7 Sept 2012

Review: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
June 19th, 2012 · Bloomsbury USA
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 214
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.
Review:

When I first heard of Something Like Normal I couldn’t wait for it to be released. Not only did it sound amazing but it was one of most anticipated books of the year. My expectations were high and debut author, Trish Doller managed to deliver and then some. I would even go as far to say that Something Like Normal is my favourite 2012 release. I am so very impressed.

Travis isn’t coping – at all. He’s been fighting in Afghanistan for the last year and has arrived home to a lot of changes. He’s dealing with the after effects of war and on top of that, he’s struggling to come to terms with the death of his best friend, Charlie, who died in combat. My heart broke for Travis, it really did. He’s been through so much already and as the book’s tagline reads: war is only half the battle. Travis is hands down the best male POV I’ve ever come across. His voice is genuine, authentic and unflinchingly real; as soon as I started reading, I instantly connected with him. If more authors were capable of writing male protagonists half as well as Trish demonstrated with Travis, I have no doubt that readers would be in hot pursuit to get their grabby hands on more male leading titles.

I love Harper, she’s the kind of character I could see myself being friends with in real life - relatable, strong, caring and smart, as well as gorgeous inside and out. She stood her ground and didn’t take crap from Travis. From her feisty personality, to her laidback, rock chic sense of style - seriously, what’s not to love?

My only excuse is that this book was too short, but in truth, it was perfect. I only say that because I wanted more – more story, more characters and more pages of brilliance.

It’s been over a month since I turned the last page and I’m still reeling. I’m not a huge fan of re-reading and my shelf is constantly growing but I’m positive that by the end of the year, I’ll have read and devoured Something Like Normal for a second time round. Do me a favour and read this ASAP, you won’t regret it.

5/5

16 comments:

  1. Thank you so much! This means a lot to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the least I could do. Thank YOU so much for writing Something Like, I'm so thankful I found you and your beautiful book. Your amazing and I absolutely can't wait to read everything else you write. ♥

      Delete
  2. Whoa, Becca.... best male POV you've ever read? Favourite book of 2012? Damn... I've been expecting something special, but clearly I've still been underestimating this book! It sounds like SUCH an emotional read, I'm so glad to hear that Trish has managed to pull off it off. I have yet to see anyone say a bad word about this, so I'm kind of dying to get my hands on a copy now. AMAZING review for what sounds like an AMAZING novel. So excited to read it! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brodie, I can't wait to see what you think of this! You must read it super soon so we can then gush and discuss! SO GOOD. ♥

      Delete
  3. Lovely review, Becca! I absolutely adored this book, especially Travis and Harper - I want to be her friend as well :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, thank you! Ha, let's all be Harper's friend, she's totally rad! :D

      Delete
  4. AHHHH Rebecca! MUST READ THIS! I absolutely love the sound of this book and I just want to reach in and wrap my arms around Travis and tell him he's going to be okay. I love when you finish a book and you know reading it just the one time is not going to be enough:) Fantastic review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AHHHH Jenny! You TOTALLY must read this and soon! ♥

      Delete
  5. I just got this one from amazon for only a 1.99, I cannot wait to read it, it sounds like a great read, I am ready for one without any paranormal or fantasy elements. Great Review!

    Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you scooped this up for such a fantastic price while you still had the chance! Yes, it's good to take a break from supernatural stories and read something different. Thanks, Kristin!

      Delete
  6. yes one of most realistic male pov . gr8 review

    ReplyDelete
  7. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK! Something Like Normal is definitely one of the best contemporary novels I've read this year. Trish's writing was so realistic, raw and Travis' character was portrayed brilliantly. His relationship with Harper was so enjoyable to read about!

    Awesome review, Becca! ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *sqee's along with you* SO GOOD, right? *swoons*

      Delete
  8. Wow. I'll be honest, when I read the description for this book it was not one I thought I wanted to read. But, your review makes me reconsider. Best male POV you've ever read? I'm a sucker for a strong male POV, so check. Best book of 2012? Um, that's got me REAAALLY curious. Double check. Yup, yup, I think I'm gonna have to find this and read it. :) Thanks Rebecca!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad I have made you reconsider. This makes me smile. ♥

      Delete
  9. It was funny, heartfelt and everything I hoped it would be named. Great story. It has it all. Love, conflict, lies, games...Love it.

    Zaira Lynn (Divorce Lawyer)

    ReplyDelete