39 pages • 1 hour read
Kate FaganWhat Made Maddy Run: The Secret Struggles and Tragic Death of an All-American Teen
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan explores the life and tragic death of Madison Holleran, a talented student-athlete at the University of Pennsylvania who struggled with depression and ultimately took her own life. Using a non-linear narrative, Fagan delves into Madison's college experiences, her mounting academic and athletic pressures, and her unsuccessful attempts to seek help, while also discussing broader issues of mental health, social media, and the challenges young people face today. Sensitive topics such as suicide and depression are discussed in the book.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kate Fagan's What Made Maddy Run is a powerful, deeply moving exploration of mental health pressures faced by young athletes. Reviewers praise its empathetic, well-researched narrative and impactful storytelling. Some criticism includes the book's intense emotional content, which may be overwhelming for some readers. Overall, it’s a compelling and necessary read.
Who Should Read What Made Maddy Run?
Readers of What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan are likely empathetic individuals interested in mental health, sports culture, and young adult struggles. Fans of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Pressure Cooker by Abigail Kirk would appreciate this insightful narrative blending personal tragedy with broader societal issues.