Title: Faking Normal
Author: Courtney C. Stevens
Pub Date: February 25th, 2014
Publisher: HarperTEEN
Page Count: 336
Although with a very powerful message and equally loveable characters, a lot of this book struck me as "meh," only getting interesting towards the end. - Nova @ Out of Time
I wasn't really sure what to feel in the beginning. I didn't go into this book with expectations at all. It was just an unread ARC that was sitting on my shelf and I wanted to read it. While I did enjoy it overall, I'm a little let down by some aspects. The book starts off really promising, which is why I was disappointed by the way the story progressed.
The main thing that completely blew me away were the complexity of the characters. They were written with such realistic voices that made me feel like I was watching a movie. There were a few that struck me as unlikeable but even then, I wasn't at all annoyed with them like I tend to be in a lot of books.
The main characters are so dynamic. Well, technically, they're all dynamic but I could feel so much growth in Alexi and Bodee. The way they start is a lot more closed off to how they end. But at the same time, there's never a rush with their development. It feels natural, like what a real life situation would be like. Plus, I love Bodee's character. He's Alexi's rock but at the same time, she's his. They were just so perfect.
What I didn't really like was my inability to sympathize with Alexi. There was nothing that made me dislike her. I found her pretty interesting but somehow, for so much of the novel, I didn't feel anything. Maybe it's because what happened to her is not said until close to the end. I mean, I guessed it, but the reveal felt too late for me to have built up a slew of feels.
It's actually really strange that I feel this way because I felt that the writing was gorgeous. Typically, writing only has to be readable for me to enjoy it, but Stevens went beyond that and surprised with lyrical prose. And I'm not just saying that because there's a lot of lyrics in the story [spoilers, sweetie!] If I ignored everything, the writing would've gotten five stars. There's just something unique and character driven about the narration.
Lastly, this book is mainly character driven, which might be why I didn't enjoy it as much. I'm not saying that it should be plot because in this kind of book, character is the way to go. What I felt was that there was an imbalance of character and plot. While the characters went above and beyond, the plot stayed at a level pace which looked too mundane in comparison. So I enjoyed this book, but I wish I would've felt more, given the serious topics it deals with.
Author: Courtney C. Stevens
Pub Date: February 25th, 2014
Publisher: HarperTEEN
Page Count: 336
An edgy, realistic, and utterly captivating novel from an exciting new voice in teen fiction.
Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does.
When Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in "the Kool-Aid Kid," who has secrets of his own. As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally face the truth.
A searing, poignant book, Faking Normal is the extraordinary debut novel from an exciting new author-Courtney C. Stevens.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Chapters Indigo
Although with a very powerful message and equally loveable characters, a lot of this book struck me as "meh," only getting interesting towards the end. - Nova @ Out of Time
I wasn't really sure what to feel in the beginning. I didn't go into this book with expectations at all. It was just an unread ARC that was sitting on my shelf and I wanted to read it. While I did enjoy it overall, I'm a little let down by some aspects. The book starts off really promising, which is why I was disappointed by the way the story progressed.
The main thing that completely blew me away were the complexity of the characters. They were written with such realistic voices that made me feel like I was watching a movie. There were a few that struck me as unlikeable but even then, I wasn't at all annoyed with them like I tend to be in a lot of books.
The main characters are so dynamic. Well, technically, they're all dynamic but I could feel so much growth in Alexi and Bodee. The way they start is a lot more closed off to how they end. But at the same time, there's never a rush with their development. It feels natural, like what a real life situation would be like. Plus, I love Bodee's character. He's Alexi's rock but at the same time, she's his. They were just so perfect.
What I didn't really like was my inability to sympathize with Alexi. There was nothing that made me dislike her. I found her pretty interesting but somehow, for so much of the novel, I didn't feel anything. Maybe it's because what happened to her is not said until close to the end. I mean, I guessed it, but the reveal felt too late for me to have built up a slew of feels.
It's actually really strange that I feel this way because I felt that the writing was gorgeous. Typically, writing only has to be readable for me to enjoy it, but Stevens went beyond that and surprised with lyrical prose. And I'm not just saying that because there's a lot of lyrics in the story [spoilers, sweetie!] If I ignored everything, the writing would've gotten five stars. There's just something unique and character driven about the narration.
Lastly, this book is mainly character driven, which might be why I didn't enjoy it as much. I'm not saying that it should be plot because in this kind of book, character is the way to go. What I felt was that there was an imbalance of character and plot. While the characters went above and beyond, the plot stayed at a level pace which looked too mundane in comparison. So I enjoyed this book, but I wish I would've felt more, given the serious topics it deals with.
I am a storyteller. My debut novel, FAKING NORMAL (HarperTeen), will be released on February 25th, 2014.
The entire fact that you loved the main character and see a dynamic range of personalities within the pages of one single book sort of makes me want to buy it right now :P I'm sorry you couldn't enjoy it to the fullest - lovely review though!
ReplyDeleteI want to read it but if it turns out that she was raped (or molested), I will be very mad.
ReplyDeleteYeah, one of the most important elements in issue books is if the author can make you connect and feel for the main character. If you don't feel anything for them, then that's just meh. ):
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Faking Normal and I sadly doubt I would anytime in the future. Character driven books are also just not for me. D:
I just got my edition signed by her (she's a local author where I live) but I have yet to read it. I'm glad to know that you thought it was good. I love lyrical writing. =)
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower via GFC. =)
Brittany @ http://www.spacebetweenthespines.com/
Sorry you didn't love this one girl! If you aren't able to connect with the characters in a character-driven novel and there isn't much of a plot to back you up, well, I can imagine the book is going to be only 'meh' for you. I hope your next read is better!
ReplyDeleteI like that there's a good message, and great characters, so that is a plus! I don't usually mind a character driven book, but I can see why you'd have trouble if you weren't connecting. I have this book (also an ARC, definitely unread) on my shelves, and I am intrigued by your review so I am going to have to bump it up on my list I think!
ReplyDeleteShannon @ It Starts At Midnight