Book Review UKYA

REVIEW: The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

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The buzz around the release of The Art of Being Normal has been crazy! So many of my trusted friends and fellow reviewers have loved it so the pressure was on when I chose to read it myself.

Williamson has created a novel I wish had been written years ago. It’s incredibly brave – I don’t think there’s anything too similar to it published at the moment – and it stands out because of its themes and content. However, I’m sad because I wish there were more books just like The Art of Being Normal. I’m going to make it my mission to seek them out! I hope it leads the way to similar books being published.

David has one wish: he wants to be a girl. It’s something that only his two best friends know. As he starts a new school year, Leo Denton starts in year eleven, a boy shrouded in mystery. He is determined to be invisible. The school year plays out and the two boys find out that things at Eden Park School don’t stay secret for long.

I really loved both protagonists and especially how distinguishable they were. Each stood out on their own but also interacted well together, which is what I love in a multiple perspective novel.

David was such a loveable character. Being the same age, I thought I could relate to him a lot and really sympathise with his situation. I wish he were my friend!

Leo’s character development was amazing to read. It was almost as if it was unfolding in real time and I loved seeing him grow and change. Authors take note – this was a perfect character arc!

Please, please, please read The Art of Being Normal! I want to scream from the rooftops about it, and I know I’m not the only one!

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Chrissi Reads
    Twitter:
    12 January, 2015 at 8:23 am

    This book should arrive at my house today. I can’t wait to read it. Fantastic review!
    Chrissi Reads recently posted…Talking About our Kid-Lit Challenge 2014My Profile

  • Reply
    Majestical_Evie
    12 January, 2015 at 4:23 pm

    Oo Oo Oo!!! I just bought this book and am reading it once I finish my current novel :O I’m so excited, I’ve definitely read nothing like it. I’ve read a little bit of gay fiction but there’s barely enough of that kicking about let alone trans fiction! The fact that you like it absolutely fills me with confidence :3 Great blog, keep up the good work x

  • Reply
    Alice Gallagher
    12 January, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    I have seen stands for this book, the hype is huge!! I think I might read it one time 🙂

    Alice x
    alzgalz.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply
    Danielle
    15 January, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    Oooo you have me so excited for this now!! This book sounds so beautiful! Definitely need to get my hands on it. Wonderful review, Lucy!
    Danielle recently posted…Where to from here?My Profile

  • Reply
    The White Horse Bookshop, Marlborough | Bookshop Tour + Book Haul - Queen of Contemporary
    20 January, 2016 at 7:01 am

    […] out the other day that I was quoted in the new paperback of The Art of Being Normal, especially as I loved it so much when I read it at the end of 2014. I, of course, had to buy a copy after discovering that and I’d definitely recommending […]

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