This was a very interesting read. As with the other Olivia A. Cole book I’ve read, Dear Medusa, the author discusses an important topic with great storytelling through verse. I didn’t connect to this one as much as I did with Dear Medusa, but it still engaged me and made me think as I was reading.

Ariel Crashes a Train is another powerful novel in verse by author Olivia A. Cole.

Author Cole tackles the frustration and pain of being undiagnosed as Ariel deals with intrusive thoughts and rituals. Her hesistant joy at learning that she has OCD, and that others are dealing with this as well, is beautifully expressed, as is how Ariel finds her found family.

I really enjoyed this book, though be careful as Ariel's violent intrusive thoughts could be a bit jarring to read- though it shows how much it's affecting Ariel as she struggles to live her life.

Ariel is afraid of her thoughts. The only thing that she thinks protects others from what she is thinking is rituals, such as tapping all the knives six times. She already feels out of place in the world. She feels as if she disappoints her parents at every turn, fails her friends, and doesn't fit into the world. As her intrusive thoughts become more violent, Ariel relies more and more on the rituals to keep the crocodile at bay. She gets a summer job at a carnival and there she makes two new friends, who start to see through her carefully constructed façade, With the help of her new friends and her sister, Ariel starts to come to terms with her OCD and how she can navigate the world while not letting the crocodile win. Another wonderful novel-in-verse by Olivia A. Cole!

3.5 stars

Ariel Crashes a Train is a book, like Dear Medusa, that I think many teens are going to need. We follow Ariel as she navigates intrusive thoughts, obsessive behaviours, neglectful parents, gender identity, and the road to accepting her OCD. It’s a beautiful novel in verse and it will bring ALL the emotions. This book is about to become very important to someone struggling with OCD.

For me personally, I don’t think the format was the way to go. I think had the book been like a traditional novel maybe it would have impacted me more. While my heart broke for Ariel and I cheered her on all the way, the book ends openly. Which of course life isn’t all roses and endings can be open, but, minus Ariel accepting her OCD, we don’t get anymore answers about her parents or her sister or even her best friend. Are they friends again? What about therapy? Why is her sister in college during summer?

I think it left me with too many questions at the end to fully enjoy it, and the format- some of the verse, would take me completely out of the narrative.

That being said, Ariel’s road to accepting her OCD was beautiful to read.

*thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *

First off thank you to #NetGalley for this opportunity to read #ArielCrashesaTrain in exchange for an unbiased review. The power of this no vel in verse is profound. Cole writes this in a way that feels like Ariels stream of consciousness and brings light to untreated mental health conditions. The support she receives from her sister and friends shows the level of care they have for her as her parents continue to deny that she needs any help outside of prayer. It is a powerful story of how OCD can affect so much of one persons life and opened my eyes to the true nature of OCD outside of the societal norm of teasing each other about OCD when someone like something a particular way or cleaning a certain way versus true OCD. I'd highly recommend this especially those looking for further understanding of those who suffer from OCD and other mental health conditions.

i haven’t been one to reach for novels in verse in the past but i love cole’s writing and prose so much. on top of the beautiful writing, i admire the inclusion of the topics in her works. this book focuses on a girl struggling with ocd and delves into the struggles of intrusive thoughts, mental illness, and so much more. i highly recommend this, and will definitely be looking forward to what comes next!

I love the way that this was written and that way that Ariel's OCD was portrayed. I think this is a great middle grade read and I recommend it whole heartedly.

The quick cut: A girl struggling with intrusive thoughts and her gender identity finds her way to self acceptance.

A real review:
Thank you to Labyrinth Road for providing the arc for an honest review.

Self acceptance is a tricky thing, especially when your brain functions differently than most others. Every part that makes you unique makes you question if you're truly deserving of happiness. For Ariel, this is an all too familiar feeling.

Ariel struggles with the violent thoughts that come to her mind. Calling it a crocodile, she wishes she could get these sudden awful ideas to stop intruding her mind. Unfortunately, she's never seen a therapist since her father is fervently against the idea. With her sister off at college and her closest friend in DC for the summer, she gets a summer job at a carnival. Will her summer of solitude turn into one of self discovery?

I've never been a poetry person, but a number of times I've thoroughly enjoyed tales told via verse. In this case though, I got to the end and found myself frustratingly disappointed. In this situation, I think the writing style actually worked against the material.

The relationship with her sister Mandy was woefully unexplored. The moments where her sister shared mental health information with Ariel were easily the most touching. I really wish there were more of those in the pages of this story.

Ariel is struggling with who she is, which is a common process when you're neurodivergent. While I can't claim to be OCD, I related to the moments of questioning and wondering and wishing you functioned differently. This book captured that element well. The problem is that it really didn't capture anything else at that same degree.

It also seemed as if Ariel just bounced from one struggle to the next instead of consistently worrying about them. She would worry about her thoughts, then her gender identity, then her friendships, and start the process over again. It surprised me she never was concerned about them all at once, which isn't an experience I've had with the people I know who have OCD.

A story that struggles to make a lasting impression.

My rating: 3 out of 5

Told in verse, we follow Ariel who is trying to cope with undiagnosed OCD and intrusive thoughts. Ariel has rituals to make sure everyone around them is safe. These thoughts have caused Ariel to isolate herself. An unlikely bond forms between the new girl to Wildwood, Ruth, a long time employ, Rex, and Ariel. Their support and understanding helps Ariel understand she is not alone.

I really enjoy Cole’s writing and representation throughout. Not only is OCD/intrusive thoughts explored, but we see questions surrounding gender and gender rolls/expectations, sexuality, race, religion, death and relationships.

"Ariel Crashes a Train", by Olivia A. Cole is an absolutely unflinching look at how it would feel (or feels) to have OCD. I am familiar with OCD as my grandmother had it, however it presented in a very different form. It was nonetheless debilitating for her- even as a child this was apparent to me.

People who have OCD really suffer and face challenges that are hard for others to even imagine. This book brings that point clearly and efficiently. "Ariel Crashes a Train" also covers issues around sexuality, a woman's place in the world and other topics.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of the book in exchange for honest review.

Ariel Crashes a Train was my second Olivia A. Cole novel, I enjoyed both. (And in case you’re not into this style, both are written in verse.) Ariel Burns is a troubled adolescent. They struggles with their identity. Ariel is pretty sure they are gay, but is less sure about their gender. Ariel is a larger human; not necessarily described as fat, but tall and broad. It seems those around Ariel aren’t sure if they’re male or female, and that leads Ariel to question themself.

Ariel is plagued by intrusive thoughts, but they don’t know that’s what they are. All day, every day, Ariel thinks about hurting or killing the people around them. Ariel is absolutely terrified they’ll hurt someone, and it makes their world smaller and smaller. Their sister seems to get it and wants to help, but Ariel’s parents deny the problems, belittle them, or tell them that prayer can solve everything. It’s sad and painful reading.

And, there are such good descriptions. Some of the writing is so good. Some of it is harder to follow, maybe a little confusing. Ariel’s mental health diagnosis seems to come out of nowhere halfway through the book, with a bunch of new symptoms presenting themselves to align with the diagnosis. I didn’t think that worked/flowed well. Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Favorite quotes:
“I realized that some people lifted weights to feel strong and some lifted weights to feel powerful which is sometimes the same thing and sometimes isn’t.

there’s no such thing as a diet that’s not actually disordered eating in disguise.

What are you looking for? What are you hoping to get out of this?
Hidden, I don’t answer, but the boys do:
Boy 1, bird-bodied: muscles
Boy 2, sparrow-boned: I want to be as strong as my brother
Boy 3, large and soft: I’m tired of being fat. I just want a good body. This feels like prison.
Cipinko tells them all the same thing: Bodies are not bad or good, the only thing they are is ours. We can’t be trapped in what is ours.

Kids are brutal, I say. I know that firsthand. I’ll never know why. A lot of kids’ first bullies were their parents, she says.”

Wow. I'd like to throw this book at all the people who have a serious misunderstanding of what intrusive thoughts actually are. They aren't choosing not to clean or eating dessert, they are genuine unwanted, usually terrifying, thoughts.

My favorite quotes:

"Car or carnival sometimes it feels like everyone around me knows something I don’t—that there was a blueprint of their identity they received at birth, and build the architecture of their life brick by solid brick while I am using Legos."

" “How do you know you’re a girl?”Sometimes my brain spits out questions like the launcher at a batting cage."

"And therefore manhood is the black box with the flaming red eyes PROTEIN TO GET PUMPED Is this where we find gender—in the boxes we buy? What happens if I buy the black box What happens if I don’t buy either What happens when womanhood is on sale $ 2 off when you buy 3 Can I buy womanhood in bulk Can I be better at this girl thing if I sign up for a Target credit card?"

"I told Rex and Ruth I am afraid of hurting the people I love but also I am afraid of the people I love hurting me, and me not loving myself enough to stop them."

I'm not sure I have really analyzed my thoughts too hard about this one besides relating heavily to the gender aspect. I really appreciate the way this book tackles all sorts of things but it's biggest strength is discussing what happens when you're intrusive thoughts are manipulated and multiplied by also having OCD. Intrusive thoughts are a symptom of OCD and can also exist on their own but they are much more extreme when happening in conjunction with another mental illness.

This is not an easy book to read. The intrusive thoughts are violence and bloody and in addition there's also unsupportive parents and more things happening beyond just the characters OCD. It's really clear to me that this was written from an own voices POV and it's one that I will recommend with the caveat that you look at the content warnings before starting.

Books that are told in verse can be some of the most important books that can ever be told.

This follows Ariel who has OCD and Intensive Thoughts to where she has to walk in circles 64 times to help keep the crocodile at bay and make sure that everyone is safe. Even if it means hurting herself in more ways than she realizes. The more that the book goes on, the more Ariel wants to find ways to help her without going to therapy or getting help that might help. With the help of her new friends, she starts to find ways to stay under control.

I really enjoyed the writing of this and thought that it was fine. But I can tell that the author tried to really capture what it is like to be in someone's head who has OCD and intrusive thoughts.

"Ariel Crashes a Train" by Olivia A. Cole is a compelling young adult novel that masterfully blends adventure, character development, and thought-provoking themes. Cole's narrative is a testament to her ability to engage readers from the outset, drawing them into a world where the stakes are high and the emotions are real.

The book centers around Ariel, a protagonist who is both relatable and admirably tenacious. Her journey is not just about the literal crashing of a train but also about navigating the complexities of growing up, facing fears, and the pursuit of justice. Cole’s portrayal of Ariel is nuanced and inspiring, making her a character that readers will root for, empathize with, and learn from.

One of the most notable strengths of the novel is its ability to balance action-packed sequences with deep, introspective moments. The plot is fast-paced and filled with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Yet, Cole does not shy away from slowing down to explore the inner workings of her characters’ minds, making the story not just thrilling but also a rich emotional journey.

The themes of courage, friendship, and resilience are woven throughout the narrative, presented in a way that feels both fresh and relevant. Cole addresses these themes with a sensitivity and insight that resonates, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. The inclusion of diverse characters and perspectives is another highlight, adding depth to the novel and enriching the reader’s experience.

Cole's writing style is both vibrant and accessible, with vivid descriptions that bring scenes to life and dialogue that captures the authentic voices of young adults. Her skillful storytelling ensures that "Ariel Crashes a Train" is not just a story to be read but an experience to be felt.

In conclusion, "Ariel Crashes a Train" by Olivia A. Cole is a standout novel that delivers on all fronts. With its dynamic protagonist, engaging plot, and meaningful themes, it is a book that will inspire, entertain, and stay with readers long after the last page is turned. Whether you’re a young adult or simply young at heart, this novel is a must-read, offering a perfect blend of excitement and depth that is all too rare in the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinion are my own.
I’ve never read anything from Olivia A. Cole before, but I have heard good things, so I decided to give this book a try. While I don’t have OCD, I appreciate how this book explored it, especially how it lent itself to the free-verse style of the book, feeling a little intentionally fractured at times, yet still lyrical. The growth Ariel goes through, with all her challenges, is poignantly rendered.

I am giving this opinion in exchange for having been lent a digital ARC. Thank you to Random House Children's Books for the early copy.
It took me a while to get into this book. I like to go into my books blindly--not having read a review, or preview, so I had no idea what to expect. However, by the time I was 30% done with the book, I was still so confused about what was happening--I broke down and read the preview on Goodreads. OH! We are dealing with OCD!! I hadn't picked up on that yet!!
Once I figured that out, I found the hints the author was dropping, intrusive thoughts, there were the obsessions and compulsions--ooops, maybe that toxic dad has something going on too...
I love the lyrical style of this novel-in-verse, and I loved that the author sometimes jumped out of verse for a paragraph or two to write in prose. I loved the side characters, how much they supported Ariel (except her awful parents!)
The cover is absolutely beautiful, and the relationships that are built in this book are also beautiful. I enjoyed it, once I got the hang of it.

A novel in verse that centers around a 17 yr old young woman with OCD. Teenage live is hard enough to get through, when you add mental health issues, it leads to isolation and misunderstanding. Every person's symptoms are unique to themself, making diagnosis and treatment more difficult still. Olivia Cole's characters learn how their individual unique qualities can make a contribution within their community. While this book is hard to read, it pulls heartstrings watching the pain and eventual growth of the characters, it should be read by young adults 13 and up to educate and enlighten them as they assume the "adult" status.

This YA novel-in-verse follows Ariel, a teen who's struggling with undiagnosed OCD with intrusive thoughts.

I loved Dear Medusa, so I was really eager to read Olivia A. Cole's next book. I know writing in verse isn't everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay, but I do think it worked really well here, particularly with the subject matter - there was a lot of use of repetition and shifting justification on the page that really helps the reader understand what Ariel's mind is like. And it's a scary place to inhabit - Cole certainly doesn't shy away from exploring the ugliness, paranoia, and terror that OCD brings. I definitely recommend reading her author's note, as she discusses why the topic is so important to her. OCD is an often misunderstood illness with multiple subtypes - it's not a fun quirk. At times, this book was honestly difficult to read because of the content and frequency of the intrusive thoughts and how unsettling and upsetting they were for Ariel, but that was definitely the point.

I wanted to shake Ariel's parents - I was frustrated that they were so resistant to therapy. However, I think that sadly can be realistic. It's hard to be sixteen or seventeen and be old enough to be living with a devastating mental illness and yet not be considered old enough to be in charge of your own treatment and need parental permission for everything - my heart breaks but I've been there. This book is realistic, which means it's not always happy. I wanted a little more from the ending in order to make it satisfying, but again, I think that could also be read as simply a realistic outcome.

I think this book would be a great addition to a high school or YA library.

This was a book all about mental illness. The way that the author chose to present this illness however was spectacular. The book is written through our main characters point of view as she struggles with her OCD and her intrusive thoughts. It was very sad to read about because I know that a lot of people actually struggle with illness like this on a regular basis and to get a chance to view it from an insider's point of view was very jarring. While this book tackles some very hard issues the simplicity of the dialog and descriptions really took what could have been a tough read and opened it up to the masses to really understand. While this was a simple read to get through it was also very dark and sinister in places but that was almost to be expected considering the subject. This was unlike any other book I've read before and I super enjoyed being able to read it. What I thought was the most interesting was how the author chose to write this book on verse instead of novel form. I think that was a great idea because it kept the book light and the flow was nice and quick. Really cute read and I'm very glad that I got the chance to check it out.

This is my second read of Olivia Cole's and I love how real she is. "Ariel Crashes a Train" is a novel in verse, where she is unafraid to showcase the reality of mental illness. She uses the free verse to show how exhausting and terrifying it can be in the mind of someone suffering from OCD, I appreciate this because it seems like the media tries to highlight the cute and quirky side of the disease (for example in the TV show Monk). The book is stressful, and frightening, but also hopeful as it ends with Ariel learning to cope with her reality. I did feel the book was a little bit too long and repetitive for my taste, but I understand that that aspect just further drives home the mental matter Ariel is dealing with.