Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Not Not Normal
AUTHOR: Peter E. Fenton
PUBLISHER: Lorimer
LENGTH: 130 Pages
RELEASE DATE: September 11, 2024
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REVIEW:
Jordan has some issues. He’s getting ready to start Grade 11 and Emma is convinced it’s going to be his year. He’s used to being bullied and called a freak. But then there is a new boy at school who throws off Jordan’s careful order and plans.
Nathan. Late of Montreal. He’s got other ideas about things at this school and about Jordan. And about what’s right. And he’s not about to back down. He wants to start a GSA. He’s not a rule follower and he’s not going to be intimidated. Nathan gets the attention of the jocks who in this case are the bullies pretty quickly. But he’s not going to back down. Interesting. And frightening for Jordan because he doesn’t want to see Nathan hurt. He doesn’t want Nathan to see him panic either. Too late.
Nathan and Jordan both have family stuff to deal with. Jordan’s mother has passed away and he and his dad are trying to move forward. They have their routine and their tasks and Jordan hates it if he forgets or doesn’t do his part. Nathan’s mom has left her marriage and is starting over, but she’s got a lot to work through – especially after getting news from Nathan’s father.
Jordan’s baby is the book club at the school. When Nathan joins the book club, things change a bit. They are supported by an unlikely and delightful resource and things are looking up. Until they have to give a presentation in front of the school as part of their English class – but Jordan is able to use a story he wrote for it. Can he be brave with Nathan at his side though?
Oh my! The is such a lovely book. I wish this book could be available to a wide audience. It’s sweet – but not in the way that you would imagine. Both of these young men have been through a lot. And at honestly a hugely vulnerable, confusing, chaotic and awkward time of life – adolescence. I adored these characters. Nathan is new in school and he’s started his life over with his mum in a new city in a new province. His father’s rejection has in his mind been the reason for his parents divorce. It’s awful that children take this burden on, but unfortunately, this is a very common reaction and most teens/children ascribe motivations for the actions of others as a direct reflection of their inadequacies. Rarely is this the case, but through the lens of a young person, they aren’t able to see the wider view. Jordan’s mother has died and again, he’s blaming himself. Nathan is more self-assured in some ways than Jordan, but some of that is bravado as well. They have a couple of missteps and miscommunications, but they work through them. Emma, Jordan’s best friend is a lovely supporting character. The supporting characters here are wonderful – particularly Jordan’s father, Mr. Jenkins, Emma and the rest of the book club and even the principal in the end (mostly off page). I know it’s the first week of the year, but this is one of my favorite stories so far and if I had read it last year, it would have made my list. It’s a wonderful story of overcoming hard things, focusing on the things the things that make us unique and recognizing those are our superpowers. Being different isn’t what makes us unlovable or not enough. It’s exactly what makes us human and lovable and more than enough. Yes, it’s YA, but it’s really good YA. Highly recommended.
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