Some of the best books I have ever read are the ones that I find unexpectedly. For instance, I normally go to the bookstore to look for a specific book that I know I already want, but then it turns out with me purchasing three other books I have never even heard of. 

The ones you have not heard of, those are the ones. “A Heart in a Body in the World” by Deb Caletti was one of those books for me and should be one that everyone has heard of.

The story follows a young girl named Annabelle Agnelli, who is dealing with past traumas as she decides to run from Seattle to Washington D.C. She gets support from her grandfather, Ed, whom she is close with. The further she runs, the more she reveals what happened nine months ago.

I found this story to be paced well. I kept reading because I truly cared about what previously happened to Annabelle and if she was going to make it to the end. I also really loved the connection that she had with her grandfather. He was there for her and kept pushing her to make it to the finish line, even when she doubted herself and wanted to quit.

The novel jumps between the present and the past, which I found jarring, but in a positive way. I would get so wrapped up in what was happening in the past or present, and then it would switch. I often hate when perspectives change, and then I am less immersed in one or the other. I feel like I must fast read through the less interesting storyline. 

Gun violence is a huge topic in this novel. Annabelle starts to attract attention and a following for running across the country. She even makes a speech that is inspiring and very motivating. Unfortunately, these problems are extremely relevant to modern times. 

Annabelle refers to the boy who did all this damage to her as “The Taker.” She doesn’t give him a name until the ending. I think it was a tasteful choice for Caletti to do this because after what he has done, that is all he is. Also, Annabelle finally being able to name him at the end also shows her personal growth. It is a part of her being able to reclaim and confront the past – a steppingstone to moving on. 

Annabelle’s character and journey represent moving forward. Her running journey seems to be pointless at first, as the reader does not fully understand the whole picture, but it all makes sense in the end. Many teens and young adults can relate to similar family, friends, relationship issues and dynamics that make this feel like a personal read, even though you may not have gone through the same thing. 

I found this to be an emotional read and one of the first books I have read like this. This is at the top of my coming-of-age recommendation novels.

Share