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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is a very emotional, heavy book as Ariel struggles with violent intrusive thoughts throughout the book, sure that no one can ever love her because of it. Sure that she'll act on one of those violent thoughts at one point. We are taken through her journey as she learns about OCD, and tries to learn how to ask for the help and support that she needs.
There aren't a lot of YA books I can think of that focus on intrusive thoughts quite like this book does. But in addition to mental health, Ariel is also struggling with questions about gender and possibly getting into her first relationship. Even if you aren't personally struggling with OCD, there are elements of Ariel's that readers will still be able to relate to.
All in all, a heavy book in verse, but definitley one worth reading.
There aren't a lot of YA books I can think of that focus on intrusive thoughts quite like this book does. But in addition to mental health, Ariel is also struggling with questions about gender and possibly getting into her first relationship. Even if you aren't personally struggling with OCD, there are elements of Ariel's that readers will still be able to relate to.
All in all, a heavy book in verse, but definitley one worth reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Ableism, and Body shaming
Moderate: Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, and Racism
Minor: Death, Sexism, and Suicide
daniellereadslikealot_'s review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Dear Medusa is one of my favorite novels in verse so I was very excited to read Cole’s next book. Ariel feels like she’s too much of everything: too big, too broad, too queer and too much. She deals with OCD and intrusive thoughts and is terrified to let anybody in for fear they’ll see what goes on in her head. This is very much a character driven novel, not a lot of action, but I still felt very invested in the story. Besides OCD, Ariel Crashes A Train covers topics like body dysmorphia, transphobia, sexual harassment, racism and grief. I thought each topic was done with such care. I absolutely loved this book Cole’s writing style and especially her note at the end about her own struggle with OCD. I highly recommend this one, but definitely make sure you’re in the right mindset to read it. It is a lot, but it’s such a necessary book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Ableism, Dysphoria, Suicidal thoughts, and Body shaming
Moderate: Racism and Transphobia
Minor: Death and Suicide
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
I adored this novel-in-verse, though it was quite devastating to see Ariel in pain and so hard on herself throughout the book. This is the first time I have read from Olivia A. Cole and I was so incredibly moved 😭
Ariel is a teenager who is 5’11” and the reason I bring that up is because her size/height is a point of contention, especially for the men around her. They feel inclined to say something about her size unwarranted, and it’s insufferable. She wrestles with insidious thoughts about herself and those around her, while maintaining a long-distance friendship with her sister Mandy who is away at college. Ariel feels stuck at home with her parents who she becomes more and more disillusioned with, and recognizes that her friend Leah is distancing herself from Ariel too.
Ariel makes friends with Ruth and Rex, while continuously fielding her thoughts, in between ruminating on gender, gender stereotypes and the binary, sexuality, and relationships in general. I appreciated the author’s transparency and vulnerability in the acknowledgements/author’s note at the very end, which connects their journey to Ariel’s 🫂 I don’t want to spoil it but I felt this was a deeply honest and bittersweet illustration of a kid working through trauma, grief, identity, and intrusive thoughts/mental health. I will absolutely read from OAC again!
I adored this novel-in-verse, though it was quite devastating to see Ariel in pain and so hard on herself throughout the book. This is the first time I have read from Olivia A. Cole and I was so incredibly moved 😭
Ariel is a teenager who is 5’11” and the reason I bring that up is because her size/height is a point of contention, especially for the men around her. They feel inclined to say something about her size unwarranted, and it’s insufferable. She wrestles with insidious thoughts about herself and those around her, while maintaining a long-distance friendship with her sister Mandy who is away at college. Ariel feels stuck at home with her parents who she becomes more and more disillusioned with, and recognizes that her friend Leah is distancing herself from Ariel too.
Ariel makes friends with Ruth and Rex, while continuously fielding her thoughts, in between ruminating on gender, gender stereotypes and the binary, sexuality, and relationships in general. I appreciated the author’s transparency and vulnerability in the acknowledgements/author’s note at the very end, which connects their journey to Ariel’s 🫂 I don’t want to spoil it but I felt this was a deeply honest and bittersweet illustration of a kid working through trauma, grief, identity, and intrusive thoughts/mental health. I will absolutely read from OAC again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Medical trauma, Mental illness, and Abandonment
Moderate: Gaslighting, Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, Dysphoria, Sexual harassment, Classism, and Body shaming
Minor: Sexism and Racism
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