Normal Broken does just that, makes you feel normal that you are broken. It's the kind of book that forces you to sit up, look around, and be okay with the fact that grief has taken a part of who you are and you'll never get it back.

I have developed OCD as a result of grief, and I felt so seen in Normal Broken. It's a book that tells it like it is and reminds us that in the sea of grief, there can be a boat.

This book is one of the best books I have read about grief -- why? Because she is speaking from personal experience after the death of her 4 year old daughter. She eloquently describes the range of emotions in grief and guilt after a loved one's death - it is nonlinear, not predictable and you have to find a way to protect yourself from both reworking/replaying the actions you took in the past (woulda, shoulda, coulda) as well as comments from others. She rightfully points out that often people's comments come from a place of relieving themselves from their own sadness and guilt as opposed to helping make you feel better. The chapters share her experiences and learnings as well as provide prompts and space for readers to jot down their own experiences, feelings and thoughts about grieving and loss. This is a book I will be referencing again and will also recommend to friends. I thank Kelly Cervantes for sharing her and her family's story.

Thank you to Netgalley and BenBella Books for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

This was a heartbreaking and cathartic book. Cervantes was able to write an honest book about grief, that never felt self-helpy or like I was being talked down to. She navigates the messiness of grief and reinforces the idea that we all navigate this hellscape differently and that's okay. It was refreshing that Cervantes never tries to convince the reader to "get over" or "move on" from their grief, but rather tries to give examples and tools on how best to live along side it without it ruling your life. Which I really appreciated.

I will be honest, I started following the author and her family because of her husband. I followed them on Instagram and watched as their daughter, Adelaide, slowly got worse until her passing.

This novel revolves around the loss of their daughter and the unimaginable grief that accompanies such a profound loss. If you are struggling through grief, this book is a very good breath of fresh air. I really liked how Kelly was able to be so real about her grief. They also have a son, Jackson, who she discusses. Her being so open and honest about her fears about motherhood were so beautifully written.

It is obvious that Kelly is a very talented writer. I hope that this is not the only book that she writes.

Thank you so much to BenBella Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is an interesting and useful guide on how to navigate profound loss in a person's life. In the book, Kelly Cervantes does not, thankfully, take a prescriptive approach. That would be both tone deaf and disingenuous.

What this book does have to offer is a whole range of tools with which to analyse and come to grips with the emotions that a person may be struggling with in the wake of a loss.

One of the book's strengths is that it acknowledges the differences that exist in the needs of people experiencing the various stages of grief. Because of this, you understand that the author is not judging anyone for what they feel, or how long they feel it.

And that is very important. Grief is a universal experience, but it is not experienced in the same way by different individuals. Each person must battle it in their own way, and find a path through the misery that they are enduring. This book has help to offer anyone undertaking that journey and is a good addition to the existing literature on this topic.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review

I have experienced different grief than Cervantes, but I think that's what makes this book so relatable. She talks about how grief affects you, but also affects everyone differently. I liked that she talks about going through the stages, but that you can also read these chapters out of order if you are at a different point.
Her grief over a child is something I hope to never experience, but I think she handles it with grace. And I liked that she has put it out there for others who can relate.
We can all be normal and broken, but that doesn't change our need to be understood.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.