39 pages • 1 hour read
What Made Maddy Run: The Secret Struggles and Tragic Death of an All-American Teen
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
310
Book • Nonfiction
University Of Pennsylvania • 2010s
2017
Adult
15-18 years
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.
Melancholic
Informative
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
18,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
18,200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Madison (Maddy) Holleran
Madison (Maddy) Holleran
A talented and promising young student athlete recruited to run track at the University of Pennsylvania, known for her dedication and ambition, but who struggles with the transition to college life.
Stacy and Jim Holleran
Stacy and Jim Holleran
Madison’s supportive parents who remain involved in her life, attending her sporting events and trying to help her navigate the challenges of college and athletics.
310
Book • Nonfiction
University Of Pennsylvania • 2010s
2017
Adult
15-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.