By Bailey Merlin
In the next instalment, we meet Bailey Merlin, from Boston, Massachusetts. Bailey is a talented writer and is about to launch her debut novel, A Lot of People Live in This House, which follows Rachel, as she arrives alone at the house on the hill. Bailey’s book is out on Friday 26th May: https://www.baileymerlin.com/
Describe your book in less than 30-50 words.
A Lot of People Live in This House is about a curmudgeonly woman moving into an intentional community at the beginning of a global pandemic. Through hilariously insistent care from strangers who become family, she remembers that life is hard but that you don’t have to do it alone.
Why did you want to write a book?
When I say that intentional living changed my life, I mean it. Instead of living in a big city on my own, I had a built-in support system that challenged me to grow. Living with other people just made sense. Writing this novel was my attempt to show what intentional community can be like, especially for someone who struggles to connect to others.
Who is your book aimed at?
People in their 20s looking for stability and a sense of belonging, mothers of all ages, folks who have their own found family, LGBTQ+ youth, book clubs, people dealing with grief, and anyone in search of a cozy story.
What is your vision for your book?
I would love it if this book started a wider conversation about loneliness and intentional living. Is Oprah available?
What is your favourite book and why?
Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove is one of the best books I’ve ever read. A hermit who would rather die than live without his wife is constantly interrupted from killing himself because everyone around him is so incompetent. Believe me: it’s hilarious.
