[Review] Ariel Crashes a Train by Olivia A. Cole

A novel-in-verse that explores both OCD and the societal expectations placed on gender.

Heavy, dark and quite unsettling. Whenever I read this, I was left with a sense of unease. While the feelings were unpleasant, I have to admit that Cole did a remarkable job of dropping readers into the mind of someone struggling with OCD (with a particular emphasis on violent intrusive thoughts). Worry, anxiety, fear, struggles, and insecurities are all thoroughly conveyed.

Well written and quite informative. It did feel a bit long at times, but this is an important book for raising awareness of OCD.

Note: I received this book as an ARC. It is scheduled to be released March 12, 2024.

4 stars