense, relationship. I appreciated the author's ability to capture with words the thoughts and emotions of that time. .
February 25, 2022
Only 6 pages in and lost immediate interest. I don’t care to read about a 17 year old’s hard on. I know this book was about a boy making a “passionate connection” with another troubled teen, but I had no intentions of reading further to find out what that meant. Obviously this wasn’t the basis of the entire story but it was a huge turn off for me. (No pun intended ha ha)
December 17, 2018
I have long known that Canty is one of the greatest living short story writers, but now I can say that he's one of our greatest living writers period. This novel is beautiful. The writing is perfect in every way.
August 9, 2021
This was a particular book made me feel pretty fresh when I was struggling with my own dilemma in life of growing up into adulthood from a teenager.
This book has served me as a beacon. Sone thing that I might come back to as a memoir.
This book has served me as a beacon. Sone thing that I might come back to as a memoir.
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May 16, 2020dnf
March 11, 2023
A 4.5
It makes me want to be 17 again and makes me very thankful that I will never be 17 again.
It makes me want to be 17 again and makes me very thankful that I will never be 17 again.
February 16, 2011
"Into the Great Wide Open"
by Kevin Canty.
Nan A. Talese, 1996
This was my first book by Kevin Canty that I read. He has been acclaimed for his books about short stories, especially “A Stranger in This World.” I thought it would be interesting to read his novel first.
“Into the Great Wide Open” is a novel focused on two people who are trying to escape from their families, and some can say even themselves. Kenny Kolodny and Junie Williamson are the two main characters in this book. The novel starts off with indulging us into Kenny’s life. We get a glimpse into his home life, which he is desperately trying to escape from his alcoholic father. One of the stronger elements in this book is the fact that we get thrown into Kenny’s very detailed thoughts. We get to imagine his emotions and feelings regarding everything he comes across.
Junie Williamson, the typical stranger in high school, that no one cares to know, becomes a very unique disturbing character, one that you can’t seem to get enough of. She is mysterious, intriguing and as I have mentioned before a bit disturbing. She pulls you in with her nonchalant attitude about her cutting and how her mom is negligent.
The meeting of these two characters creates a dynamic story. We all dream of opposites attracting and this book fulfills that wish. The unsuspecting polar opposites try to rely on love to save them.
It seems that the book becomes a bit predicting when the reader starts to realize that Junie and Kenny have started to fall madly in love with each other and nothing can break that bond. It still has an edgy rush. You feel the emotions when Kenny discovers Junies cutting, with his finger tracing the scars or even when she shows him the nude pictures of herself.
The drama is heightened when Junie encourages Kenny to take her virginity without protection, saying “I want it to be real, all right? Consequences, take your chances.” She lived on the edge and the whole experience was described in detailed down to the blood and sperm. The story would later on end up like you predicted, Junie would become pregnant, but no one could prepare you for the miscarriage that would take place and even the distance that starts to form between the two.
Overall, some people might say this book was predictable and immature, but a lot can be learned from Canty’s novel. The characters are completely thorough in this book. You fall in love with both of them whether out of pity or relation. They become very real and you start to feel their experiences.
I would say that the most important thing I learned from this novel was how important a character can be. In my opinion this novel was great and I enjoyed learning about the characters. For others who might differ, I say look beyond the story and focus on the characters. If anything this book teaches you that if you take the time to develop the characters, sometimes that is all you need to make a story compelling. Where would a book be if it was just a story without relatable characters?
Kevin Canty knew what he was doing when he came up with this novel and because of this book I will read more work from him. His characters were the most memorable characters I have read about in a while, and this talented writer knew that he would have us hooked the moment we knew their name.
by Kevin Canty.
Nan A. Talese, 1996
This was my first book by Kevin Canty that I read. He has been acclaimed for his books about short stories, especially “A Stranger in This World.” I thought it would be interesting to read his novel first.
“Into the Great Wide Open” is a novel focused on two people who are trying to escape from their families, and some can say even themselves. Kenny Kolodny and Junie Williamson are the two main characters in this book. The novel starts off with indulging us into Kenny’s life. We get a glimpse into his home life, which he is desperately trying to escape from his alcoholic father. One of the stronger elements in this book is the fact that we get thrown into Kenny’s very detailed thoughts. We get to imagine his emotions and feelings regarding everything he comes across.
Junie Williamson, the typical stranger in high school, that no one cares to know, becomes a very unique disturbing character, one that you can’t seem to get enough of. She is mysterious, intriguing and as I have mentioned before a bit disturbing. She pulls you in with her nonchalant attitude about her cutting and how her mom is negligent.
The meeting of these two characters creates a dynamic story. We all dream of opposites attracting and this book fulfills that wish. The unsuspecting polar opposites try to rely on love to save them.
It seems that the book becomes a bit predicting when the reader starts to realize that Junie and Kenny have started to fall madly in love with each other and nothing can break that bond. It still has an edgy rush. You feel the emotions when Kenny discovers Junies cutting, with his finger tracing the scars or even when she shows him the nude pictures of herself.
The drama is heightened when Junie encourages Kenny to take her virginity without protection, saying “I want it to be real, all right? Consequences, take your chances.” She lived on the edge and the whole experience was described in detailed down to the blood and sperm. The story would later on end up like you predicted, Junie would become pregnant, but no one could prepare you for the miscarriage that would take place and even the distance that starts to form between the two.
Overall, some people might say this book was predictable and immature, but a lot can be learned from Canty’s novel. The characters are completely thorough in this book. You fall in love with both of them whether out of pity or relation. They become very real and you start to feel their experiences.
I would say that the most important thing I learned from this novel was how important a character can be. In my opinion this novel was great and I enjoyed learning about the characters. For others who might differ, I say look beyond the story and focus on the characters. If anything this book teaches you that if you take the time to develop the characters, sometimes that is all you need to make a story compelling. Where would a book be if it was just a story without relatable characters?
Kevin Canty knew what he was doing when he came up with this novel and because of this book I will read more work from him. His characters were the most memorable characters I have read about in a while, and this talented writer knew that he would have us hooked the moment we knew their name.
September 2, 2014
Canty's greatest strength here is also the novel's greatest weakness. Writing unironically about teenage love, and from a first person point of view, he manages to transport readers right back to high school, and to those incredibly strong feelings enmeshed in the center-of-the-universe-and-knowing-it-all-feeling that comes from being seventeen. The problem is that he's writing about an incredibly average love between two frighteningly average people in a sadly average situation. Yes, they've got serious problems at home, like so many teenagers. Yes, they're got emotional problems, like so many teenagers. No, they don't know what comes next and they're worried about it, like so many teenagers. Yes, they take risks, and no, they don't think too much... All like so many other average teenagers.
In the end, this made me remember the feelings of highschool, and some of my friends, with a clarity I hadn't experienced with those years in some time. Yet, could I have had that clarity without the book, had I just sat back and remembered? Yes.
And because the book was so driven by those voices and that teenage angst, I was more than glad to finish it and leave it behind, only sorry that there was no non-anti-climactic ending to give it a little more heft. Simply, teenagers won't appreciate this, and adults will likely be bored by it sooner than later, if not actually annoyed.
Not recommended, I'm afraid, unless you simply want a fairly good example of a novel told from the point of view of a believable, and average, fairly unthinking highschooler.
In the end, this made me remember the feelings of highschool, and some of my friends, with a clarity I hadn't experienced with those years in some time. Yet, could I have had that clarity without the book, had I just sat back and remembered? Yes.
And because the book was so driven by those voices and that teenage angst, I was more than glad to finish it and leave it behind, only sorry that there was no non-anti-climactic ending to give it a little more heft. Simply, teenagers won't appreciate this, and adults will likely be bored by it sooner than later, if not actually annoyed.
Not recommended, I'm afraid, unless you simply want a fairly good example of a novel told from the point of view of a believable, and average, fairly unthinking highschooler.
November 28, 2010
(Literary Fiction/ Young Adult Contemporary Realism) Kenny and Junie are teenagers who are both seeking hope amidst their dysfunctional families. When they meet each other on a student trip, they begin a tumultuous relationship that mimics their teenage wasteland lives. I was telling a friend that I probably would have enjoyed this book more if I had read it as a teenager. I think all teenagers could resonate with feeling lost, insecure, and the belief that sometimes life is pointless. Reading it as a late-twenty something, I found myself mildly irritated by Kenny and Junie's choices and self-involvement. I think this novel is a truthful look into the lives of teenagers, which makes it valuable. Just try not to get frustrated with the characters.
December 25, 2007
This book is very melancholy and really captures the agnst of growing up. It follows the evolution of a relationship between a teenage girl and boy as they deal with the hardships of growing older. It was very personal and raw and very sad at points. But I think it got it right, how the relationship between two people can change so much, what used to be no longer exists. Letting go.
June 4, 2008
A coming of age/romance in an intriguing but ultimately failing writing style. Although with such trite material, any matter of style would be hard-pressed to make this a enjoyable read for anyone over, say, 16. Troubled boy meets even more troubled (read: emotionally immature) girl and attempts to save her from herself. Yawn. When does Tom Petty make his guest appearance?
November 21, 2008
Another one that I remember reading a lifetime ago. The only thing I can remember was being shocked at some of the content, which tells me I was likely pretty young. I also remember thinking it was weird reading a book with a male main character. I suppose even to this day I almost always choose books with female characters.
April 6, 2010
Voornamelijk gebrabbel over hoe vaak de main charater een stijve piemel heeft diens nostalgische gedachten en onmacht richting het leven toe.
en hoewel ik die laatste 2 stiekem wel interessant vind, werd ik een beetje moe van de erg geile hormonenbom die zichzelf hoofdpersoon van dit boek mag noemen.
en hoewel ik die laatste 2 stiekem wel interessant vind, werd ik een beetje moe van de erg geile hormonenbom die zichzelf hoofdpersoon van dit boek mag noemen.
June 18, 2008
I'm always buying copies of this book and giving it to people. It is essentially a love story, but with what is sure to become the trademark Kevin Canty, "Oh please don't do that--it's going to end badly!" spin on everything.
September 4, 2014
Read while I was in high school, I thought I could see myself in the book, but realized I lived one boring life. Does this stuff actually happen?
Well accompanied by Matchbox 20's You or Someone Like Yourself.
Well accompanied by Matchbox 20's You or Someone Like Yourself.
August 2, 2011
I actually really liked this book. It was smart and reflective.
When people dismsiss it as a "coming of age" book, it really irritates me!
It is a book about choices and responses to what happens. Well written!
I will say it was pretty depressing, though!
When people dismsiss it as a "coming of age" book, it really irritates me!
It is a book about choices and responses to what happens. Well written!
I will say it was pretty depressing, though!
June 5, 2007
I kept coming back to this book for a period of about 4 years. ..teenage alienation and nan goldin photos on the cover.
January 15, 2008
A great coming of age love story. Fitting for the time I read it.
February 2, 2008
Another all time fave, best bittersweet tale of young 'love'.
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August 21, 2008I said a long time ago that this book was "really good." I don't quite remember it, eight years on, but I seem to recall it having a male protagonist, and it was a coming-of-age type story.
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September 2, 2009i know i've read this. it was on my shelf for a long time until we gave it a way. but the synopsis doesn't AT ALL mesh with what i remember it being about. WTF.
September 5, 2010
I love Canty's short stories, but I just couldn't seem to really connect with this novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews