Review Detail

Ariel's thoughts have overtaken her. Her thoughts at times are violent, and her way of coping is a series of rituals and distancing herself from those whom she fears she'll hurt. The summer carnival job is her bright place and quiets the noises in her head. Later, she finds a name for what she struggles with: obsessive-compulsive disorder. With the help of her friends and her older sister, maybe, just maybe, she'll find a way to be loved for who she is, thoughts and all.

What worked: Wowza. The author NAILS OCD with Ariel's portrayal of the intrusive thoughts that slowly start taking over her life. The author also NAILS the way in this case, Ariel's father believes prayer and God will magically make the obsessions disappear. Sadly, that doesn't work.

There's so much to love about this verse novel. The struggles are vividly portrayed through verse. Ariel feels she's too tall, too queer, and yes, even too broken. At first, it's difficult for Ariel when her BFF Leah doesn't join her at their summer carnival job. At the carnival, though, she does meet two people who end up helping her when the thoughts become too overpowering. They're also there when Ariel attempts to jump off a bridge. It's their friendship that helps ground her and gives her some hope.

I especially loved Ariel sharing the intrusive and at times violent thoughts. Her way of driving those thoughts out is a series of rituals, which include counting the knives in her home. The one family member who is her biggest ally is in college, but even that doesn't stop her from researching what could be wrong with Ariel.

Plus, this novel shows compassion to a teen who hates herself and feels less than. Little by little, Ariel finds some tools to help her, even when her father refuses to let Ariel go to therapy. The whole leave-it-in-God's-hands is, unfortunately, one way some try to explain away OCD, depression, and anxiety. I know. I've personally had some tell me this same thing for my anxiety.

This is also a story of the power of friendship.

Unflinching, powerful portrayal of a teen struggling with OCD. A compassionate and important read that will resonate with readers long after the finish.