Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Which readers? 9th grade and up

This contemporary novel for high school and up tells the gripping story of Travis's life as he returns from his first tour in Afghanistan. Things are not the same as when he left - his brother stole his girlfriend and his car, his parents' marriage is on the rocks, and he is haunted by visions of his best friend who was killed in Afghanistan. He is plagued by guilt, feelings of anger, and can't get any respite from the horror filled nightmares that haunt him every time he tries to sleep. Then he runs into Harper, an old acquaintance from High School, who wants nothing to do with him because of the way he treated her in high school. Slowly, they start to develop a relationship, and perhaps Travis will be able to find something that feels "something like normal."

I think that the cover of this book is REALLY, REALLY unfortunate. I know from hearing authors speak that they often have NO say in the covers and don't know what they look like until it is a done decision. I just say that to say that the steamy cover is no reflection on the quality of the writing. This is a FABULOUS little book. It is real, honest, and brutally straightforward about returning from war....I think, since I have no experience with this. But I could tell from reading it that the author has done her homework by talking to soldiers and reading their writings. This really comes through in Travis's conversations with his buddies when they come to visit, and when he must memorialize his friend.  In my opinion, the cover makes it look like a romance novel, and this book is MUCH more than a romance novel. It is a well-rounded picture of being a young adult returning from war.

This is a fast read, but it grabbed me from the very beginning. I think students - both boys and girls - would devour it. And I think that it will give them a small taste of imagining what it would be like to come home and feel like you are a completely different person than when you left....and just not know if you'll be able to fit into your world again.