Ariel Crashes a Train

“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

★ ”A poignant, raw masterpiece….there is a searing vulnerability in Cole’s verses that stays with the reader long after they have finished the book, making this a necessary and important read.” —Booklist, starred review

★ ”This deeply compassionate and sharp-edged dive into OCD is a must for all collections.” —School Library Journal, starred review

★ ”This moving, compassionate, and powerful work is vital reading for those struggling with mental health or those who love earnest novels-in-verse.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

“Ariel’s first-person narration is gripping, likely to evoke a deep sympathy that will help readers.” —The Bulletin

“This powerful novel in verse provides an intimate look at the patterns of obsessive-compulsive disorder and offers an opportunity to explore the ways our inner voices affect our behavior and self-concept.” —The Horn Book