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Ariel Crashes a Train

By: Olivia A. Cole
Narrated by: Olivia A. Cole
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Publisher's summary

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD

Exploring the harsh reality of OCD and violent intrusive thoughts in stunning, lyrical writing, this novel-in-verse conjures a haunting yet hopeful portrait of a girl on the edge.

“A gorgeously kind, wonderfully gentle, and unfailingly compassionate depiction of OCD...bursting with light.”—Ashley Woodfolk, critically acclaimed author of NOTHING BURNS AS BRIGHT AS YOU

Ariel is afraid of her own mind. She already feels like she is too big, too queer, too rough to live up to her parents' exacting expectations, or to fit into what the world expects of a “good girl.” And as violent fantasies she can’t control take over every aspect of her life, she is convinced something much deeper is wrong with her. Ever since her older sister escaped to college, Ariel isn't sure if her careful rituals and practiced distance will be enough to keep those around her safe anymore.

Then a summer job at a carnival brings new friends into Ariel’s fractured world, and she finds herself questioning her desire to keep everyone out—of her head and her heart. But if they knew what she was really thinking, they would run in the other direction—right? Instead, with help and support, Ariel discovers a future where she can be at home in her mind and body, and for the first time learns there’s a name for what she struggles with—Obsessive Compulsive Disorder—and that she’s not broken, and not alone.

©2024 Olivia A. Cole (P)2024 Listening Library
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Critic reviews

A poetic, visceral, deeply affecting story that will stay with me for years to come, not only because of its beauty and intensity but because it's the first time I've seen OCD represented so accurately in fiction.”—Allison Britz, author of Obsessed: A Memoir of My Life with OCD

★ "Vivid, emotionally charged verse renders terse, illuminating discussions of gender, race, religion, and sex that candidly contextualize OCD, and give teeth to this dazzling, layered story of self-acceptance and agency."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A revelatory, razor-sharp, and powerfully honest depiction of the reality of living with OCD."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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