Friday Memes: Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

Image: Penguin Random House

Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick. 296 p. G.P. Putnam's Sons/ Penguin Random House, May, 2020 9781984815316.

Publisher synopsis: Things never seem to go as easily for thirteen-year-old Frankie as they do for her sister, Tess. Unlike Tess, Frankie is neurodivergent. In her case, that means she can't stand to be touched, loud noises bother her, she's easily distracted, she hates changes in her routine, and she has to go see a therapist while other kids get to hang out at the beach. It also means Frankie has trouble making friends. She did have one—Colette—but they're not friends anymore. It's complicated.

Then, just weeks before the end of seventh grade, Colette unexpectedly shows up at Frankie's door. The next morning, Colette vanishes. Now, after losing Colette yet again, Frankie's convinced that her former best friend left clues behind that only she can decipher, so she persuades her reluctant sister to help her unravel the mystery of Colette's disappearance before it's too late.

A powerful story of friendship, sisters, and forgiveness, Tornado Brain is an achingly honest portrait of a young girl trying to find space to be herself.

First Line: People used to believe that tornadoes only move in one direction-to the northeast-but that's not true.

Page 56: "Have a seat, Frances." Officer Rollins said when it was finally my turn in the interview room. My mom sat in the chair closes to the wall. She pulled her frumpy sweatshirt tight around her like she was freezing, but it was hot in the room.

     "I wanted to sit there," I said to her, crossing my arms over my chest.

     "Be flexible, please," she said.

     "I am," I said. "I'm trying." Flexibility is a big deal to her. And to therapists. And, I guess, to people in general. "But can I sit there?"