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