What do you think?
Rate this book
Never Be Alone
A fatal car crash. A young orphan. Can she survive the harsh life of the seedy city streets?
Eight-year-old Joon has no time to grieve her parents’ sudden death. Ripped from the security of a loving family, she endures horrific abuse in a system intended to protect her. After four years of torture and her foster brother’s attempt to steal her innocence, she runs away to Philadelphia’s poverty-stricken streets.
Coming of age while homeless, Joon must fight just to stay alive. Despite the danger and desperation that surrounds her, she clings to her dream of offering the world something positive. But kind acts don’t put food in her belly as she searches for love and a place to call home.
Never Be Alone is a standalone dark psychological thriller. If you are looking for courageous characters, an edgy story, and a heartbreaking true-to-life tale, then you need to read this book.
**WARNING**18+ Readers Only. Graphic content and subject matter.
Eight-year-old Joon has no time to grieve her parents’ sudden death. Ripped from the security of a loving family, she endures horrific abuse in a system intended to protect her. After four years of torture and her foster brother’s attempt to steal her innocence, she runs away to Philadelphia’s poverty-stricken streets.
Coming of age while homeless, Joon must fight just to stay alive. Despite the danger and desperation that surrounds her, she clings to her dream of offering the world something positive. But kind acts don’t put food in her belly as she searches for love and a place to call home.
Never Be Alone is a standalone dark psychological thriller. If you are looking for courageous characters, an edgy story, and a heartbreaking true-to-life tale, then you need to read this book.
**WARNING**18+ Readers Only. Graphic content and subject matter.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2018
2217 people are currently reading
6382 people want to read
About the author
Paige Dearth
14 books1,923 followersWebsite: https://paigedearth.com/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3e86gp7
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2JS5M1D
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2v1sWgK
#1 Amazon bestselling author Paige Dearth is a survivor of child abuse. Through grit and pure determination she set out to provide a look inside the pain and suffering caused by childhood trauma through her novels.
Paige writes real-life horror and refers to her work as Fiction With Meaning. She hopes that her fictional stories will create awareness for prevention and intervention. Paige writes stories about young children who need to overcome adversity and then take you on their life’s journey. You will shed tears of joy, grief, rage, and horror. She wants her readers to be thinking about the story long after they have turned the last page.
Paige believes that society should not look the other way because a subject seems too difficult to handle and to remember that people live through these real-life horrors.
Paige lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her husband Mike, and dog, Benny. Her debut novel, Believe Like A Child, was the catalyst for her writing platform. The beginning of Believe Like A Child is based on events from Paige’s childhood. Paige’s novels present a fine balance between what lives on in her imagination and the evil that lurks in the real world.
Paige’s favorite motto is:
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
~Benjamin Franklin
PAIGE'S STANDALONE NOVELS IN ORDER OF PUBLICATION:
Believe Like A Child
When Smiles Fade
One Among Us
Mean Little People
Never Be Alone
My Final Breath
RAINEY PAXTON SERIES:
A Little Pinprick (Book One)
A Little High (Book Two)
Girls Missing (Book Three)
Girls Found (Book Four)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3e86gp7
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2JS5M1D
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2v1sWgK
#1 Amazon bestselling author Paige Dearth is a survivor of child abuse. Through grit and pure determination she set out to provide a look inside the pain and suffering caused by childhood trauma through her novels.
Paige writes real-life horror and refers to her work as Fiction With Meaning. She hopes that her fictional stories will create awareness for prevention and intervention. Paige writes stories about young children who need to overcome adversity and then take you on their life’s journey. You will shed tears of joy, grief, rage, and horror. She wants her readers to be thinking about the story long after they have turned the last page.
Paige believes that society should not look the other way because a subject seems too difficult to handle and to remember that people live through these real-life horrors.
Paige lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her husband Mike, and dog, Benny. Her debut novel, Believe Like A Child, was the catalyst for her writing platform. The beginning of Believe Like A Child is based on events from Paige’s childhood. Paige’s novels present a fine balance between what lives on in her imagination and the evil that lurks in the real world.
Paige’s favorite motto is:
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
~Benjamin Franklin
PAIGE'S STANDALONE NOVELS IN ORDER OF PUBLICATION:
Believe Like A Child
When Smiles Fade
One Among Us
Mean Little People
Never Be Alone
My Final Breath
RAINEY PAXTON SERIES:
A Little Pinprick (Book One)
A Little High (Book Two)
Girls Missing (Book Three)
Girls Found (Book Four)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews
January 22, 2020
***Goodread's Giveaway Winner***
See that beautiful innocent face on the cover? Notice the haunted eyes. They tell the real life horror of this story.
Imagine being just eight years old when dumped at an ominous, broken down house that bears the presence of an evil bitch with two nasty sons...well mostly the older son. With her parents dead and her sense of security ripped away, Joon is left with a tortuous life of fear and hunger. Even going to school where there's free food becomes a humiliation with strict rules enforced by her selfish monster of a foster mom.
So here I am, only about 7% in when I thought....I can't read anymore, this is just too awful WHEN Ragtop enters the picture. We thus proceed in a new direction, albeit dangerous, but with a bit of hope for Joon.
As the story moves along with life, such as it is, on the streets of Philadelphia, Joon's naive self experiences many ups and downs as she begs and braves the fierce winters desperately seeking a place to call home with the love and companionship of others....but oh the devious one not to be trusted.
"Poverty of love is the worst thing you can be deprived of."
NEVER BE ALONE vividly reflects upon the life of the homeless and the dark day-to-day existence of uncertainty. If you've read Paige Dearth before, you already know she writes from personal experience bringing us well-written very dark stories with well-developed characters. So when you read this one, be sure to take it all the way to its memorable conclusion. So glad I did! (payback is certainly a bitch.)
***Many thanks to The Goodread's Team, publishers and authors for giving us member-readers the opportunity to be a winner!***
June 13, 2018
If you're looking for a feel good story of surviving teenage homeless, look elsewhere. Never Be Alone is truthful, brutal and unapologetically raw. It forces us to confront that which makes a lot of us uncomfortable, kids doing what they need to do to survive on the streets.
Joon is our 8 year old MC who is put into the foster care system when her parents die in a car accident. She is placed in a foster home with Aron, who appears to the outside world as a loving single mother but who shouldn't even have custody of her own two boys.
Joon endures four years of unimaginable horrors and decides that she has had enough when threatened by one of her foster brothers:living on the streets seems to be a safer option.
On the streets she meets a cast of characters, some that want to help her and others that want to help themselves to her. To say what Joon experiences is heart-wrenching comes across as an understatement. There is nothing that I could tell you, short of telling you Joon's story, that will prepare you for Never Be Alone.
Joon is a character that will stay with me for mostly wrong reasons. I can't look at the cover without getting a knot in my stomach or tearing up.
Highly recommended.
Tearful thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Joon is our 8 year old MC who is put into the foster care system when her parents die in a car accident. She is placed in a foster home with Aron, who appears to the outside world as a loving single mother but who shouldn't even have custody of her own two boys.
Joon endures four years of unimaginable horrors and decides that she has had enough when threatened by one of her foster brothers:living on the streets seems to be a safer option.
On the streets she meets a cast of characters, some that want to help her and others that want to help themselves to her. To say what Joon experiences is heart-wrenching comes across as an understatement. There is nothing that I could tell you, short of telling you Joon's story, that will prepare you for Never Be Alone.
Joon is a character that will stay with me for mostly wrong reasons. I can't look at the cover without getting a knot in my stomach or tearing up.
Highly recommended.
Tearful thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2018
First off Thank you net galley for the advance copy! it was an awesome book very emotional I enjoyed it =]
May 17, 2018
Joon is eight years old when her parents are killed and she is put into the foster care system. For 4 years, she is with the same family, but the way they treat her is worse than you would an enemy. When Joon has her chance, she runs away an tried to make a life for herself on the streets. She sees more in her short life than many people experience in an entire lifetime. Will Joon be able to survive on the streets or will she succumb to the pressures of drugs and prostitution?
Thank you to NetGalley and Fiction With Meaning for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is a book that every person should read. We have all seen a homeless person and I'm sure many of us judge them without knowing their situation and how they got to where they are. For some, maybe living on the street is better than their other choices.
In this story, I could see myself as Joon, going through life trying to survive, but I don't think I could have done all she did. This book will make you cry, it is absolutely heart wrenching. You want to jump in and try to save Joon. According to the Author's Notes(yes I read those), this book was taken from her own experience with homelessness.
Again, this is a book everyone should read. It will make you look at the world and the people in it very differently. We are all human and we all are just trying to make it through life with the cards we were dealt. Some of us were given a great hand, and others the worse, but it's what we do with it that makes all the difference.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fiction With Meaning for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is a book that every person should read. We have all seen a homeless person and I'm sure many of us judge them without knowing their situation and how they got to where they are. For some, maybe living on the street is better than their other choices.
In this story, I could see myself as Joon, going through life trying to survive, but I don't think I could have done all she did. This book will make you cry, it is absolutely heart wrenching. You want to jump in and try to save Joon. According to the Author's Notes(yes I read those), this book was taken from her own experience with homelessness.
Again, this is a book everyone should read. It will make you look at the world and the people in it very differently. We are all human and we all are just trying to make it through life with the cards we were dealt. Some of us were given a great hand, and others the worse, but it's what we do with it that makes all the difference.
July 18, 2023
Paige Dearth is honest and open about the abuse she had to endure in life and writes topics around this, things she knows.
This book however hard to read, however hard to stomache is unfortunately real life and we can’t ignore this and become someone who buries their heads in the sand, how can we become aware if we turn a blind eye?
Heart rending, and a book you won’t easily forget.
I’ve read other books by this author and this one seems a bit odd at times.
Is it written in third person?
As some replies and sentences seem misdirected.
It also, in parts, comes across as a manual or brochure.
Or was that me?
If you’ve read it, please comment and let me know.
This book however hard to read, however hard to stomache is unfortunately real life and we can’t ignore this and become someone who buries their heads in the sand, how can we become aware if we turn a blind eye?
Heart rending, and a book you won’t easily forget.
I’ve read other books by this author and this one seems a bit odd at times.
Is it written in third person?
As some replies and sentences seem misdirected.
It also, in parts, comes across as a manual or brochure.
Or was that me?
If you’ve read it, please comment and let me know.
June 8, 2018
Never Be Alone is a dark and gritty thriller based on the horrors of teenage homelessness. The author describes her work as real life horror, which delves into the worst case scenarios of what it's like to be a young teen and living on the streets.
We first meet Joon at 8 years old entering a dysfunctional foster home after her parents suddenly die. She is severely abused and neglected for the next 4 years. In order to avoid further abuse she runs away at 12 years old and is forced to survive on the streets of Philadelphia. Her journey takes her into various predicaments and she meets a variety of characters - some of who are kind and others who are out to take advantage.
I read Ms. Dearth's previous novel Mean Little People and the main character Tony makes an appearance in this book too. I enjoyed touching base with Tony again and thought he was a nice addition. It was a great way to connect as a reader to the plot because I already knew who he was and what he was about.
I find this author has an ability to take the reader on an unpredictable journey. We never really know where the plot is going or what's going to happen with the characters. Never Be Alone was true to its description but includes graphic sexual and violent scenarios so is not for every reader. I missed the element of rage and revenge that was perfectly portrayed in Mean Little People. This plot had more of a sadness and grief feel to it, which wasn't as engaging for me.
A solid read that pretty much captures the nightmares one faces while homeless, alone and vulnerable. Looking forward to reading more books from this author. Definitely recommend to readers looking for a unique story that has a lot of dirt and grit.
A gracious thank you to Paige Dearth and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Never Be Alone is available for purchase.
We first meet Joon at 8 years old entering a dysfunctional foster home after her parents suddenly die. She is severely abused and neglected for the next 4 years. In order to avoid further abuse she runs away at 12 years old and is forced to survive on the streets of Philadelphia. Her journey takes her into various predicaments and she meets a variety of characters - some of who are kind and others who are out to take advantage.
I read Ms. Dearth's previous novel Mean Little People and the main character Tony makes an appearance in this book too. I enjoyed touching base with Tony again and thought he was a nice addition. It was a great way to connect as a reader to the plot because I already knew who he was and what he was about.
I find this author has an ability to take the reader on an unpredictable journey. We never really know where the plot is going or what's going to happen with the characters. Never Be Alone was true to its description but includes graphic sexual and violent scenarios so is not for every reader. I missed the element of rage and revenge that was perfectly portrayed in Mean Little People. This plot had more of a sadness and grief feel to it, which wasn't as engaging for me.
A solid read that pretty much captures the nightmares one faces while homeless, alone and vulnerable. Looking forward to reading more books from this author. Definitely recommend to readers looking for a unique story that has a lot of dirt and grit.
A gracious thank you to Paige Dearth and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Never Be Alone is available for purchase.
June 6, 2018
'Never Be Alone' was certainly a page turner and what an emotional rollercoaster it was. Loved the main character 'Joon' and without giving away any of the storyline, the ending ended just how i hoped it would. I have read a few books by Paige Dearth and is an author that i would highly recommend and shall be on the look out for more.
I would like to thank Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest review.
I would like to thank Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest review.
April 15, 2018
We hear about their plight on a regular basis. We donate old clothes and maybe a few dollars to shelters so “someone” can help them out. They are the unwanted, the abused, the children “lost in the system.” Joon may be the story of one girl, but she is also the story of every child who didn’t ask to live through Hell, alone and ignored like a piece of dirt we sweep under the rug.
NEVER BE ALONE by Paige Dearth is another in her repertoire of nightmares in words. Joon’s life will sucker punch you. Her resilience will astound you.
Think about Joon the next time you look down on the homeless, because not all of them are scammers. Think about Joon the next time you complain at the cost of that double latte with an extra shot of whipped cream. It could have been you. Think about giving up one latte a week and donating the money and your time to help these kids out. The benefits will be innumerable.
I received a complimentary copy from Fiction With Meaning, LLC
Publisher: Fiction With Meaning LLC; 1 edition (March 30, 2018)
Publication Date: March 30, 2018
Genre: Child Abuse | Horror
Print Length: 414 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
NEVER BE ALONE by Paige Dearth is another in her repertoire of nightmares in words. Joon’s life will sucker punch you. Her resilience will astound you.
Think about Joon the next time you look down on the homeless, because not all of them are scammers. Think about Joon the next time you complain at the cost of that double latte with an extra shot of whipped cream. It could have been you. Think about giving up one latte a week and donating the money and your time to help these kids out. The benefits will be innumerable.
I received a complimentary copy from Fiction With Meaning, LLC
Publisher: Fiction With Meaning LLC; 1 edition (March 30, 2018)
Publication Date: March 30, 2018
Genre: Child Abuse | Horror
Print Length: 414 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 17, 2018
I find these books by Paige Dearth so hard to read but at the same time I feel that it is important that the books ARE read simply because the message is so very important.
Eight year old Joon's life changes suddenly from a secure and very happy childhood to one of utter despair and hardship when her parents die and she is thrust into foster care. There little Joon is exposed to the most horrible abuse that can be imagined. She suffers for years until she finally escapes from the house of horrors to a hard life on the streets. Homelessness on the streets has its own horrors and Joon suffers through more years with the never ending challenge of not having a home or anyone to rely on but herself.
This is the second book I have read by Paige Dearth and I found "Never Be Alone" even harder to read than the first one. I am not sure if it is because the main character is female and I know what it is like to be abused and alone or if the character is more developed. I was not able to put the book down because I had to know what happened next and was so hoping that things would get better for Joon. I was so happy to see the main character from "Mean Little People" (Tony and the gang) show up in this book and now I want to read the first book again.
The writing is very stark, to the point, and heart felt. I hope that more people are willing to give Paige Dearth's books a chance. They are a very hard subject to read about but as I mentioned above, there is a very important message here and children and people we should remember who are going through horrible things as I type this review. The book brings awareness to an important issue that should not be swept under the rug because we are uncomfortable with the subject matter. I really recommend that people have the courage to read these if only to become aware and develop some compassion and understanding.
I want to thank Paige Dearth for having the courage to write about such a heart breaking subject that must hit close to home. I would also like to thank Fiction With Meaning LLC for introducing me to Paige Dearth's books and allowing me to read "Never Be Alone". I received a copy of this book from Fiction With Meaning LLC via Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review.
Eight year old Joon's life changes suddenly from a secure and very happy childhood to one of utter despair and hardship when her parents die and she is thrust into foster care. There little Joon is exposed to the most horrible abuse that can be imagined. She suffers for years until she finally escapes from the house of horrors to a hard life on the streets. Homelessness on the streets has its own horrors and Joon suffers through more years with the never ending challenge of not having a home or anyone to rely on but herself.
This is the second book I have read by Paige Dearth and I found "Never Be Alone" even harder to read than the first one. I am not sure if it is because the main character is female and I know what it is like to be abused and alone or if the character is more developed. I was not able to put the book down because I had to know what happened next and was so hoping that things would get better for Joon. I was so happy to see the main character from "Mean Little People" (Tony and the gang) show up in this book and now I want to read the first book again.
The writing is very stark, to the point, and heart felt. I hope that more people are willing to give Paige Dearth's books a chance. They are a very hard subject to read about but as I mentioned above, there is a very important message here and children and people we should remember who are going through horrible things as I type this review. The book brings awareness to an important issue that should not be swept under the rug because we are uncomfortable with the subject matter. I really recommend that people have the courage to read these if only to become aware and develop some compassion and understanding.
I want to thank Paige Dearth for having the courage to write about such a heart breaking subject that must hit close to home. I would also like to thank Fiction With Meaning LLC for introducing me to Paige Dearth's books and allowing me to read "Never Be Alone". I received a copy of this book from Fiction With Meaning LLC via Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2018
I read a lot of stories (some memoirs) with similar themes as this one; children who suffered some form of abuse. Some are told in first person and some by a narrator. I work at a high school and these types of stories are always very popular (Child Called It, etc) so I find myself reading a lot of these stories to decide to purchase them or not for my library.
For some reason I could not connect with the protagonist of this story. When Joon's parents die suddenly she is sent to live in a foster home with a horribly abusive foster mother and foster brothers. After enduring the home for four years she finally runs away when it is clear the abuse is going to take on another level of pain and humiliation- that is all totally believable, sadly. Joon finds herself on the streets and luckily runs into a kind-hearted woman who takes her under her wing and teaches her about living on the streets. Occasionally, as they are talking, Joon will mention yet another horror that she endured at the hands of her cruel foster mother. Again, totally believable, but these conversations seem contrived just for the purpose of shedding more light on the abuse she endured. While I know that children are abused by natural and foster parents all of the time, it is hard to believe that no one at school would intervene when they saw her not eat lunch daily (and she is very underweight and looks uncared-for, all red flags).
I have worked in the school system for many years and I can tell you that we do notice these things and we do regularly intervene. Even if it didn't go so far as to make a report, teachers and other school staff would take to feeding the student and trying to find out why she isn't eating her free school lunch. I see students daily who live in poverty and often their only full meal is the school lunch. If we saw someone not eating theirs daily with clothes that are too small/short and circles under her eyes, you can bet we would be looking to get to the bottom of this. I think that was when the story just didn't ring true for me. The cruelty and abuse from her foster family was totally believable. The not allowing her to eat at school was not. I just don't think a foster parent who doesn't want to get caught, who is careful to leave no marks in areas that are outwardly visible & allows her to shower specifically on school days so as not to draw attention, would risk forcing the girl to not eat at school. Obviously, we miss cases of abuse and those go unreported- but these particular circumstances are all red flags for school employees. Also, I just didn't feel like Joon's character rang true. She still seems absolutely innocent and trusting even out on the streets and after the abuse in her foster home I think she would be much more skittish and wary. I couldn't get past some of these things so I did not finish the book.
For some reason I could not connect with the protagonist of this story. When Joon's parents die suddenly she is sent to live in a foster home with a horribly abusive foster mother and foster brothers. After enduring the home for four years she finally runs away when it is clear the abuse is going to take on another level of pain and humiliation- that is all totally believable, sadly. Joon finds herself on the streets and luckily runs into a kind-hearted woman who takes her under her wing and teaches her about living on the streets. Occasionally, as they are talking, Joon will mention yet another horror that she endured at the hands of her cruel foster mother. Again, totally believable, but these conversations seem contrived just for the purpose of shedding more light on the abuse she endured. While I know that children are abused by natural and foster parents all of the time, it is hard to believe that no one at school would intervene when they saw her not eat lunch daily (and she is very underweight and looks uncared-for, all red flags).
I have worked in the school system for many years and I can tell you that we do notice these things and we do regularly intervene. Even if it didn't go so far as to make a report, teachers and other school staff would take to feeding the student and trying to find out why she isn't eating her free school lunch. I see students daily who live in poverty and often their only full meal is the school lunch. If we saw someone not eating theirs daily with clothes that are too small/short and circles under her eyes, you can bet we would be looking to get to the bottom of this. I think that was when the story just didn't ring true for me. The cruelty and abuse from her foster family was totally believable. The not allowing her to eat at school was not. I just don't think a foster parent who doesn't want to get caught, who is careful to leave no marks in areas that are outwardly visible & allows her to shower specifically on school days so as not to draw attention, would risk forcing the girl to not eat at school. Obviously, we miss cases of abuse and those go unreported- but these particular circumstances are all red flags for school employees. Also, I just didn't feel like Joon's character rang true. She still seems absolutely innocent and trusting even out on the streets and after the abuse in her foster home I think she would be much more skittish and wary. I couldn't get past some of these things so I did not finish the book.
April 21, 2018
This was such a good read! I fell in love with Joon, felt so incredibly bad for her during her years with her foster family and in the years after. The characters in this book were so realistic to me, some so kind and some so cruel.. Joon’s live sure has been rocky!
June 23, 2019
I definitely had mixed feelings about this one. This is a difficult story with a lot of hard topics for young adults.
Joon's story is a difficult one, having lost her parents at a young age and being sent to foster care, her emotional state is already fragile. Joon is then faced with the worst possible scenario, an abusive foster mother. Joon has two options, stay with her foster mother and brothers and endure their abuse, or take to the streets and pray that she can survive. While neither option is appealing, Joon decides that she would rather be homeless, than deal with the abuse.
While on the streets, Joon faces what many would expect, the elements, starvation, drugs, prostitution, sickness, and even further abuse. Joon's story is a tragic one. While I feel that there is a lot to take away from this novel, my biggest complaint would have to be in the narrative itself. It's told in the third person, rather than the first person. Can you imagine the impact Joon's story would have had if she were the one to tell it?
With everything that happens to Joon and the friends she meets along the way, I had a very difficult time connecting and feeling the emotion that was needed. This novel could have been amazing, really, if only we were made to feel the emotion rather than being shown the emotion. Perhaps, the choice to write in the third person narrative is because it is intended for young adults and maybe writing in the first person would have made it too dark, but let's face it, these are not easy topics, and if the idea is to tell the story so that young adults speak up, and realize these realities exist, then it needs to be harsh.
All that said, I did enjoy the novel and the storyline. It's a sad story, almost inconceivable at times.
I want to thank NetGalley, Fiction With Meaning LLC, and Paige Dearth for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
Joon's story is a difficult one, having lost her parents at a young age and being sent to foster care, her emotional state is already fragile. Joon is then faced with the worst possible scenario, an abusive foster mother. Joon has two options, stay with her foster mother and brothers and endure their abuse, or take to the streets and pray that she can survive. While neither option is appealing, Joon decides that she would rather be homeless, than deal with the abuse.
While on the streets, Joon faces what many would expect, the elements, starvation, drugs, prostitution, sickness, and even further abuse. Joon's story is a tragic one. While I feel that there is a lot to take away from this novel, my biggest complaint would have to be in the narrative itself. It's told in the third person, rather than the first person. Can you imagine the impact Joon's story would have had if she were the one to tell it?
With everything that happens to Joon and the friends she meets along the way, I had a very difficult time connecting and feeling the emotion that was needed. This novel could have been amazing, really, if only we were made to feel the emotion rather than being shown the emotion. Perhaps, the choice to write in the third person narrative is because it is intended for young adults and maybe writing in the first person would have made it too dark, but let's face it, these are not easy topics, and if the idea is to tell the story so that young adults speak up, and realize these realities exist, then it needs to be harsh.
All that said, I did enjoy the novel and the storyline. It's a sad story, almost inconceivable at times.
I want to thank NetGalley, Fiction With Meaning LLC, and Paige Dearth for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
March 29, 2019
After her parents died, Joon had to live in foster home. Aron her foster mother treats her like a slave, abuse her and frequently doesn't let her eat. After years live in misery, she runaway from the house and live on the street. In the street she meets with every kind of people that teach her about good and bad things. Can Joon survive her life in the street and get the better life?
Every kids should be happy in their young age. Being loved by their family or the people around them and get education in the school. It breaks me to know that Joon had to live in tough way. But although life always fails her and bad things happen, she never gives up on anyone. That's what I love about Joon, she has a good heart.
Never be alone is a dark novel about struggle, abuse, and poverty. It had an adult content and suggest for an adult reader only. I love this book because it has a messages and good points. It makes me know more about homeless life and makes me feel grateful of everything I'd have.
The worst poverty is when there is no one in the world who loves you.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for the honest review.
Every kids should be happy in their young age. Being loved by their family or the people around them and get education in the school. It breaks me to know that Joon had to live in tough way. But although life always fails her and bad things happen, she never gives up on anyone. That's what I love about Joon, she has a good heart.
Never be alone is a dark novel about struggle, abuse, and poverty. It had an adult content and suggest for an adult reader only. I love this book because it has a messages and good points. It makes me know more about homeless life and makes me feel grateful of everything I'd have.
The worst poverty is when there is no one in the world who loves you.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for the honest review.
May 9, 2018
I was immediately attracted by the cover we see little Joon with his blue eyes.
We find Joon who lost his parents and his host family is dangerous. She had a good life with her deceased parents. She was happy, but at the age of eight she was placed at the home of this single mother and her two sons, and she was going to suffer what she never thought would exist: the cruelty, the brutality of this family. She will go live on the street and find comfort with this group of homeless but will she get out of it?
A touching story with the endearing character of Joon, I immediately got into the skin of his character, would I have the strength to live in the street if I was she with all that is happening right now in the streets. Look forward to reading another book by this author who has potential.
We find Joon who lost his parents and his host family is dangerous. She had a good life with her deceased parents. She was happy, but at the age of eight she was placed at the home of this single mother and her two sons, and she was going to suffer what she never thought would exist: the cruelty, the brutality of this family. She will go live on the street and find comfort with this group of homeless but will she get out of it?
A touching story with the endearing character of Joon, I immediately got into the skin of his character, would I have the strength to live in the street if I was she with all that is happening right now in the streets. Look forward to reading another book by this author who has potential.
April 2, 2018
These books are so hard to read and tug at my heart strings, yet I can't stop reading. It's heartbreaking to know this is real life for some. I finished this book in one sitting and it did not disappoint. Joon has been dealt a really tough hand in life but what evolves in this book and in her character are strength and optimism for her situation; she fights and doesn't let her circumstances define where she will go in life. My heart ached for all she endured, but she met people who showed her what was worth fighting for.
If you have enjoyed Paige Dearth's earlier novels (no - the subject matter is not enjoyable, but because of the author's back story - these books have more meaning to it), then you will want to read this one as well. It's sad, heartbreaking, but makes you see HOPE..hope that Joon never lets go of.
If you have enjoyed Paige Dearth's earlier novels (no - the subject matter is not enjoyable, but because of the author's back story - these books have more meaning to it), then you will want to read this one as well. It's sad, heartbreaking, but makes you see HOPE..hope that Joon never lets go of.
June 2, 2018
This book is a very heart-wrenching story about being alone on the streets and in part about the what can happen in Foster Care. I was sad in part of this book but I also loved Joon and wanted her to be happy. This book took my emotions all over but I love that is a book as well. When I book make me feel something it is a great book in my opinion. *This book was given to me for free at my request from Netgalley and I provided this voluntary review.*
March 1, 2022
This story is dark and haunting, and Joon will definitely stay with you. Her path to adulthood was more than most of us have experienced and I was glad to have a view into her journey.
June 20, 2018
Paige Dearth’s novel ‘Never Be Alone’ is one of those novels that fully immerses you from the opening sentence and keeps you floored until the final word is uttered. This book has touched me like no other and consumed my life whilst reading it. I could not get the characters out of my head, they would invade my thoughts, dreams and subconscious. No book has done this to me since John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meaney.
Dearth’s has an incredible talent where she is able to delve deep into the human condition and tries the find the good in horrible situations. Starting out with a girl named Joon who goes from one nightmare to the next but keeping her soul good is a masterclass in story telling. Her characters come alive and you generally care for the good characters and want to rip the guts out of the bad and evil characters. Her style is like a street VC Andrews with all the drama without the melodrama and more realistic characters making realistic decisions in a cold and heartless world.
The book deals some hard issues such as homelessness, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, prostitution, rape, to name just a few. Dearth’s talent is that she opens your eyes to the issues and expands it to push a point across but not in an obtuse way. Her characters take you on a journey that twists and turns but never feeling false or pressing plot points into square holes. It all works within the confines of the story in a fundamental natural way.
Her characters are well drawn and deeply felt. From the lead characters to the insignificant ones, they all make a lasting impression. She is able to take these characters and give a three dimensional quality fully fleshing out them. When I close my eyes, I can see them vividly emerge from the darkness.
Never Be Alone has actually touched me in a way that few books have done. There are only three books that have actually made tears flow down my face and this is now one of them. Embarrassing to admit, I do most of my reading on my commute to work and there is a situation that happens in the book in the final third. I am reading and totally caught up and sadness over takes me to the effect that I am weeping. This is to the effect where the woman sitting next to me asks if I am ok. I said that it is the book that I am reading and nothing personal. She exclaims, that must be one hell of a book in which I replied, you have no idea.
I highly urge everyone to read a copy of ‘Never Be Alone’ as it is a real page turner. With deep emotions that emulate the reader from within. It also raises important issues and it will make you look at things in a different way. It is not a preaching novel but it will open a new light and look at your surroundings in a more improved outlook. Deeply moving and disturbing but full of the heart. This book is now one of my own personal favourites and I recommend everyone give Page Dearth’s novel ‘Never Be Alone’ a read as you won’t be disappointed.
Dearth’s has an incredible talent where she is able to delve deep into the human condition and tries the find the good in horrible situations. Starting out with a girl named Joon who goes from one nightmare to the next but keeping her soul good is a masterclass in story telling. Her characters come alive and you generally care for the good characters and want to rip the guts out of the bad and evil characters. Her style is like a street VC Andrews with all the drama without the melodrama and more realistic characters making realistic decisions in a cold and heartless world.
The book deals some hard issues such as homelessness, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, prostitution, rape, to name just a few. Dearth’s talent is that she opens your eyes to the issues and expands it to push a point across but not in an obtuse way. Her characters take you on a journey that twists and turns but never feeling false or pressing plot points into square holes. It all works within the confines of the story in a fundamental natural way.
Her characters are well drawn and deeply felt. From the lead characters to the insignificant ones, they all make a lasting impression. She is able to take these characters and give a three dimensional quality fully fleshing out them. When I close my eyes, I can see them vividly emerge from the darkness.
Never Be Alone has actually touched me in a way that few books have done. There are only three books that have actually made tears flow down my face and this is now one of them. Embarrassing to admit, I do most of my reading on my commute to work and there is a situation that happens in the book in the final third. I am reading and totally caught up and sadness over takes me to the effect that I am weeping. This is to the effect where the woman sitting next to me asks if I am ok. I said that it is the book that I am reading and nothing personal. She exclaims, that must be one hell of a book in which I replied, you have no idea.
I highly urge everyone to read a copy of ‘Never Be Alone’ as it is a real page turner. With deep emotions that emulate the reader from within. It also raises important issues and it will make you look at things in a different way. It is not a preaching novel but it will open a new light and look at your surroundings in a more improved outlook. Deeply moving and disturbing but full of the heart. This book is now one of my own personal favourites and I recommend everyone give Page Dearth’s novel ‘Never Be Alone’ a read as you won’t be disappointed.
May 1, 2018
Thank you, NetGalley, for my complimentary review copy.
I was hooked from the first page! The author’s storytelling and language style is so compelling and readable that it was difficult to put it down, despite of the serious subject matter.
Joon had a happy life as the only child of loving, affectionate parents, who adored and cherished her. Tragically, her parents died when she was eight, and she was thrust into the foster care system. A temporary shelter was her home and she was as comfortable there as she could be. But a temporary shelter is just that, “temporary.” Eventually, she was placed in a single-parent home and told by the caseworker that she was “lucky” to be able to have a real family. Over the next four years, living with her single foster mother and two brothers, Joon would find out just how lucky she was.
As one chapter of Joon’s life ended, another began and brought with it a new set of circumstances and characters(each with his/her own tragic backstory). Just when she started to feel relatively happy, comfortable, and life didn’t seem so bad, all was lost and she had to start from scratch. Joon’s stark reality is depicted so vividly and graphically(at times, disturbingly so). Her fleeting happiness, as well as her pain, fear, and heartbreak, are genuine.
Overall, I loved Joon’s story of triumph over adversity. It was absorbing, heart-wrenching, and, at the same time, provided some valuable life lessons. Although I didn’t want the story to end, I was satisfied with the way it did. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to find an excerpt of Dearth’s Mean Little People included at the end. This book tells Tony Bruno’s story. He was one of my favorite characters. I hope to revisit Joon and her friends in future books.
I was hooked from the first page! The author’s storytelling and language style is so compelling and readable that it was difficult to put it down, despite of the serious subject matter.
Joon had a happy life as the only child of loving, affectionate parents, who adored and cherished her. Tragically, her parents died when she was eight, and she was thrust into the foster care system. A temporary shelter was her home and she was as comfortable there as she could be. But a temporary shelter is just that, “temporary.” Eventually, she was placed in a single-parent home and told by the caseworker that she was “lucky” to be able to have a real family. Over the next four years, living with her single foster mother and two brothers, Joon would find out just how lucky she was.
As one chapter of Joon’s life ended, another began and brought with it a new set of circumstances and characters(each with his/her own tragic backstory). Just when she started to feel relatively happy, comfortable, and life didn’t seem so bad, all was lost and she had to start from scratch. Joon’s stark reality is depicted so vividly and graphically(at times, disturbingly so). Her fleeting happiness, as well as her pain, fear, and heartbreak, are genuine.
Overall, I loved Joon’s story of triumph over adversity. It was absorbing, heart-wrenching, and, at the same time, provided some valuable life lessons. Although I didn’t want the story to end, I was satisfied with the way it did. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to find an excerpt of Dearth’s Mean Little People included at the end. This book tells Tony Bruno’s story. He was one of my favorite characters. I hope to revisit Joon and her friends in future books.
June 8, 2018
First I want to thank the author and netgalley for my free kindle book! The book started by introducing me to the main character Joon, who lost both her parents and ends up living with foster woman whose name was Aron and her sons. My heart broke right away with the abuse this poor girl had to live with. The system completely failed her. The abuse this girl had to go through no human should have to go with. After being threatened by her foster brother he was going to rape her she runs away. This is where the book took a turn. Joon ends up on the street without money or a home or knowing the streets and the people who live on the streets and that it’s basiclalu war to survive. The authors ability to create characters is amazing from ragtop a woman who helps joon but ends up disappearing . To Pringle a young girl like joon who offers to help and becomes a friend to joon. The book brought tears to my eyes and opened my eyes about how the homeless are people who need help and each person has a story to tell. No person deserves to go through what joon went through ever. All she wanted was to be loved and a family. This is her story. I recommend reading this book with your eyes and heart opened. I do warn some content in this book may be difficult to read.
March 29, 2019
After her parents died, Joon had to live in foster home. Aron her foster mother treats her like a slave, abuse her and frequently doesn't let her eat. After years live in misery, she runaway from the house and live on the street. In the street she meet with every kind of people that teach her good and bad things. Can Joon survive her life in the street and get the better life?
Every kids should be happy when they are in their young age. Being love by their family or the people around them and get education in school. It breaks me to know Joon had to live in that tough way. But although life always fails her and bad things happen, she never gives up on anyone. That's what I love about Joon, she has a good heart.
Never be alone is a dark novel about struggle, abuse, and poverty. It had an adult content and suggest for an adult reader only. I love this book because it had a messages and good points. It makes me know more about homeless life and make me feel grateful of everything I have.
The worst poverty is when there is no one in the world who loves you.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for the honest review.
Every kids should be happy when they are in their young age. Being love by their family or the people around them and get education in school. It breaks me to know Joon had to live in that tough way. But although life always fails her and bad things happen, she never gives up on anyone. That's what I love about Joon, she has a good heart.
Never be alone is a dark novel about struggle, abuse, and poverty. It had an adult content and suggest for an adult reader only. I love this book because it had a messages and good points. It makes me know more about homeless life and make me feel grateful of everything I have.
The worst poverty is when there is no one in the world who loves you.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for the honest review.
May 4, 2018
*I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I know I am in the minority, but I was really disappointed in the way this book was written. Knowing that the author herself had
experienced a traumatic childhood, I was afraid that her fiction would be almost too real & very difficult to read. Unfortunately I found it to be quite the opposite. I found very little written in a way that made me feel much emotion or empathy for the characters mostly because there was no depth to the characterization or detail to the story to draw you into the action.
I know Paige Dearth said she writes these stories to bring awareness to the problem and my hope is that it will work, but for me there was nothing to make me feel it was anything more than a YA fictional story.
I know I am in the minority, but I was really disappointed in the way this book was written. Knowing that the author herself had
experienced a traumatic childhood, I was afraid that her fiction would be almost too real & very difficult to read. Unfortunately I found it to be quite the opposite. I found very little written in a way that made me feel much emotion or empathy for the characters mostly because there was no depth to the characterization or detail to the story to draw you into the action.
I know Paige Dearth said she writes these stories to bring awareness to the problem and my hope is that it will work, but for me there was nothing to make me feel it was anything more than a YA fictional story.
May 17, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
This is a brutal story of abuse and homelessness and the violence and degradation that Joon encounters first from her foster family and then when living on the street. Although this is a horrific tale it does seem to drag on and the ending was a bit Hallmark movie-ish.
This is a brutal story of abuse and homelessness and the violence and degradation that Joon encounters first from her foster family and then when living on the street. Although this is a horrific tale it does seem to drag on and the ending was a bit Hallmark movie-ish.
February 22, 2023
Unfortunately I’ve had this book for some time and recently started reading. It took me about 25 pages before I was completely hooked. I thought the endangered child aspect would have been too much but it was so well done. I look forward to more books from this author.
November 9, 2025
Sobbing for Joon 🥹🥹
May 7, 2025
A very emotional book concerning a much misunderstood topic: homeless and abused youth.
TW: Child abuse, attempted child rape, drug use, cursing, bullying, forced prostitution, violence, murder, abandonment, human trafficking, homelessness, death, medical illness with death, gang warfare.
The MC in this book is Joon, who when her parents are killed in a car crash is submitted to the broken foster care system. Her foster mother, Aron, severely abuses young Joon, using physical and mental abuse while keeping the money she receives for Joon's care for herself and her own two boys.
After Deen, the oldest boy, attempts to rape Joon, she flees the sadistic foster home and begins her journey as a young homeless, naive street girl.
What occurs for the remainder of the book is Joon's life though age 18 with no pulled punches. Her life is a living hell, but she does meet a few decent other homeless adults and teens that help her navigate her way through the brutal street life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After being scared in so many ways, Joon manages to get her life in order by donating a kidney to a save another's life, something she couldn't do for her best friend, Lulu.
Written with deep emotion, actual scenes of street life for people of all ages, and excellent world building, this book was an eye-opening read. And, admittedly, the last few chapters were so well written that I actually shed more than a few tears. Why, you may inquire? Read this terrible, and yet, loving tale to find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Note: This is a long book, so put aside plenty of reading time for it. Trust me... you'll need it.
TW: Child abuse, attempted child rape, drug use, cursing, bullying, forced prostitution, violence, murder, abandonment, human trafficking, homelessness, death, medical illness with death, gang warfare.
The MC in this book is Joon, who when her parents are killed in a car crash is submitted to the broken foster care system. Her foster mother, Aron, severely abuses young Joon, using physical and mental abuse while keeping the money she receives for Joon's care for herself and her own two boys.
After Deen, the oldest boy, attempts to rape Joon, she flees the sadistic foster home and begins her journey as a young homeless, naive street girl.
What occurs for the remainder of the book is Joon's life though age 18 with no pulled punches. Her life is a living hell, but she does meet a few decent other homeless adults and teens that help her navigate her way through the brutal street life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After being scared in so many ways, Joon manages to get her life in order by donating a kidney to a save another's life, something she couldn't do for her best friend, Lulu.
Written with deep emotion, actual scenes of street life for people of all ages, and excellent world building, this book was an eye-opening read. And, admittedly, the last few chapters were so well written that I actually shed more than a few tears. Why, you may inquire? Read this terrible, and yet, loving tale to find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Note: This is a long book, so put aside plenty of reading time for it. Trust me... you'll need it.
May 3, 2018
This is a highly memorable story. There are some books that really hit you between the eyes and cause very strong emotions, this was definitely one of them. Paige Dearth has done an amazing job with this story, and I’m glad that I read it. It’s a true reflection of the evil that walks on this earth calling themselves human, but there are also people that have the kindest hearts that are there to help, for no other reason than being a good person. I really enjoyed some of the characters, and how easy was to get lost amongst the pages.
Joon was only eight years old when she tragically lost both of her parents. Up until they died she had led a pretty good life, with plenty of love in her house. She was certainly apprehensive about living in a new environment with a foster mum, and two new brothers. What should have been a safe environment quickly turned into a nightmare for Joon. For some reason her foster mum Aron took an instant dislike to Joon, and she was utterly evil in every sense of the word. Dishing out the most abhorrent punishments for no reason at all. Aron was quite happy to take the money for looking after Joon but she had no intention of doing anything but make her life a living hell. Joon finally reaches her limit and decides there’s no way she could go back to the house of horrors. Living on the streets was initially a hell of a lot easier, but of course its no place for a young girl to live. It doesn’t take long for Joon to see just how dangerous it is. There are so many reasons to read this book, it really is that good. 5/5 Star Rating.
Verified Purchase - Amazon Australia
Joon was only eight years old when she tragically lost both of her parents. Up until they died she had led a pretty good life, with plenty of love in her house. She was certainly apprehensive about living in a new environment with a foster mum, and two new brothers. What should have been a safe environment quickly turned into a nightmare for Joon. For some reason her foster mum Aron took an instant dislike to Joon, and she was utterly evil in every sense of the word. Dishing out the most abhorrent punishments for no reason at all. Aron was quite happy to take the money for looking after Joon but she had no intention of doing anything but make her life a living hell. Joon finally reaches her limit and decides there’s no way she could go back to the house of horrors. Living on the streets was initially a hell of a lot easier, but of course its no place for a young girl to live. It doesn’t take long for Joon to see just how dangerous it is. There are so many reasons to read this book, it really is that good. 5/5 Star Rating.
Verified Purchase - Amazon Australia
March 5, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway for my honest review of this title. This book makes you feel every emotion possible. If you read it and you don't your not human. It breaches the subject of teenage homelessness in the United States. It shows you what some of these kids horrible lives were like that they would rather be homeless than staying with what happens at home. The first quarter of the book will make you so angry with Joon's step mother you want to reach into the book if you could and do the same things to her. Joon is the main character of this book. Her story is heartbreaking and sad, no child should have to endure what she has. Before the streets and after the streets. This will open your eyes to a new perspective of what homeless people go through on a daily basis. Please read this book. You need to. You need to have your eyes opened wider. A controversial book that is amazingly written. Needed to be written.
March 23, 2022
I won this book through Goodreads and this is a new author for me. It is the story of Joon who lost her parents at a young age, and placed in a foster home. Her foster mom and children abuse her (graphic sometimes) and when she can no longer take the abuse, Joon runs away. The story continues with her living on the streets, the people she meets, how they take care of each other and the losses she sustains.
All Joon ever wanted to do was something good, to help others but it turns out to be a difficult thing for her. While the story gets a little lift at the end, it is heartbreaking to read about what goes on in the streets. The book is very well written and I was glad to find a new author. So much so, that I purchased another book (continuing story of another character in this story) and am reading that now.
Definitely will be reading more books by Paige Dearth. #fourstars
All Joon ever wanted to do was something good, to help others but it turns out to be a difficult thing for her. While the story gets a little lift at the end, it is heartbreaking to read about what goes on in the streets. The book is very well written and I was glad to find a new author. So much so, that I purchased another book (continuing story of another character in this story) and am reading that now.
Definitely will be reading more books by Paige Dearth. #fourstars
February 13, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway from the publisher. First, let me say this book will not be for everyone. There are many things in here that will be triggers to many people. Second, let me say, WOW! This book was....raw, gut-wrenching, emotional, I could go on and on. I cannot remember the last time a book made me cry and this book did just that. I felt such a connection with Joon right from the beginning and I felt the emotions she was feeling. If you can stand to read the topics brought up in this book, I would highly suggest it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews