LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD โข A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Exploring the harsh reality of OCD and violent intrusive thoughts in stunning, lyrical writing, this novel-in-verse conjures a haunting yet hopeful portrait of a girl on the edge.
โA gorgeously kind, wonderfully gentle, and unfailingly compassionate depiction of OCD...bursting with light.โ โAshley Woodfolk, critically acclaimed author of NOTHING BURNS AS BRIGHT AS YOU
Ariel is afraid of her own mind. She already feels like she is too big, too queer, too rough to live up to her parents' exacting expectations, or to fit into what the world expects of a โgood girl.โ And as violent fantasies she canโt control take over every aspect of her life, she is convinced something much deeper is wrong with her. Ever since her older sister escaped to college, Ariel isn't sure if her careful rituals and practiced distance will be enough to keep those around her safe anymore.
Then a summer job at a carnival brings new friends into Arielโs fractured world , and she finds herself questioning her desire to keep everyone outโof her head and her heart. But if they knew what she was really thinking, they would run in the other directionโright? Instead, with help and support, Ariel discovers a future where she can be at home in her mind and body, and for the first time learns thereโs a name for what she struggles withโObsessive Compulsive Disorderโand that sheโs not broken, and not alone.