Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Updated 28/4/2012 I can’t quite explain why I love this book so much and I can’t seem to find any words strong enough to describe the book, or how I feel about it! I have read it three times now and it is one those books that is like, when you read it you are catching up with old friends (Jellicoe Road and Saving June are also like this for me). Travis, returning home for a few weeks after being in Afganistan meets up with Harper, a girl who he once kissed when he was 13. Their developing relationship is great to watch – there is no instalove involved, it isn’t all doves and roses, it is just so believable and so real. I love Harper, she is strong, independent and basically knows what she wants. She is a good person.
And now Travis, who is the voice of the story…what can I say about Travis. He is…very normal. He has made/makes a few mistakes but he is honest and sweet and a bit scared and a bit broken. (He has been fighting in Afganistan so this isn’t surprising). There were so many times that I just wanted to wrap Travis up and try to make things OK for him, but this was the beautiful and heartbreaking part of the story, watching him go through that journey…re-living memories of his time in Afganistan and then wondering if things will be normal again, if he will be normal again.
Travis, and Harper..(but mostly Travis) have firmly lodged themselves in my heart. The only other thing I can say is…READ THIS BOOK!
Updated 25/4/2012 Ok, well i cant help myself and i have to read this again!! I need me some Harper and Travis…..
17/3/2012 OMG. Loved this story so, so, so much. So good, so beautiful, so heartbreaking. It is now in my list of fave books……sigh……..
bookswooning 