"The Art of Being Normal" by Lisa Williamson is a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of adolescence. Set against the backdrop of a British high school, the novel follows the lives of two teenagers, David and Leo, whose paths intersect as they navigate the challenges of being true to themselves. Williamson skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the emotional turmoil of grappling with gender identity.

The characters are compelling and authentic, each facing their own struggles with self-discovery and societal expectations. As David and Leo form an unlikely friendship, the novel beautifully portrays the power of empathy and understanding. Williamson tackles sensitive themes with sensitivity and grace, creating a story that resonates with readers of all ages.

The book challenges traditional notions of normalcy and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual. It is a thought-provoking and heartwarming tale that encourages readers to embrace diversity and foster a sense of compassion. "The Art of Being Normal" is a powerful reminder that, in the journey of self-acceptance, true strength lies in the courage to be authentically oneself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It felt very real and the main character felt true to life and what was happening

Will not be reviewing this book as after reading the synopsis the book sounds very transphobic and harmful.

This was just an okay read for me. I disliked as many things as I liked and didn't feel strongly enough about the book to really warrant adding an in-depth review to the blog.

I ended up DNFing this due to the problematic portrayal of trans issues and identity. There's constant misgendering of the novel's own main character and erasing language used such as "wanting to be a girl" or incorrect pronoun usage.

Will no longer be reading or reviewing this book due to lack of interest in the title, and the fact that the title has been archived.

I loved this book! The full review will be posted soon at kaitgoodwin.com/books! Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity to connect books to their readers!

While it wasn’t the absolute best LGBTQ book I’ve read, I liked the characters and enjoyed it for the most part.