Something Like Normal

Something Like Normal is one of those books that drew out all the feelings and was just so wonderful. When I read it, I had been in a slump where nothing was really keeping my attention. That all changed when I opened Something Like Normal. I was instantly drawn into Travis's story.

Something Like Normal is a story that shows the importance of valuing your life and the people in it. It was really beautiful in that way. I loved Travis's way of telling his story - it was such a realistic POV. I was so emotionally attached to his story almost right off the bat. The relationship between him and Harper was awesome - I loved watching it grow.

I simply cannot imagine being in Travis's shoes. He puts on such a brave face and I cannot credit him enough for that. My heart just broke with this book. I had all the feelings and was just so affected by it. It is a story that will stick with me.

Harper is one of my favorite characters of all time I think - I loved that she is so real and genuine. She was just such a good person and I loved the quirky side of her. She volunteers with an organization and sea turtle nest sits - that would TOTALLY be me if I lived near the ocean.

The one thing I do wish is that Something Like Normal had been a bit longer. The story was so well done and I was so into the story and I just wanted to see a little more of Travis's story and what was happening with him. I loved the unique way Trish Doller did end the book. It was different and I really enjoyed it.

Something Like Normal is a stunning debut from Trish Doller. I absolutely cannot wait for her next book, Where the Stars Still Shine. If it is even a fraction of the awesome that was Something Like Normal, it will be amazing. Contemporary is a genre that is so much a hit or miss for me and Something Like Normal was a definite hit.

It is not often a book moves me to tears, like sobbing into your Taco Bell tears, and really I cried into my breakfast and lunch today because I could not stop reading this book. I knew from reading the book description it would get to me but I had no idea how much.

Travis is one of my favorite characters I have ever read. Why? Because he is real. Being inside his head was insightful and at times very painful. The roller coaster of his life in Afghanistan, I can imagine, is portrayed to a tee. When Travis returns from his tour, after losing his best friend in an attack, he has no idea where he fits in to his "normal" life. His family life is messed up, to say the least, and he can't get the nightmares of Charlie's death out of his head.

Harper has quite the history with Travis that goes all the way back to middle school. She is one kick butt girl that would be a heck of a friend to anyone...but don't cross her! She is a special person and is there for Travis in a way that no one else is. She doesn't pry or push him but really challenges him in ways he doesn't even understand.

I can't imagine being in Travis' shoes. He tries to put on a brave face but he is suffering with issues that not many of us will ever understand. I challenge you after you read this to not look at the next serviceman you see in a different way or hear a news story about another fallen soldier and not tear up. This book made me realize once again what a valuable resource veterans our to our country.

This book is too important to not read. I can't simply just recommend this book. I give it my highest of recommendations. I think everyone should read it. In fact, I would a buy a copy for everyone if I could. And I won't believe you if you tell me that when you read the last two pages you weren't be a sloppy, sobbing mess. I'm thinking about it now and here come the tears again.

"War is only half the battle."

I only meant to "peek" at this but was pulled in and had to read until I finished the entire book which took about 3 hours and then I was crying ALL THE TEARS!

I can't stop talking about this book now! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it broke my heart, it gave me hope and it made me want to do SOMETHING for Marines everywhere.

When nineteen year old Travis returns homes from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, his life plays out like a sad country song. He's lost his girl, lost his car, his parents are getting divorced and his brother Ryan barely speaks to him which is probably because he's the one who stole Travis' girlfriend. (Smooth move dude) Things are strained with his old friends and Travis can't even drown his sorrows at the local bar without getting a black eye. (He totally deserves this punch in the face but, still)

Travis' comeback is also marred by nightmares of his time spent in the desert and the death of his fellow Marine, and BFF, Charlie, for which Travis feels responsible for. It seems like everyone around him expects life to go back to normal but Travis doesn't even know what "normal" feels like anymore. It isn't until he runs into Harper, a girl he's known since middle school, that life begins to look up. The more time they spend together the more Travis realizes, Harper might be the key to helping him find a new normal.

I will admit it took me a few pages to get used to the language but these are Marines so they aren't going to be on their best behavior 24/7. ;) I LOVED Travis and my heart broke for him. He's been through a life changing experience that's left him broken and damaged in ways impossible to understand unless you've lived through it. He's doing the best he can even if that means making a few mistakes along the way.

His family isn't the most supportive which is sad although his Mom is his biggest cheerleader. I wanted to tell his brother Ryan to "Suck it up cupcake!" and his father could use a good punch in the face. Paige, his ex-girlfriend is a word I will not repeat but let's just say, I'm not a fan of hers, OK? And then there's Harper...

Harper is just as much a hero as Travis in my opinion. She too, has fought a battle of her own for years and when she comes face to face with her "enemy", she takes NO.PRISONERS. SEMPER-FI GIRLFRIEND! ;) She shows Travis grace and mercy when others would've kicked him to the curb. She allows him to be himself while not letting him make excuses. She encourages him to get help when it becomes painfully obvious that he needs to do something. (This was so hard to read because of the raw emotion)

This story paints a realistic and moving picture of what life is like for soldiers returning from war. It's very easy for those of us at home to expect them to assimilate back into regular life but how can they? Comparing them to previous war veterans and questioning why this generation can't seem to cope as well as the men who survived WWI, WWII or Korea isn't fair either. We need to support our soldiers, encouraging them in any way we can. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome shouldn't be seen as a career ender either.

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