Review: Some Kind of Normal by Juliana Stone

Some Kind of Normal
by Juliana Stone
YA Contemporary Romance
Hardcover, 304 Pages
May 5th 2015 by Sourcebooks Fire

Summary

What is normal? For Trevor, normal was playing fast guitar licks, catching game-winning passes, and partying all night. Until a car accident leaves him with no band, no teammates, and no chance of graduating. It’s kind of hard to ace your finals when you’ve been in a coma. The last thing he needs is stuck-up Everly Jenkins as his new tutor, those beautiful blue eyes catching every flaw.

For Everly, normal was a perfect family around the dinner table, playing piano at Sunday service, and sunning by the pool. Until she discovers her whole life is a lie. Now the perfect pastor’s daughter is hiding a life-changing secret, one that is slowly tearing her family apart. And spending the summer with notorious flirt Trevor Lewis means her darkest secret could be exposed.

This achingly beautiful story about two damaged teens struggling through pain and loss to redefine who they are, to their family, to themselves, and to each other is sure to melt your heart.
     

My Review

Some Kind of Normal starts off with a slightly bitter voice as we get a feel for Trevor's situation through his point of view. I can't say that I liked the swearing and innuendo, but I really liked his voice and how matter-of-factly he states so many things in just how he thinks or how guys think in general, how he feels about his family, about school, about his past and future, and about Everly. We also get to experience Everly's point of view as we switch back and forth between these two. I also liked her voice. She was also fairly matter-of-fact, but there was a sweetness and naivety to her voice, as well as a sadness and vulnerability that sneaks through on occasion. Both of these characters were dealing with so much and trying to figure out if they were willing to open their hearts.

I really felt for both Trevor and Everly. Trevor has been dealt with a serious hand at only 17. To go from perfect, golden boy, football player, and Mr. Popular to someone with brain damage, who looks normal, and who struggles sometimes to make his body do what he wants, was just really tough. I liked that Trevor didn't blame his friend who was driving drunk, but takes responsibility for his own poor choice. Of course he has some anger issues as well as some pity parties and full-on tantrums. I loved how his family stepped up and the really down-to-earth and honest talks they had with him and the realistic way they all handled the situation.

Then there was Everly. Her family was in such turmoil and there were hints throughout the story until we find out along with Everly what was really going on. Such a touchy situation! I felt for her mom and the kids the most because they were the ones who had the least control, but were also hurt the most. Everly's family handles things much differently than Trevor's and there was a definite contrast between the two. 

Trevor and Everly together... Well, they pretty much had amazing chemistry and were perfect for each other. There were plenty of ups and downs, and although this is definitely a romance, I felt like there were lots of other things going on as well as plenty of character development that kept it from becoming overshadowed by the romance. Trevor and Everly were friends first, which allowed the romance to really blossom and for their relationship to run deep. There were plenty of parts that were humorous and sweet as well that I loved, like when Trevor states that he is the Cuddle King and just holds Everly. *sigh*

Here's one line that I really liked:
     And in the meantime? I'm working on me. Working on happy.
     Working on some kind of normal.
(Kindle eARC location 2498) 
I'd recommend Some Kind of Normal to those who enjoy contemporary YA and don't mind the content. For me it was an enjoyable book with characters that I wanted to route for (when I didn't want to shake them), plus a sweet, heartfelt, rocky romance.

Content: Lots of blunt and sometimes descriptive references and innuendo, as well as swearing, including a few f-words and some profanity. References to couples sleeping together, but no descriptive scenes. Also some gay references.

Source: I would like to thank the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, for my complimentary copy through NetGalley, which did not affect my review in any way.


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