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The Art of Being Normal

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The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

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By Lisa Williamson

avg rating

12 reviews

The debut novel from an outstanding new voice in YA fiction, that is not only immensely readable and compelling but also deals with a very current issue.

Reviews

12 Mar 2024

David longs to be a girl
Leo wants to be invisible

It really shocked me and made my heart warm
When Leo and Alicia were having 53× it really shocked me when Leo says he was born as Megan

26 Nov 2021

A good introduction to trans issues but still a very narrow representation. It was written in a way that is smooth and flows but lacks the emotional impact.
David and Leo are great characters but the transphobic tropes presented is a disappointment, e.g the constant misgenedering.

12 Aug 2021

I really liked this book because it shows that you can be whoever you want to be. My favourite character was David/Kate because she was very resilient and in the end she got what she wanted. My favourite parts were the Christmas ball at the end because it showed how many people supported Kate and Leo, and at the very end when Alicia apologised and they started again. I also liked David's dog. I would definitely recommend this book.

25 Jul 2021

Really well thought story

21 Dec 2020

I loved this book because it really helped me escape from the real world and helped me understand a bit more about being transgender. My favourite person was Leo because even though all of the bullying and stress is going on around him he still just ignores it and I really love that. I would recommend this to anyone who's going through any identity issues and needs to escape.

09 Sep 2017

Really great book, I recommend it to anyone. One of those books you read a numerous amount of times. Really amazing. Never gets boring. Once I pick it up I read it till the end. I could go on for ages about it. Kids will love it, one of my personal favourites. Lie in bed with a copy of The Art Of Being Normal. My idea of a holiday! Lovely characters. I congratulate this book.

09 Sep 2017

It can be a bit confusing but is very interesting to read. Not recommended for younger readers. Around 10-15

04 Sep 2016

This book is really good as tells the story of two teenagers Leo and David who both have a secret and you think they have nothing in common but they do . Please read it

30 Aug 2016

The book was incredible and I would recommend it to everyone! I loved the concept and I found I really got into the book and the characters, it's very similar to Wonder (another amazing book) and a real eyeopener and page turner!!

28 Jul 2016

This book was a real eye opener for me and quite skilfully talks about the challenges transgender people face. It is also a lesson, not to judge anyone based on their physical appearance/mental appearance. The story tells of two quite opposite people, whom fate pulls together. David has parents who love him and a sheltered home, whilst Leo lives in a rundown estate and scrapes together money to buy food. A sudden turn of events brings Leo to David's school, but Leo is not all he seems and David's secret is only known to his two best friends. With both David and Leo's secrets threating to spill, the two embark on an adventure that changes them forever and eventually reveals who they truly are.
Please Note that this book covers quite mature topics and is not entirely suitable for younger readers.

17 Jul 2016

this book is a really good read because it tells you about something that does happen but at the same time tells us how the person and their family and friends deal with the way they are feeling

13 Apr 2016

David is strong and brave and embraces his differences. An inspiring read.

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