Ariel Crashes a Train Ariel Crashes a Train

Publisher Description

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD • A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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.

GENRE
Young Adult
RELEASED
2024
March 12
LANGUAGE
EN
English
LENGTH
464
Pages
PUBLISHER
Random House Children's Books
SELLER
Penguin Random House LLC
SIZE
8.2
MB
A Conspiracy of Stars A Conspiracy of Stars
2018
An Anatomy of Beasts An Anatomy of Beasts
2019
Dear Medusa Dear Medusa
2023
The Truth About White Lies The Truth About White Lies
2022
Where the Lockwood Grows Where the Lockwood Grows
2023
Call Your Boyfriend Call Your Boyfriend
2025