By Leslie Connor
Genre Middle Grade Contemporary
Pages 290
First Sentence Maybe Mommers and I shouldn't have been surprised; Dwight had told us it was a trailer even before we'd packed our bags.
Synopsis
Addie is waiting for normal. But Addie's mom has an all-or-nothing approach to life: a food fiesta or an empty pantry, jubilation or gloom, her way or no way. All or nothing never adds up to normal.
All or nothing can't bring you all to home, which is exactly where Addie longs to be, with her half sisters, every day. In spite of life's twists and turns, Addie remains optimistic. Someday, maybe, she'll find normal. (From Goodreads)
What is has going for it
Middle grade and I don't always get along. Even if a story is great, the simplistic writing that works for Middle graders doesn't always work for an adult. That being said, there are those books that work well despite what age group they're directed towards. Waiting For Normal was one of those books. I read it for my book club but have had my eye on it for years and am glad I finally read it. It's a very fast read that keeps you entertained and invested in its characters. Despite the heavy undertones and subject matter it remains a positive, upbeat and optimistic book. Addie is a great protagonist; relatable and sympathetic, she pulls at your heart strings and makes you long for a happy ending. With the serious issues this book deals with it's a relief that it does indeed have a happy ending that leaves you feeling all warms and fuzzy.
What's lacking
After all the nice things I said, you're probably thinking I saw nothing to dislike. You'd be wrong. While this one was optimistic and gave me the warms fuzzies, there was that little voice in the back of my head reminding me that this happy ending wasn't realistic. While I wish all kids in this sort of situations had this many positive people in their lives to help, I know most don't even have one. However, I didn't walk away from this one rolling my eyes negatively, as I usually would, but was inspired to be a positive person who keeps my eyes out for people to help. Because you never know when you'll be somebody's hero.
Yea or Nay?
Of course!
I have not read many middle grade contemps, though I'm usually a fan of middle grade fantasy and science fiction. This sounds like a really inspiring book - and sometimes, even if it's not that realistic, you just need that warm and fuzzy happy ending :P. Thanks for the review, I will definitely be looking this one up.
ReplyDeleteYeah, warm fuzzies are definitely a must sometimes.
DeleteThis looks so good, and it is totally new to me. I don't normally read middle grade, but I might have to make an exception for this one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I am going to add it to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteGreat Review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Yeah, if you're going to try middle grade this would be a good one to try.
DeleteI'm currently reading it. I'm not sure what I think yet. I don't like "realistic" stories because I my life has too many problems already and I want to escape. But, I still think it's good to read these types of books every now and then to gain perspective on others' lives. I'm glad you liked it even if it wasn't a realistic ending.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know what you mean. I like getting that perspective though.
DeleteIt's funny because I often find that I like middle grade books more than young adult books. There's much less romantic angst and I totally adore that. This sounds like it's a great read and truthfully I could use a happy ending once in a while!
ReplyDeleteYeah, there's definitely less angst.
DeleteI just started! I hope I like it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
DeleteMiddle Grade books and I don't get along either, but this sounds like a sweet read!
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty good for a middle grade.
DeleteMiddle Grade is hit or miss for me (mostly miss), but on occasion they can really be fantastic (I'm thinking of Liesl & Po, or the Bunnicula series, which I still adore). I might have to look this one up!
ReplyDelete