ARIEL CRASHES A TRAIN

Olivia A. Cole narrates her novel-in-verse about teenage Ariel, who is dealing with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder and aloof parents. Ariel's days are spent working at a carnival with caring friends and warding off the intrusive violent thoughts she calls "the crocodile." Afraid she won't live up to her parents' or society's expectations of what it means to be a good girl, Ariel attempts to make herself smaller and smaller. Cole's voice has a soothing meditative quality that flows with the verse. As Ariel begins to understand her condition, thanks to support from her sister, Mandy, and friends, Cole injects hope into her narration. At once stark and compassionate, this novel is a heavy but important listen. C.R. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]