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A review by gothradiohour
Define Normal by Julie Anne Peters
5.0
This was one of my childhood favorite books. I remember reading it over and over again between 4th and 5th grade. The important lesson of not judging people based on their appearances is so important, and such a great theme for young people to learn.
The language of the 90s makes me giggle with all of Antonia's internalized biases against Jazz in the novel. Calling Jazz, a "punker," "druggie," "gang-hanger," I assure you no one uses that language today, well not to my knowledge at least. Those terms were very real back then. When dressing alternatively was seen as dangerous.
I chose to reread it for my library's 2023 reading challenge. One of the categories was to reread a book you love.
I am so sad to learn that Julie Anne Peters has retired from writing. She wrote so many LGBTQ young adult books in the early 2000s, and while Define 'Normal' technically isn't under that category, I can definitely feel hints of queerness throughout the book.
Its very much a quick read now, but I still find the story captivating as I did when I was younger. Just remember everyone is going through their own struggles, and you won't know it until you get to know them.
The language of the 90s makes me giggle with all of Antonia's internalized biases against Jazz in the novel. Calling Jazz, a "punker," "druggie," "gang-hanger," I assure you no one uses that language today, well not to my knowledge at least. Those terms were very real back then. When dressing alternatively was seen as dangerous.
I chose to reread it for my library's 2023 reading challenge. One of the categories was to reread a book you love.
I am so sad to learn that Julie Anne Peters has retired from writing. She wrote so many LGBTQ young adult books in the early 2000s, and while Define 'Normal' technically isn't under that category, I can definitely feel hints of queerness throughout the book.
Its very much a quick read now, but I still find the story captivating as I did when I was younger. Just remember everyone is going through their own struggles, and you won't know it until you get to know them.