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lauda's review
I didn't find it to be a compelling read, too often I was reminded that I was reading a book rather than feeling immersed and interested in the story being told. This was mostly the fault of the storytelling mechanic and dialogue that the writer employed. There are some important topics discussed, and I commend the writer for highlighting men's mental health which is too often ignored/dismissed. However, I am sure you could find a book that deal with these topics but with better execution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
amonaghan's review
5.0
Thank you so much to Publishing Push for sending me a copy of Normal to review.
I'll admit that although it did take me a little while to get around to reading but wow, once I did, I just couldn't put it down and pretty much read it in one sitting. Without a shadow of a doubt I'd rate this book 5 stars and would recommend this to everyone and anyone.
'Normal' is a self- help book written by 21 year old Irishman, Conor Nolan and in this book, he talks about his struggles with anorexia and mental health throughout his youth. This book started as an idea and just a year later, became a reality.
It aims to encourage other people to be themselves, open up more and, most of all, to not be afraid to talk. Always be mindful of how you treat people because you never know what someone is going through but no matter what, you are not alone and there is always someone to help.
Anyone who has been through therapy or counselling for mental health may be aware of the analogy of 'The Monkey' who constantly feeds you negative thoughts and feeds you with ideas that you don't want to have but just can't help it. In Conor's book, he too talks about 'The Monkey' and how eventually he was able to celebrate that it had finally left after first "breaking his cymbals".
I really do think that anyone who reads this book will learn something and it could potentially change their lives. I related to so much of this story and I know so many people also will. This book will teach you that you are not alone and although you might not feel it all the time; you are here for a reason and there is so much to be grateful for and "experience is the best teacher" as well as knowing the fact that your survival kit for the toughest times is going to be those hold you dearest.
"Sometimes, in our lifetime we may need a qualified mechanic to step in and fix this combustion chamber that they call a brain. It's amazing how the right help can change everything".
I genuinely think I could ramble on about this book for hours but I really just want to urge whoever can to read it because it truly was fantastic.
I'll admit that although it did take me a little while to get around to reading but wow, once I did, I just couldn't put it down and pretty much read it in one sitting. Without a shadow of a doubt I'd rate this book 5 stars and would recommend this to everyone and anyone.
'Normal' is a self- help book written by 21 year old Irishman, Conor Nolan and in this book, he talks about his struggles with anorexia and mental health throughout his youth. This book started as an idea and just a year later, became a reality.
It aims to encourage other people to be themselves, open up more and, most of all, to not be afraid to talk. Always be mindful of how you treat people because you never know what someone is going through but no matter what, you are not alone and there is always someone to help.
Anyone who has been through therapy or counselling for mental health may be aware of the analogy of 'The Monkey' who constantly feeds you negative thoughts and feeds you with ideas that you don't want to have but just can't help it. In Conor's book, he too talks about 'The Monkey' and how eventually he was able to celebrate that it had finally left after first "breaking his cymbals".
I really do think that anyone who reads this book will learn something and it could potentially change their lives. I related to so much of this story and I know so many people also will. This book will teach you that you are not alone and although you might not feel it all the time; you are here for a reason and there is so much to be grateful for and "experience is the best teacher" as well as knowing the fact that your survival kit for the toughest times is going to be those hold you dearest.
"Sometimes, in our lifetime we may need a qualified mechanic to step in and fix this combustion chamber that they call a brain. It's amazing how the right help can change everything".
I genuinely think I could ramble on about this book for hours but I really just want to urge whoever can to read it because it truly was fantastic.
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