A Heart in a Body in the World

Impactful and important considering school shootings are now just another Friday in America.

4.5 stars

Wow, I am glad I went into this book not really knowing what it was about.
The author does a great job of handling a really relevant topic(s)- in fact, I don't even want to really say what they are as it spoils her slow unraveling of the tragedy the main character faced and her attempts to move past a truly traumatizing event (one that unfortunately is way too much of a reality in this country.) At first I struggled with the 3rd person narration but, as it went on, I understood the choice. It doesn't feel preachy, but is still extremely affecting and effective. It's the kind of book certain people (or extremely powerful lobbying groups.......) should read, but never will. She connects these issues very well to the realities of what it's like to be a woman- especially the way it is so hard to create boundaries that are really respected without ridicule.

I haven't loved past books by Caletti, but this one feels mature while still realistically a focusing on a teenager's experience, thoughts and actions.