my books. my life.

Title: Something Like Normal
Author: Trish Doller
Genre: Contemporary Fiction; New Adult
Pages: 224
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: Library
Book Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

When Travis returns from Afghanistan on leave, without his best friend, he finds it hard to adjust to his old life. His brother stole his girlfriend and his car, his old friends are still drinking at the same old house, and his dad still resents the promising football career Travis abandoned. But then he runs into Harper and normal starts be a little less painful.

My Thoughts:

After trudging my way through many, many Russian winters with my last book, it was refreshing to be back in Florida with this contemporary story. No snow in sight. And familiar settings in books are always so…familiar. When I learned that Trish Doller’s books take place around here, I knew I had to give them a try.

There are a few things that make this book interesting. One, it is at least 50 percent a love story, but the protagonist is male. Second, the characters are 18/19, so they’re adults but they’re also teenagers (I actually haven’t read much “New Adult” even though I know it’s all the rage right now). Third, the main conflicts are due to the fact that Travis is returning from Afghanistan where he has experienced so much more than the family and friends he left behind.

I had a hard time putting this one down. Which means it is definitely worth picking up.