Review: Trish Doller - Something Like Normal

Trish Doller - Something Like Normal

• Pub Date: June 19, 2012
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
• Format: Hardcover, 224 pages
• Age Range: Young Adult
• Source: Library

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

Yep. 5 stars, guys. This book was AWESOME and AMAZING! I had NO idea what it was about; I'd just heard a lot of really great things. So I thought I'd try it out and DUDE, I was seriously sucked in by the end of the first paragraph! It made me laugh hysterically, and the rest of the book made me FEEL so much. I was up and down, happy and sad, freaking out and just at peace with Travis. Oh yeah, I loved that this was male POV. Trish Doller does an amazing job at that! And Harper. I think even I would date that girl! LOL She is just.. cool. She's just what Travis needs when he's at home on leave from the war. Gahh!

So I could basically go on all day long about how awesome I thought this book was. It's a very quick read, and there's a LOT going on. I was worried for Travis almost the whole time because I have friends who've gone overseas for the war, and it's hard stuff! That's obviously an understatement because I've never been there or dealt with it, but Doller does a seriously FAB job showing PTSD from a male war vet POV. Just amazing stuff.

Goodness. I can't put it into words. I cried a little a couple different times because of all the stuff going on in Travis's life. He's back from the war, his family is a bit of a mess (and that's not even considering the fact that his girlfriend sent him a small note while he was overseas saying that she's with his brother now.. yeah, joy), and his head just isn't with it yet. This is such a meaningful, powerful story! I want every book to affect me the way this one has.

That's all I can say. A 5-star rating should speak for itself, but I always want to try. I just effing loved this book. I can't wait for more from Doller!!

Bottom line: READ. THIS. BOOK!!!

Rating:

5/5 book sharks!!