Something Like Normal by Trish Dollar

Title: Something Like Normal

Author: Trish Dollar

Pages: 214

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Release Date: June 19, 2012

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Summary (Goodreads)

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:  

This book was soo amazing!! I loved it all!! Trish Dollar is a great writer who knows how to write a brilliant story of how Travis is trying to be normal from Afghanistan. There was a perfect balance of romance with Harper because she is such an important character for Travis to hold on to despite their rocky relationship. Something Like Normal has everything from emotional, love, anger, sorrow and anticipation for tomorrow. I like reading from a male voice because its a different perspective, which I dont see too much of. 

Travis is a great character to get to know because he goes through so much when he returns from the Marines. His voice is real, and he makes mistakes as well as learns from his mistakes, and once I finished reading he became my hero for all he does as a Marine as well near the end of the book. Family was a major issue that Travis faced when he got home with tension with his father, brother and even mother as you can feel the tension taking place. Travis is one of those characters that will bring you to tears with all his war stories and all the people he meets there. 

The romance had the perfect amount of chemistry between Travis and Harper was adorable. I love the story between them and how well they connected. I would call it opposites attract since she hated him in the beginning but they both fall in love with each other that makes them a great couple. There are some ups and downs in their relationship but Harper is a great girl who would stick by her man. Some of their scenes could bring you to tears but by the ending you will be giddy with joy with how Trish Dollar ended as you fall in love with Trish's characters. 

Be sure to definitely pick up this book because its AMAZING and its one of my favorite books of 2012. So much emotion, romance and Trish's amazing writing which is addictive! Its a great read that makes you think how life can change with one decision. Travis is a likeable character and is unique. I am really excited to see what she comes up next in her next book! 

5/5