After the wreck, I picked myself up, spread my wings, and flew away

Joyce Carol Oates - Author

This is a story of bereavement and recovery, following Jenna as she struggles with self-blame after her mother’s death and considers whether to let someone get close.

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Book Brief

At a Glance

Consider

Grief and lossEmotional intensityOther content to consider

Personalised Fit

Beyond the Cover

bereavementself-blamerecoveryemotional guardednesstrustsharing painful memories

Grounded book brief

This is a story of bereavement and recovery, following Jenna as she struggles with self-blame after her mother’s death and considers whether to let someone get close.

Worth knowing before you decide

A fatal road accident, a parent’s death and Jenna’s self-blame are central. Drug abuse is also listed among the book’s subjects.

Confidence & Basis

This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: the current material supports only a cautious reading; another book-specific source is still needed.

After the wreck, I picked myself up, spread my wings, and flew away by Joyce Carol Oates | Open Library

Limited information

Checked: 27 September 2026.

Anything not established here remains open; it is not being treated as absent or safe.

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