Jagged Little Pill: The Novel
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4.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Eric Smith’s Jagged Little Pill: The Novel is a timely and gutsy YA story based on the Tony and Grammy Award–winning musical from Alanis Morissette, Diablo Cody, and Glen Ballard!
“Blends the spirit of some of our most beloved musical works into a new anthem: Teens long to be seen, heard, and for their voices to matter. An honest exploration of family and love, of identity and responsibility. Powerful and relevant.” —New York Times bestselling author Laura Taylor Namey
Swallow it down—what a jagged little pill . . .
After the events at a party, five teenagers find their worlds are forever changed.
Adopted Frankie struggles to see eye-to-eye with her mother—who would rather ignore a problem and preserve their “perfect” life than stand up for what’s right. Jo just wants her mom to accept her queer identity—and is totally crushed when Frankie, the only person who really gets her, finds herself infatuated with someone new. Phoenix tries to find his place at the new school and balance wanting to spend time with Frankie but knowing he also has to help out with his sick sister at home. Bella wants to enjoy the end of high school and just head off to college without a hitch. Everyone expects Frankie’s brother, Nick, to be the golden boy, but even though he just got into his dream school, he’s not even sure he’s a good person.
Each of their stories intersects when Bella is sexually assaulted at a party, and it looks like the perpetrator might get away with it.
Moving, heartfelt, and raw, Jagged Little Pill: The Novel draws on the musical’s story and gives readers deeper glimpses of the characters. It’s a story about the power of voicing your pain, standing up for what’s right, and finding healing and connection.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Five teens navigate the aftermath of sexual violence in this raw novelization of the musical Jagged Little Pill. The adoptive daughter of a white family in suburban Connecticut, Black 16-year-old Frankie feels that "I don't belong here, in this family." Her white older brother, Harvard-bound Nick, is desperate to please their parents. Transfer student Phoenix, who is Latinx, is struggling to balance his growing feelings for Frankie with caring for his hospitalized older sister. Frankie's best friend with benefits, queer white Jo, craves her homophobic mother's acceptance while also nursing feelings for Frankie. And white Bella simply wants to enjoy the end of high school before escaping to college. The teens' lives untether following an act of sexual violence, and they must come together to pick up the pieces. Though the intertwining story lines cause the jam-packed narrative to feel unbalanced, the five narrators' voices are distinct, providing a multilayered perspective. The teens explore gender and sexual identity, substance dependency, and complicated relationships in this edgy interpretation of the sometimes traumatizing experience of growing up. Morissette's lyrics, woven throughout, resonate powerfully with the group's turbulent adolescence. Ages 14–up. Agent (for Smith): Jen Azantian, Azantian Literary.
