Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Author Info: Website | Twitter
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Age Group: Young Adult
Shelfability: Covet/Acquire
Pages: 224
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
Interest: Debut
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge & The Completely Contemp Challenge
Buy the Book: Amazon
Travis is home after being in Afghanistan. Things aren’t exactly how he left him. His parents marriage is barely hanging on by a thread. His girlfriend is now dating his younger brother, who is also driving his car.
But the biggest change in Travis’s life now that he’s back, is Travis himself. He’s not only struggling with the emotional scars of war but the loss of his best friend.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book. It didn’t really seem like my kind of thing, but I gave it a try. And I loved it.
It really hit a chord with me personally. I have a Travis in my life. A younger cousin who is about Travis’s age and like Travis is a Marine. Thankfully my cousin, unlike Travis, came out of his experience relatively unscathed.
Travis’s voice will hook you. It’s harsh but it’s realistic. You can’t help but empathize with his struggles. Like the whole issue with his ex-girlfriend. It’s totally messed up, and at times he so DOES not deserve Harper and all her goodness. Yet, you will be rooting them. Just wait, you will! And it will be because you can’t help but love Travis.
His relationship with his mother is probably what impacted me the most. How involved she was supporting him while he was away and then once he returns. That is what a mothers love is. That lady had me in tears!
There are a lot of serious issues in this books, but don’t think that it’s devoid of humor. There are some snort laughing worthy moments that give the entire story a nice balance.
A FABULOUS contemporary debut novel. You will want to read this one.
My two word review: READ IT!
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On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Kimmyblair
This is the second day in a row I’ve been inspired to check out a book as a result of your review! This one looks really interesting.
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Danica Page
Twitter: onepage_atatime
I definitely have been wanting to read this one for a long time and your review was amazing.
Yep, I need to track this book down. Thanks for the review.
Danica Page recently posted..Book Tour/Review: Writings from the Heart by Beth Ann Masarik
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Alison (AlisonCanRead)
I’ve heard great things about this one. I’m curious how you describe Travis and Harper’s relationship – how he doesn’t deserve her yet you’ll root for them. Great review!
Alison (AlisonCanRead) recently posted..Eona by Alison Goodman
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Brodi
This book sounds so good! May have to add it to my to be read list, thank you for the awesome review
Brodi recently posted..Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers review!
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Steph
Twitter: poetrytoprose
Hmm, I wouldn’t think this would be my type of book either, but all the positive reviews having me thinking I should give it a go. Perhaps, perhaps! Thanks for the review, Kristi!
The Story Siren
Twitter: annamariemoore
Reply:
June 21st, 2012 at 8:23 pm
You should try it Steph!
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Stasia
Twitter: swkehoe
Really looking forward to reading this one as I’ve heard great things about it and the topic is an important one. Thanks for the review.
Stasia recently posted..Bookanistas: SURRENDER by Elana Johnson
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Maysa
Twitter: maysagois
I haven’t heard about this book yet but now I really want to read. It seems a sad book but I like it!
Maysa recently posted..O que estou lendo?
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter)
Twitter: ReadingInWinter
If only all reviews could be so convincing in two words! I’ve been seeing this one around and it looks really good … I was originally turned off by the cover, but now it’s growing on me. Great review!
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) recently posted..AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: City of Glass (Mortal Instruments, #3), by Cassandra Clare
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Jess C
This novels sounds like an emotional read. I can’t wait to check it out
On Thursday, June 21st 2012
Shaunta
Twitter: storycarnivores
Books about war are usually really tough for me, but this one looks interesting. Thanks for the review!
Shaunta recently posted..Brian & Shaunta Talk Their Favorite Authors