NORMAL: Part One (Something More Book 1)

Danielle Pearl's Normal is captivating, spellbinding and heart-rending all rolled into one. It's a delicate written novel that deals with issues of abuse. It's dark, abrasive and intense, so be aware that this book does contain violence and may not be suitable for everyone.Normal is also a story of suspense, love and hope and is revealed through Aurora's (Rory) POV. The story takes place in the present with flashbacks from the past. It was a little irksome in the beginning, but then I was grateful for the flashbacks, because they made us aware and gave us an understanding of Rory's frame of mind and why she is so despondent and dispirited.Aurora Pine has moved from a small town in Florida to a new larger town in the state of New York to get a fresh start. She will attend a new high school right in the middle of her senior year where she is hoping to just blend in. But little did she know that she would capture the eye of the hot football star and most sought-after man on campus...Sam Caplan. "Cap"Sam is complete perfection. He's sexy, patient, loyal, loving, affectionate and kind...and Rory takes notice. Her intentions are not to make friends, but to stay well under the radar...but now it's too late. Their connection is undeniable, and as bad as Rory wants to fight it, their chemistry is too magnetic.Sam and Rory start out as friends. Neither one are looking for a relationship and they both share painful pasts. Rory has triggers originating back from one year ago where she went through an abusive relationship with her then boyfriend, Robin, the town hero and the Mayor's son.For some reason, Sam is able to connect with Rory like no one else ever has...except for maybe her childhood friend, Cam, that she loved and adored. This connection is calming for her and is a stepping stone for Rory and Sam's friendship, which in turn, jump starts the healing process for Rory. For the first time in over a year, she is actually starting to feel some normalcy. Thanks to her good friend, Sam."I got you, Pine."This newfound friendship and connection with Sam has allowed Rory to open up her heart and finally FEEL. She's feeling emotions that she has never experienced before with anyone. She has fallen and fallen hard."I'm in love with Sam, and somehow, in the short time I’ve known him, he has become the center of my universe-my anchor to it. I’m no longer just surviving, as he said, I’m living."But what happens when Rory's past comes back to the present and threatens her? Will she fight back or will she cave and give in to her past demons?This novel truly did captivate me. I just happened to discover this book and I'm so impressed with this author. She had me from start to finish. Yes, the book was long, but I see now that it was necessary in order to experience Sam and Rory's heartbreaking and uplifting story. There was no insta-love and we get to follow right along with them on their roller coaster ride of life. We get to travel back in time, and relive right along with Rory, her horrific past and her struggle to find her NORMAL.It's practically impossible for me to continue reviewing this book without giving key parts away. I definitely recommend NORMAL and I do believe that every teenage girl should read this emotional heart-wrenching story. It's an epiphany for abusive relationships.I give NORMAL 5 Crazie Stars!!! ~Kim

It's important to know that THIS BOOK CONTAINS VIOLENCE. If this sort of thing is an issue for you, please know that going in. Also, there is a pretty major cliffhanger, consider that when considering this read. Now, here we go.I am sad to think that I may have never discovered this book, if it didn't come across my Facebook feed. Well, that's a little over dramatic, I would have eventually came across it, but who know when?This book is told through the POV of Aurora ("Rory"). The story begins with Rory's move to New York with her mother after her mother and father divorce. It focuses on her need to "blend in" and not be seen. That's easier said than done, once she has a panic attack outside of her calculus class and it is witnessed by no other than Sam (not only extremely attractive, but very popular as well). She catches his attention, he catches hers, and eventually a friendship forms.The story flashes back to her "old" life in Florida, the one she has escaped. It is then that her past is slowly unfolded. From her life long friendship with Cam, to her dating the star quarterback. It touches on her lack of relationship with her father to building new friendships with girls (she has lived her life as a tomboy and mostly developed friendships with boys, namely, Cam). The flashbacks occur throughout the book, so it takes a while to piece the puzzle that is her past trauma together. Although, it shouldn't take you as long to figure it out as it takes for the book to unfold it.You get to witness Rory grow a lot through her friendship with Sam. He helps her work through her triggers and he begins to be someone she can lean on. As the reader, it is quite obvious that Rory and Sam are attracted to one another, but for Rory and her past, it is very difficult for her to believe that someone would want her, even the broken parts.The flashbacks in this book are heartbreaking. It is very sad having to "witness" the events that take place with Rory, and read how helpless she truly is. She continues to see herself as someone who is broken and f*cked up, but as the reader, you can only see her as a true survivor.It's hard to review this book and not give too much away, but I will say this. This read truly captivated me from start to finish. The story moved at the right pace to allow the events to unfold as necessary. As I said earlier, this book contains a cliffhanger, but the story of Rory and Sam will continue in Okay. If you have the chance, I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait for their story to continue, and I hope that it contains some chapters with Sam's POV.

The author tackles tough subject matter that may be triggering for some. Rory is so well written; her quiet strength, her inner turmoil, her need to be ok for others. I audibly gasped while reading a few parts, and cried reading others. It's an emotional ride that's well worth the price of admission.

Normal is one of those books that once you start and become invested in you find that you just can't stop reading it. The writing, the storyline and the characters were all brilliant and totally captivating. Rory went through a horrific and harrowing experience and was not only let down by the one person who should be her protector but was ostracised by the people in her town. Rory and her Mother escape the torment and move cities hoping for a new start. Then Rory meets Sam and he quickly becomes a pivotal part in her road to becoming what Rory terms "normal". This novel deals with many sensitive issues and I think a disclaimer by the author would be good idea as like Rory there could be triggers within for the unsuspecting reader who may have been or still in an abusive relationship.

Absolutely loved this read! I bought the next edition in the 3 part series as I'm anxious to see where the story goes. The descriptive emotions and movements of characters will make you ache with glee and fear. Wonderful!

This was such a intense read.. The way that it was narrated made me a part of the story!! Rory is such a brave character and I can only hope that she gives Sam her strength too!

great book