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kellyjcm's review
3.0
While the plot is a little predictable for me, I hope it serves as an inspiration to teens about keeping an open mind and an open heart.
clstrifes's review
3.0
This book was a reread, I first read this when I was in highschool and it’s refreshing to read this again, At the time I didn’t understand why Antonia’s mother was being neglectful but now that I’m older, I understand now. I also love how this is all WOMEN who are the biggest driving force for Antonia’s life and not the men, makes it more impactful to see older/same age women try and help Antonia and her brothers through a difficult time. I do wonder about Ram tho even though he was mentioned a lot and also Jazz’s mother was awesome to some degrees as well. I hope there is a sequel to this story but if not that’s ok as well.
blaarrosir's review
5.0
I truly enjoyed Define "Normal". The book is a wonderful lesson on judging a book by its cover. Both girls seem live a certain type of lifestyle. Antonia is a plain bookish type who always gets A's, and Jazz is a blue-haired black-lipped goth with multiple piercings. But Antonia's "normal" appearance and Jazz's "abnormal" one say nothing about their home lives. Through their friendship together they learn not to be so quick to judge on looks alone, because people can be much different than they appear. To those struggling with family and personal problems at home this book gives hope that help can come in the most unlikely places from the most unlikely people.
barbn's review
3.0
Antonia and Jazz are part of dramatically different social circles. Antonia is a "priss" - she is friends with her teachers, gets outstanding grades, and is in the math club. Jazz is a "punk" - she has fake tattoos, dresses in black, and intimidates her classmates. Neither girl knows quite what to expect when they are must work together for 15 hours of peer-counseling.
Slowly, Antonia and Jazz learn that their ideas about each other were not correct. Although Jazz appears tough, she is actually a very talented classically trained pianist with wealthy, traditional parents who want nothing more than for Jazz to conform. Antionia is the primary care-giver in her family, taking care of her two younger brothers while her mother suffers from crippling depression.
Define "Normal" will appeal to middle school students, especially girls, because of its realistic characters and themes. There is not any objectionable content or language. At times, Antonia and Jazz's situation felt a little too contrived and predictable, but I felt myself liking the characters and really wanting to know whether they would become / remain friends and overcome their family struggles.
Slowly, Antonia and Jazz learn that their ideas about each other were not correct. Although Jazz appears tough, she is actually a very talented classically trained pianist with wealthy, traditional parents who want nothing more than for Jazz to conform. Antionia is the primary care-giver in her family, taking care of her two younger brothers while her mother suffers from crippling depression.
Define "Normal" will appeal to middle school students, especially girls, because of its realistic characters and themes. There is not any objectionable content or language. At times, Antonia and Jazz's situation felt a little too contrived and predictable, but I felt myself liking the characters and really wanting to know whether they would become / remain friends and overcome their family struggles.
heather01602to60660's review
3.0
Generally unsurprising, but well done story of looking beyond stereotypes.
jpayton's review
5.0
This book really spoke to me when I was growing up. It really made me open my eyes to the different problems that people have and to not judge people on the way they choose to dress.
mochomito's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.75 stars almost 4. What I really liked about it was the realistic issues that both main characters deal with and the side characters were well developed.
witchofthemountains's review
5.0
This is one of the books that sticks with you. I won't go into any spoilers, but four years later I can still remember the plot and subplots of this novel.
Is normal the preppy look and the good grades? Is normal the expensive house and clear path to a bright future? Is normal rebelling against the things in your life you don't like? Or is normal figuring out how to make all of that work together?
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who feels like they're not normal, their home is broken, or they can never find a way to fit in.
Is normal the preppy look and the good grades? Is normal the expensive house and clear path to a bright future? Is normal rebelling against the things in your life you don't like? Or is normal figuring out how to make all of that work together?
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who feels like they're not normal, their home is broken, or they can never find a way to fit in.