Annabelle Agnelli, a high school senior who survives a tragedy, decides to run across the country from Seattle to Washington D.C. to cope with her trauma. Along the way, she gains supporters and learns about the impact of her actions on others. The book delves into themes of trauma, resilience, and the journey towards healing, all while exploring the complexities of societal attitudes and personal struggles. The writing style includes flashbacks that gradually reveal the backstory, creating a captivating and emotional narrative that blends high school drama with poignant reflections on personal growth.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly Annabelle, who battles her inner demons while receiving support from family and friends.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its evocative and emotional prose, effectively using flashbacks to reveal the protagonist's internal struggles.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a young girl's cross-country run as a means to confront her traumatic past, revealing her emotional journey through intertwined flashbacks.

Setting:

The setting spans from Seattle to Washington D.C., providing a rich backdrop that complements the protagonist's journey.

Pacing:

The pacing is a blend of gradual unfolding and tension, mirroring the protagonist's emotional journey with intermittent flashbacks.

Annabelle Agnelli is trying to hold it together in the parking lot of Dick’s Drive-In. After what just happened, she’s stunned. Frozen. And then—imagine it—Annabelle’s wrecked self suddenly takes off ...

Notes:

The main character, Annabelle, runs from Seattle to Washington DC as part of her healing process after a traumatic event.

The story addresses themes of trauma, guilt, and the impact of societal expectations on young women.

Annabelle grapples with survivor's guilt, believing she is partially to blame for the tragedy.

The narrative unfolds through a combination of present-day running and flashbacks to Annabelle's past.

Deb Caletti's writing is noted for being emotional, relevant, and thought-provoking.

The book explores women's rights and societal pressures on young girls from a young age.

Annabelle's journey is both physical and emotional, representing her path to redemption and acceptance.

The setting includes real locations in Northwest Washington, adding authenticity to the story.

It deals with the complicated feelings surrounding trauma, including moments of anger and self-blame.

Many readers praised the book for its relatability and deep exploration of issues affecting young women today.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include sexual assault, gun violence, and themes of trauma and mental health challenges.

From The Publisher:

"This is one for the ages." -Gayle Forman, author of the #1 bestseller If I Stay

"A book everyone should read right now." -The New York Times Book Review

"A vital and heartbreaking story that brings together the #MeToo movement, the effects of gun violence, and the struggle of building oneself up again after crisis." -Elle

"Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful." -BookPage

A Printz Honor Book

Each step on Annabelle's 2,700 mile cross-country run brings her closer to facing a trauma from her past in National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti's novel about the heart, all the ways it breaks, and its journey to healing. Because sometimes against our will, against all odds, we go forward.

Then…

Annabelle's life wasn't perfect, but it was full-full of friends, family, love. And a boy…whose attention Annabelle found flattering and unsettling all at once.

Until that attention intensified.

Now…

Annabelle is running. Running from the pain and the tragedy from the past year. With only Grandpa Ed and the journal she fills with words she can't speak out loud, Annabelle runs from Seattle to Washington, DC, and toward a destination she doesn't understand but is determined to reach. With every beat of her heart, every stride of her feet, Annabelle steps closer to healing-and the strength she discovers within herself to let love and hope back into her life.

Annabelle's journey is the ultimate testament to the human heart, and how it goes on after being broken.

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A Heart in a Body in the World

Deb Caletti