Miles from Ordinary

Apr 24, 2012 Wendy Darling rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-publication, young-adult, realistic-fiction, smp, march, psychological-thriller, read-2012, mg-not-ya

3.5 stars This is a pretty intriguing novel, especially because the events mostly unfold over the course of one day and the story went in directions I didn't quite expect. 14-year-old Lacey has a lot on her plate for someone who's so young; she's trying to pretend everything is normal to the outside world, but in reality, she's dealing with a depressed, unreliable mother and it's starting to take its toll on her. Particularly because her mom still talks to Lacey's dead grandpa as if he were stil...more 3.5 stars This is a pretty intriguing novel, especially because the events mostly unfold over the course of one day and the story went in directions I didn't quite expect. 14-year-old Lacey has a lot on her plate for someone who's so young; she's trying to pretend everything is normal to the outside world, but in reality, she's dealing with a depressed, unreliable mother and it's starting to take its toll on her. Particularly because her mom still talks to Lacey's dead grandpa as if he were still alive.

While I was very interested in the premise and it's certainly a fast read, I think there is perhaps a disconnect between subject, style, content, and intended audience. The novel is very short and the plot is somewhat simple, and because it only touches on the surface of the topics of mental illness, potential foster care, etc., it seems more suited to middle grade fiction or very young YA readers. But then again, I see why this is categorized as young adult fiction, because the first person narrative and book's focus on Lacey's state of mind really would make this appealing to that audience.

This isn't the first time in which mental illness and a horror/thriller have gone hand in hand, but since there was so much focus on the former, without scenarios and solutions that seemed more sound, it became a bit more difficult to stay invested in the story. Some of the dialogue also seemed more juvenile and the events rather overly dramatic, though they certainly contribute to getting a sense of Lacey's possible paranoia and being out of control.

I'll tell you what made this book for me, however: in the last third or so of the book, Lacey's emotions reach a fever pitch in a way that suddenly and masterfully draws in the reader with an unrelenting grip. There is a creepy scene towards the end when your imagination runs wild and you're not quite sure what's real and what's not, and suddenly there is a question in your mind (view spoiler). That chilling moment alone is worth reading this book for, and it got me very excited about where the story was going. I just wish I had felt more of that intense interest throughout the entire novel.

Still, I'm definitely interested in checking out other books by this author, and I'd recommend this one as a library read if you're curious.

An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.(less)

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Mar 30, 2012 Emily May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-na, 2011

This book literally had me sleeping with the light on. It's not just sad, it's very creepy towards the end. I spent about two thirds of the book thinking it was good and really captured the pain and loneliness of a young girl who is ostracised and has no friends because of the situation with her severely depressed mother. How sometimes she'll come home and find the house empty and have to go out searching for hours until she finds her mum wandering up the street in her nightgown. How she is for...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Reynje rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012, books-that-linger, contemp-or-realistic, held-me-captive

A slight novel, weighing in at just under 200 pages, Miles from Ordinary is exactly what it says on the cover. Sparsely written, stripped back to the bones of Lacey’s narration, there’s not a wasted paragraph or scene here. Every line serves a purpose, contributing to the unsettling tone of the story, and the chilling way in which the plot plays out.

Carol Lynch William’s execution of fourteen-year old Lacey’s voice is excellent, capturing all the anxiety, fear and longing that she experiences du...more A slight novel, weighing in at just under 200 pages, Miles from Ordinary is exactly what it says on the cover. Sparsely written, stripped back to the bones of Lacey’s narration, there’s not a wasted paragraph or scene here. Every line serves a purpose, contributing to the unsettling tone of the story, and the chilling way in which the plot plays out.

Carol Lynch William’s execution of fourteen-year old Lacey’s voice is excellent, capturing all the anxiety, fear and longing that she experiences during the course of the day the novel covers. At times these shades of emotion blend as Lacey’s desire to protect and yet also be protected come into conflict, and she struggles to reconcile her feelings towards her mentally ill mother.

Shackled by her mother’s personal ghosts, Lacey leads an isolated life. She daydreams about making a friend. Anticipates starting a new job at the library. Tries to take a step toward an ordinary life for herself and her mother. Yet there’s always a note of unease, and the atmosphere of the story begins to shift from hopeful to almost frightening.

The picture of Lacey’s life that emerges through her memories and the events as she relates them is deeply disquieting. While the latter part of the book takes a turn for the suspenseful and rather creepy, it’s Lacey’s mental and emotional response to her mother’s illness that struck me the most. What this book does for awareness and understanding of mental illness, I’m not sure - but the portrayal of a teenage girl attempting to process her conflicted feelings about it felt authentic and moving. There was something very powerful about the emotions this book evoked, watching Lacey begin to grasp the full extent of her mother’s instability.

That said, I can’t help but feel slightly uneasy about the way mental illness is treated in the book. Using it as a device for suspense and even horror feels somewhat unjust, to me, and I was never really comfortable with it once the book kicked into thriller mode. While it certainly packs emotional impact, and brings home exactly how difficult Lacey’s situation is, part of me felt as if the illness had been cast in a role of the villain, which I can’t help but see as harmful.

There’s a note of hope in the conclusion of the story, however, I’m unsure whether this is very effective in bringing more balance and depth to the treatment of mental illness here.

Miles From Ordinary is an unusual, striking book. It’s beautifully written, and the characterisation of Lacey is exceptional.

Heavily atmospheric and haunting, it’s an undeniably compelling read.

Cover note: While I’m not usually a fan of the large, cropped face effect – in this case it has won me over. I find something about the colour scheme and the expression really beautiful, and fitting for the tone of the book.

This review also appears at The Midnight Garden (less)

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Apr 03, 2011 Annalisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, issue, contemporary

This is my first experience with Williams and I had high hopes and high expectations, but there were several things about it that didn't work for me. For starters, the voice was wrong. Despite the main character being 14 years old, her voice is so juvenile. Even if she had to deal with a mentally ill mother and a complete lack of social integration at school because of it, she'd still be less childish than this girl. I wanted included in the mix of emotions anger and embarrassment, something mor...more This is my first experience with Williams and I had high hopes and high expectations, but there were several things about it that didn't work for me. For starters, the voice was wrong. Despite the main character being 14 years old, her voice is so juvenile. Even if she had to deal with a mentally ill mother and a complete lack of social integration at school because of it, she'd still be less childish than this girl. I wanted included in the mix of emotions anger and embarrassment, something more than utter devotion, something a little more appropriate for the age. Maybe for an 11-year-old I could believe the voice--and it is a strong voice which is a risk I appreciate Williams for taking--but the voice read too much like middle grade.

For most of the book, the plot also moved too slowly to grab me. A slow voice, lots of internal dialogue, and every few paragraphs interrupted by memory, and the day dragged. Despite the book being a very quick read, it took me 4 days to finish because I was never anxious to pick it up until the last 50 or so pages. While I found the climax chilling, I had some believability issues up until that point that kept it from striking me the way it should have. (view spoiler)

It was only at the ending that I felt something grow from Lacey's experience that made me sad at the novel that could have been. The climax twisted around a lot of the issues I had, but I'd struggled with them so much of the novel that it was too late to fix it by mistrusting Lacey's account at that point. The idea is strong and I could tell from the writing that Williams is very talented, and I appreciate her tackling mental illness, but it didn't flow from beautifully literary into enlightening and thrilling ending the way she was attempting.(less)

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Jul 25, 2012 April rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, ya

Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams is an incredibly short book, one of those reads you could easily finish in an afternoon, with short chapters as well. I thought that Miles From Ordinary was one of those books that could pass as either middle grade or young adult. It opens with fourteen year old protagonist Lacey feeling optimistic toward her new job as a library volunteer over the summer. Lacey’s mom also has a new job, as a cashier at Winn-Dixie. Lacey hopes that everything will go o...more

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Mar 09, 2011 Reading Vacation rated it 4 of 5 stars

Powerful would be an understatement. Miles From Ordinary goes where other young adult books seldom go as it explores the world of mental illness.

Lacey is a young teen whose dream of a normal life is not realistic because she is the caregiver to her mentally ill mother. Facing this serious situation, Lacey is forced to grow up quickly. I found myself completely drawn into Lacey’s world. A world of fear and vulnerability – love and family bonds.

Carol Lynch Williams slowly drops bits of the past in...more

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May 09, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Lacey, age 14, lives with her paranoid schizophrenic mother, who refuses to take any medication. Lacey tries her best to care of her momma, but it’s a huge burden, and she would like to have a friend, just once. In fact, just once she did have a friend, but that friend never came back over after one frightening episode with Lacey’s mother, and moreover, told everyone at school what happened. Lacey’s mom’s sister, Aunt Linda, used to live with them and help take care of Lacey’s mom Angela, but An...more Lacey, age 14, lives with her paranoid schizophrenic mother, who refuses to take any medication. Lacey tries her best to care of her momma, but it’s a huge burden, and she would like to have a friend, just once. In fact, just once she did have a friend, but that friend never came back over after one frightening episode with Lacey’s mother, and moreover, told everyone at school what happened. Lacey’s mom’s sister, Aunt Linda, used to live with them and help take care of Lacey’s mom Angela, but Angela kicked her out and got a restraining order taken out on Linda lest she try to take Lacey away.

This is a circadian, or one-day novel, in which all the action takes place within a single 24-hour period. In this story, it begins with Lacey trying to get her mom to start a normal job as a checker at a Winn-Dixie, since they are out of money. While her mom is there, Lacey plans to volunteer at the library, where her Aunt Linda used to work. On the bus to their jobs, Lacey sees a neighbor boy, Aaron Ririe, who is very cute. He tries talking to her, but she is defensive at first, because no one talks to her without making fun of her. But Aaron is different. Maybe this day will actually work, and maybe everything will turn out okay. But maybe not….

Evaluation: I hated this book. That is not to say it isn’t good, but the circumstances of the story were frightening and all too common. I hate the horror that ensues when a sick person gets a bit better from medication and then decides that he or she can therefore stop the medication. It is no one’s fault. It just happens. A lot. It’s a very dangerous situation. I hated “experiencing” vicariously the abusiveness of a very sick mother influencing the mental integrity of her young offspring and no one being able to intervene. I hated what almost happened at the end of the day, and I hated thinking about the long-term effects of her upbringing on that poor little girl. In other words, yes, it’s another one of those books that I wish some other blogger had read so I could say in the comments, “Wow, I’m so glad you read this so I don’t have to!”

Rating: 2.5/5
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Mar 23, 2012 Rosalyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was a hard one for me to read--there's a reason why my preferences in fiction run to lighter fare! This book follows 13-year-old Lacey Mills through an eventful 24 hours in her life. Lacey starts the day hopeful that things are on the mend for her and her mother, as her mother is about to start a real job at the grocery store and Lacey has a job at the local library. As the day progresses, however, we learn more about Lacey's background: about her mom's schizophrenia (or similar disord...more

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Mar 18, 2012 InkBitten rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sarah's review of Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams
Judged by the Cover: What Kind of Book Is This Again?
Time of Day: Sure, but....
Head Over Heels: AWWW!!!!
Bonus Features: Short and Sweet, Flashbacks, Guy Friends
Final Flavor: White Chocolate
This book is an ARC given to us by the lovely people at Saint Martin's Griffin. The book was released on March 14.

Judged by the Cover: What Kind of Book Is This Again?
I generally investigate a book based on the cover. For example, if I see any kind o...more

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Dec 04, 2011 Terri rated it 3 of 5 stars

I had high expectations for this book. I am in a book club for adults who read "children's" literature. We are reading twelve book this month (this was number eight for me), four contenders for the Caldecott, four contenders for the Newbery, and four for the Printz. This was one of the books we will be discussing as a Printz contender. My expectations for this book were quickly dashed - no way will this win the Printz, in my humble opinion. I am not sure why it was include on our list.

While I ad...more I had high expectations for this book. I am in a book club for adults who read "children's" literature. We are reading twelve book this month (this was number eight for me), four contenders for the Caldecott, four contenders for the Newbery, and four for the Printz. This was one of the books we will be discussing as a Printz contender. My expectations for this book were quickly dashed - no way will this win the Printz, in my humble opinion. I am not sure why it was include on our list.

While I admire the book's author, Carol Lynch Williams, for taking on the important topic of mental illness, I think the topic is done better in books such as "Crazy" by Han Nolan or "Dirty Little Secrets" by C.J. Omololu. As with the main characters in "Crazy" and "Dirty Little Secrets," the main character here (Lacey) takes on the terrific responsibility of caring for a mentally ill parent when those around her either die, bail, don't notice, or choose not to notice - and the "system" fails her. Her life is truly "miles from ordinary." Because she is a child, and her mother is a person she loves, she tries to do it all herself with no professional help, knowing in her heart of hearts that her mother will be taken away if she doesn't take care of her. She also suffers socially as a result of her family secrets. She is bullied and has no friends. "Miles from Ordinary" takes place over the course of one day, a day which begins so hopefully. On this particular day, Lacey is hopeful because she has convinced her mother, Angela, to take a job at the Winn Dixie (they need the money to survive). She herself has taken a volunteer position at the local library in the hopes of finding something there of her Aunt Linda who left Lacey and her mother when her mother insisted that she go. On the way to work, she meets a neighbor boy who is empathetic and appears to want to be her friend. Aaron meets her after work and when they show up to meet Lacey's mother after her first day on the job, and her mother isn't there.

Why will "Miles from Ordinary" not win a Printz honor? To begin with, the first two-thirds of the book are torturously slow in terms of pacing. Once Angela goes missing, the pace picks up, and the book becomes much more compelling. I am not convinced that many teens will stick with it to this point, however. The story almost becomes a horror story at this point, Stephen King like in the last fifty pages or so. It seemed to switch from realistic fiction to a completely different book. Secondly,I am not convinced that someone like Aunt Linda, who seems so caring and loving, would leave a child with someone so mentally incompetent, not fight like hell to get the child that she loves out of that situation, and not try harder to check up on that child to be certain she is O.K. The character of Aaron also didn't ring true for me. Though I want to believe there are teens who could be so open, empathetic, and unconcerned about what others think - he was way over the top in this regard. And when Angela disappears and he goes into the home and sees all of those bizarre things, he wouldn't freak out and tell his mom? And she wouldn't call the authorities? He didn't have credulity. Finally, the protagonist didn't always ring true. She seemed very young and naive for a fourteen year old.

Though I would recommend this book for certain readers, it doesn't belong on "best" lists for 2011, and certainly is not of Printz caliber.(less)

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Oct 27, 2011 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: realistic, mother-daughter-relationships, mothers, mental-illness, depression, hallucinations, relationships, relationship-problems, suicide, suspense-thriller, libraries, librarians, teenagers, friendship, young-adult-fiction, quick-read, borrowed-from-the-library

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Lacey (14) lives with her mom, who suffers from extreme depression and delusions (she believes that her father, who hung himself in her closet, is still keeping tabs on her – telling her what to do). When their money runs out, Lacey convinces her mom to get a job as a checker at the grocery store. She’s really hoping they can have a normal life and that contact with the outside world will make her mother stronger and help her to overcome her mental illness. Most of all, Lacey wants to volunteer...more Lacey (14) lives with her mom, who suffers from extreme depression and delusions (she believes that her father, who hung himself in her closet, is still keeping tabs on her – telling her what to do). When their money runs out, Lacey convinces her mom to get a job as a checker at the grocery store. She’s really hoping they can have a normal life and that contact with the outside world will make her mother stronger and help her to overcome her mental illness. Most of all, Lacey wants to volunteer at the local library, where her Aunt Linda was a children’s librarian up until her sister (Lacey’s mom) kicked her out of their house and out of their lives. Lacey wants to find a friend, someone to talk to and laugh with – someone who doesn’t think she’s a freak because of her mom. On the first day of her mom’s new job (also Lacey’s first day at the library) she meets Aaron (a boy from school) on the bus. He seems really interested in getting to know her, and Lacey decides she could definitely have a boy for a friend. Everything falls apart, however, when they discover that Lacey’s mom quit her job after only an hour and appears to be missing. Aaron, remarkably, doesn’t judge Lacey by her mom’s behavior and sticks by her side until she’s able to contact her aunt. But Aunt Linda is almost too late – Lacey’s mom is waiting for Lacey, waiting to carry out Granddaddy’s final instructions.

This is chilling because it’s realistic and possible. Lacey is so angry with Aunt Linda for leaving her behind (even though her mother got a restraining order against her) – and rightly so. She knew what was going on and didn’t push hard enough to get Lacey’s mother declared mentally incompetent. Lacey was basically abandoned to deal with a potentially dangerous situation on her own. It’s a little hard to believe that Aaron (that anyone) having just met Lacey (even though he’s known her from a distance for awhile) is so understanding about her situation. When she’s worrying about her mom, Lacey sounds almost as unhinged as her mom does. Most casual acquaintances would bail after getting a taste of Lacey’s problems. Still, this quick, suspenseful read will keep readers glued to its pages until the very end.(less)

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Aug 12, 2011 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: tear-jerker, teen-fiction

I am torn between a 3 or 4 star rating. The book was slow paced but kept me wondering what was going ot happen next, I just felt like the ending was a bit vague and left too open. I really enjoyed Carol Williams other book, The Chosen One, much more so I thought I would give this one a try too.

The enitre 197 page book is set in one day. Lacey and her mentally crazy mother both get jobs, and Lacey is excited to get some free time away from her crazy mother. Most of the book is a little heartwern...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Karleneb rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Older teens

Recommended to Karleneb by: ldsfiction.blogspot.com

I actually would give this book 4 1/2 stars, if it would let me. It was a very emotional story, and in places, it hurt to read. I felt so bad for Lacey and her situation. Williams really got inside the mind of this girl. Because I was so into her thoughts and her internal life, sometimes it was a little jarring when she interacted with others in the outside world. A few times, she acted in ways that seemed out of character. That is why it lost 1/2 a star for me.

But otherwise, it was very well-wr...more

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May 31, 2011 Corinne added it

Ordinary: common, unremarkable, usual

One would be hard=pressed to say that fourteen yr. old Lacey led an ordinary life.

She lives alone, with her mom, no father on the scene, no siblings --ok, ordinary.

Her aunt, who used to live with them and with whom she has a very close relationship, has moved out because of "a lifestyle disparity with her sister, Lacey's mom -- ok, ordinary.

Lacey does not do much outside of school and does not have any friends to speak of -- well, not completely ordinary, bu...more

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Apr 22, 2011 Walt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Light-years from middling, not just MILES FROM ORDINARY.

That is Carol Lynch Williams's latest novel for youngsters, and it is light-years from middling.

I enjoyed reading the novel, but, in the interests of full disclosure, I am an oldster, and probably not among those of its primary audience. After reading Williams's THE CHOSEN ONE, however, I just had to read her latest offering, which is set in a very real, if atypical, world.

Recently, as my wife and I walked through Barnes & Noble, she no...more Light-years from middling, not just MILES FROM ORDINARY.

That is Carol Lynch Williams's latest novel for youngsters, and it is light-years from middling.

I enjoyed reading the novel, but, in the interests of full disclosure, I am an oldster, and probably not among those of its primary audience. After reading Williams's THE CHOSEN ONE, however, I just had to read her latest offering, which is set in a very real, if atypical, world.

Recently, as my wife and I walked through Barnes & Noble, she noted how difficult it seemed to be to find new books for kids and young adults that didn't deal with vampires or other fantastical elements, with dystopian adventures, or alternative realities.

What is it? Have we become so fraught with challenges of everyday living that we have to resort to escapism to entertain and inform our youth?

Well, this novel, MILES FROM ORDINARY, fits the bill for the here and now; it is very real and most compelling, yet just as horrifying and challenging of mind as anything in fantasyland or sci-fi. It doesn't have the ubiquitous vampires or a panoply of Hogwarts-like characters or characteristics; it isn't dystopian, and its realities aren't alternative. At some point in time, all of us, even the youth among us have to face reality.

After all, who needs the paranormal when you can read first-hand paranoia and insanity in a tight, fast moving story arc like this one? Or when you can see the effects of mental illness in Lacey's mother and its consequent demands and eventual effects upon the thirteen-year-old's life. She simply longs for some degree of family normalcy and friendship outside of home.

Lacey indeed: the delicate interweaving of a thread of life of a sensitive, caring, and concerned daughter of a very sick and, as it turns out, most dangerous mother. Lacey. Dicey.

But this novel produces the same emotions and intellectual challenges as fantasy and sci-fi do in a far more immediate and practical way. There really are young people like Lacey: classmates, neighbors, riders on buses, customers at the grocery store. Not only do the children and teens in such circumstances need to read this book and understand its implications, but everyone does. We all need to realize that our society is diverse and contains all the horror and intrigue of fantasy or sci-fi. It behooves us to recognize it and to show the proper sensitivity for it, and face it more realistically.

Carol Lynn Williams's MILES FROM ORDINARY, in my estimation, achieves that end.

It isn't perfect. There were a few grammatical and punctuation errors. (After all, I was reading from an advanced, uncorrected proof.) Some of the other criticisms in the critiques present here certainly have validity, but overall the novel has a nice story arc, compelling characters, tremendous conflicts. I believe it is original in the contemporary literature out there for children and young adults. It was a plausible scenario and seemed realistic in its presentation. I didn't find that it made unjustified leaps in logic. I found the writing at times powerful and, at times, a little less than powerful. I liked it's building pace, and what some others took for a slow start, I took as calculated, a deliberate attempt to make the quickening pace more compelling. I thought flashbacks were overused. In fact, I was quite surprised by the number of them given the intended audience.

I wrote Time For All Eternity.
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Apr 20, 2011 Missy (Missy's Reads & Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I didn't know what to expect from this story. Having no prior reading experience of Carol Lynch Williams, I was intrigued with praises of her writing but still clueless. After reading Miles from Ordinary, I can say that I will be singing her praises as well.

Whatever I may have been thinking this book was, it was not. The story is beautifully written and so moving. It was also set in only one day's time, which was amazing to me. You'd think something like that wouldn't be able to live up to such...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Alisha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazon-vine, arc-s, books-i-own-that-i-ve-read, young-adult

I had extremely high hopes for Miles From Ordinary considering that I loved The Chosen One. That book was deep, shocking, and heartwrenching. I remember sobbing for a half hour after I finished The Chosen One about three hours after I started it. I expected the same thing from Miles From Ordinary and ultimately, I ended up a tad bit disappointed.

I'm going to start out by saying that Miles From Ordinary starts out sloooowwww, like really, really, really slow. I took me about three days to get thr...more I had extremely high hopes for Miles From Ordinary considering that I loved The Chosen One. That book was deep, shocking, and heartwrenching. I remember sobbing for a half hour after I finished The Chosen One about three hours after I started it. I expected the same thing from Miles From Ordinary and ultimately, I ended up a tad bit disappointed.

I'm going to start out by saying that Miles From Ordinary starts out sloooowwww, like really, really, really slow. I took me about three days to get through the first 50 pages. It just didn't hook me at first and I kept wanting to put it down. It was like pulling teeth for me. Sure, it was mildly interesting, but I guess there was a disconnect between me and the protagonist that prevented me from making any true headway until after the initial 60 or so pages.

That's another issue I had with Miles from Ordinary. The voice of the protagonist was a bit...off. She seemed a bit on the juvenile side even for thirteen. I kept forgetting she was thirteen and thinking she was about ten or eleven. I understand that dealing with her mentally ill mother must have stunted her growth a bit, but I just expect a thirteen year old to be a little bit more...aware than Lacey was. Oh, and I totally didn't buy (mild spoiler here) the whole thing with Linda not being able to help Lacey because the mom kept kicking her out. If Linda had made a big deal about not wanting Lacey to be with her mom because of her initial depression, chances are Child Protective Services would've gotten involved. Maybe they wouldn't have initially snatched the child, but it would've been enough of an issue to have them, at the very least, make an unannounced visit to check out that everything was fine. That, of course, would've proved that everything wasn't fine and Linda would've had a good chance to keep Lacey. (end of mild spoiler)

Besides my issues with the book, I do have to say that the last 40 pages or so of Miles From Ordinary were filled with tension. In fact, the last chapters were absolutely terrifying. I really felt for Lacey there and have no idea how she managed to keep semi-calm because there's no way in hell I would've been calm. I would have been freaking out immensely. So, all in all, I thought that Miles From Ordinary was just okay. It didn't compare at all to The Chosen One and was a bit uneven. I'm not sure that the last fifty pages make up for it.(less)

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Mar 16, 2011 Angela rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, issues, young-adult, vine, arc, read-in-2011

Great concept but uneven execution

In Williams' MILES FROM ORDINARY, thirteen-year-old Lacey just wants a normal day. Since her aunt left a year ago, Lacey has been forced to take care of her mentally ill mother by herself. In an attempt to gain some freedom and some income for both of them, Lacey gets her mother a job as a cashier while she plans to volunteer at the local library. Hoping against hope that she will have one ordinary day and maybe make a friend in the process, Lacey drops off her...more Great concept but uneven execution

In Williams' MILES FROM ORDINARY, thirteen-year-old Lacey just wants a normal day. Since her aunt left a year ago, Lacey has been forced to take care of her mentally ill mother by herself. In an attempt to gain some freedom and some income for both of them, Lacey gets her mother a job as a cashier while she plans to volunteer at the local library. Hoping against hope that she will have one ordinary day and maybe make a friend in the process, Lacey drops off her mother at the grocery store. When Lacey later discovers that her mother is missing, her world begins to quickly spiral out of control.

Despite the affecting subject matter, MILES FROM ORDINARY didn't grab me as I had hoped. The topic squarely put the novel in the young adult category, but the writing and the young voice seemed more appropriate for middle grades. Because of this, I'm unsure of whether the book will find the right fit with its intended audience. Pacing was slow throughout much of the novel, but the final 30 pages became fast-paced and downright terror-filled. Though engaging, this quick shift in tone and style didn't mesh with the rest of the book. Events became unexplainable during these final pages too, in a way that made the events unbelievable. When the story does wrap up, it does so too quickly and too easily. Further, while the book accurately portrays that mental illness can lead to horrible ends, it does so in a way that I fear may unfairly stigmatize mental illness as being a condition that frequently leads to hurting others.

On the positive side, I appreciated that Williams was willing to tackle an important issue like mental illness and how it affects children. Written in first-person, present tense, the novel movingly depicted the constant worries and stresses that Lacey endured as a child trying to take care of an unstable parent. Also, while the book was slow to start, the tension really ratcheted up at the end, and I found myself truly frightened and unsettled while reading the final pages.

Though mental illness remains a neglected and overlooked topic in literature and in society, I'm disappointed to report that I felt this book didn't add a great deal to its understanding. Even with these qualms, I plan to read Williams' THE CHOSEN ONE to see how she handles another explosive and frightening topic, that of forced polygamy.

Note: This review refers to an advance reader's copy. (less)

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Mar 08, 2011 Amy Jacobs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

After reading the summary on this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. What was Lacey's Mother recovering from and what is Lacey worried about? Yet, as I read the book, I didn't worry about the reason so much and just enjoyed the writing that the author was telling.

Lacey is worried about starting her first day as a volunteer at the library. Her mother is also starting her first day of work at the local grocery store as a checker. As you read the book, you can feel the intensity of worry and antic...more

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Mar 08, 2011 Kristin (Beneath Shining Stars, I Read) rated it 4 of 5 stars

At the age of thirteen, would you care for your ailing mother on your own? Could you endure your classmates and the whispers around town? Lacey has been putting up with it for years and although things haven't been as bad as they've been before--for her mother--it's a far cry from the road to recovery. When summer comes, Lacey manages to convince her mother to apply for a job as a cashier at the local grocery store and she applies to work at the library over the summer. And although she loves bo...more At the age of thirteen, would you care for your ailing mother on your own? Could you endure your classmates and the whispers around town? Lacey has been putting up with it for years and although things haven't been as bad as they've been before--for her mother--it's a far cry from the road to recovery. When summer comes, Lacey manages to convince her mother to apply for a job as a cashier at the local grocery store and she applies to work at the library over the summer. And although she loves books, it's not the reason behind why she decided to work at the library; her aunt Linda is the reason behind this decision. Why? Because she used to work at Peace City Library and Lacey is hoping to see her again. The reason behind why she hasn't seen her aunt is, well, her mother. Lacey's mother drove her out of the house and thus, their lives for the most part.

The entire story takes place over the course of a single day--with flashbacks and memories as well, but the bulk of events transpire on a single day--and what a day it is. I won't go into details because it'd give a lot away, but let's just say that it has to have been one of the most stressful days in Lacey's young life. Lacey herself is extremely strong as she's been dealing with her mother for years and having her aunt forced away hasn't exactly made things any easier. She wants to have friends and to have a normal life, but she accepts her situation and deals with it as best she can. Her mother hears and sees Lacey's grandfather and will often tell Lacey that her grandfather told her to do something or that her grandfather wouldn't like it. The thing is, Lacey's grandfather is dead which means that well, her mother's ghosts is quite literally a ghost. I really can't say much more than that without spoiling things for you, so I'll just say one more thing; there is a scene in this book that translated Lacey's fear so well that I didn't want to read about what she saw--although obviously I did and it did play a big part in the ending.

Miles from Ordinary isn't a particularly long read, but if the plot sounds like your sort of thing or you're intrigued, I'd suggest picking up a copy to read. It did take a turn several times that I had not been expecting and the ending was, in my opinion, the perfect outcome.(less)

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Feb 26, 2011 Kelly Hager rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lacey’s a 14-year-old with heartbreaking dreams. It’s her first day of work (she’s volunteering at the library) and she’s so excited because she’s going to have a day free of taking care of her mom. She hopes it’ll lead to a summer of fun times at the library and maybe she’ll make a friend and she can have a sleepover. Her dreams are so small because her mom’s sick. She hallucinates that her father (Lacey’s grandfather) talks to her. (He’s been dead for years.) I’m not sure exactly what her ment...more

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Mar 31, 2011 Linna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: put-aside-for-now

MILES FROM ORDINARY's short length and young characters may make it seem aimed mostly at a middle grade audience, but the story is so involving that it could easily pull in teenagers and adults alike.

My first experience with Williams' books was, unlike many, not The Chosen One. Instead, I read Glimpse last summer, and it was a unique and absorbing novel that uses simple prose that surprisingly manages to hit home. MILES FROM ORDINARY brings you into Lacey's life, troubled family members include...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Melissa (i swim for oceans) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, own-arcs

Lacey is, on the outside, your everyday 14 year old girl. At home, however, she's the sole caregiver for her mother who is plagued every day by paranoia, delusions and bipolar tendencies. Lacey loves her mother more than anything in the world, but she relishes the time away from her mother - those little moments where she can be herself and be a teenager. She is excited for a summer full of the little joys in life. She wants sleepovers, trips to the library and an escape from her mother's delusi...more Lacey is, on the outside, your everyday 14 year old girl. At home, however, she's the sole caregiver for her mother who is plagued every day by paranoia, delusions and bipolar tendencies. Lacey loves her mother more than anything in the world, but she relishes the time away from her mother - those little moments where she can be herself and be a teenager. She is excited for a summer full of the little joys in life. She wants sleepovers, trips to the library and an escape from her mother's delusions of her dead father visiting her...but dreams are hard to hold onto when reality is far from happy.

I've yet to read anything by the author, Carol Lynch Williams, but people have sung the praises of her other book, The Chosen One. The premise of Miles From Ordinary captured me, and despite being wary of a younger MC narrating the story, I was hopeful for the best. Carol Lynch Williams nailed Lacey's voice with a raw, insightful and powerful look into a young girl's mind as she tries to hold both her life and her mother's life together. Pieced together with stark and simple prose, a haunting background and a setting that sets a scene of its own, Miles From Ordinary is one of those stories that resonates real feeling from every page.

Lacey's story begins with a bang. Her nightmares are real, and her reality is somewhat of a nightmare, too, so Miles From Ordinary captured me from the get-go. Lacey, though young, had a distinct voice and take on her life situation. She's strong, but she has a vulnerability about her that makes the sadness of the story that much more tangible. Lacey's mother, Angela, had me hating her, pitying her and loving her all at the same time. Her illness was a character of sorts, as well, spinning the struggles into every bit of Lacey's story. Gripping and realistic, Lacey's struggle to find her mother, both literally and figuratively was captivating.

I have to admit, though I was excited for Miles From Ordinary, I was still worried that it would live up to the premise. However, it definitely exceeded all my expectations. I cried for Lacey and her mother, and I felt myself rooting for a happy ending the whole time. I give this book a firm 5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA and even adult fiction, especially those who enjoy contemporary stories.

I received this ARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.(less)

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Mar 01, 2011 Karin rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, youngadult

Lacey is filled with excitement and anxiety. Today is the first day of her volunteer job at the public library and her mother's first day as a checker at Winn-Dixie. Lacey can't wait to have some time out of the house - some time for herself.

Lacey has been the sole caretaker of her mother ever since her Aunt Linda was forced to leave a year ago. Lacey's mother's paranoia and depression has only gotten worse, leaving Lacey scared that her mother won't be able to manage her job outside the house,...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Lydia LaPutka rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I had a huge sense of deja vu as I read this book, as if I had already read it. I'm wondering if there was an excerpt of it in The Chosen One, and that's what I had read. I know I haven't read the whole thing before because I have reviewed every book I've read since joining Goodreads several years ago. Miles From Ordinary was published in 2011, well after I joined Goodreads.

Anyhow, kind of a depressing book. It gives a powerful portrayal of a young woman (only 14 but I say woman because she has...more I had a huge sense of deja vu as I read this book, as if I had already read it. I'm wondering if there was an excerpt of it in The Chosen One, and that's what I had read. I know I haven't read the whole thing before because I have reviewed every book I've read since joining Goodreads several years ago. Miles From Ordinary was published in 2011, well after I joined Goodreads.

Anyhow, kind of a depressing book. It gives a powerful portrayal of a young woman (only 14 but I say woman because she has been forced into an adult role), living with her severely mentally ill mom. The roles are reversed: daughter is acting as mom, mom is acting like a 5-year-old, helpless and paranoid. Pretty creepy if you ask me. One part reminds me of the movie A Beautiful Mind.

The story was slow going at first. I felt like it dragged on and on, as the morning unfolded with Lacey trying to get her feeble, mess of a mom to go to her first day on a job at the Winn Dixie. It was irritating to hear over and over Lacey's self doubts, accusing herself of being a horrible daughter because she wanted normalcy in her life. I guess that might be the guilt trip one would live in having a mentally disturbed parent with such extreme role reversals. However, wouldn't a teenager at some point figure out how wrong and skewed her life had become with such a disabled mother?

But I do think the tale was woven well in terms of what was happening at school. Lacey was called a "freak" by a popular boy, and students had noticed her falling asleep in class. Aaron being there for her at just the right time WAS a blessing. These things DO happen in real life, so I had no problem with that.

The pacing and excitement increased dramatically once Lacey got home with Aaron and started searching the house for her. A few good surprises, but I wish there had been more clarity about the grandfather. I hate being left to wonder what exactly happened between the mom and granddaddy that may have precipitated or exacerbated her mental illness. (less)

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Jun 19, 2012 Nicole Sobon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-pub

"Aaron," I whispered. Not so sure why. He seemed like the only normal thing I knew. And I wanted something, anything, normal. Anything.

Williams, Carol Lynch (2011-03-15). Miles from Ordinary: A Novel (Kindle Locations 2189-2190). Macmillan. Kindle Edition.

To put it simply, "Miles From Ordinary" is a powerful novel.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started "Miles From Ordinary", mainly because I'd yet to read a novel by Carol Lynch Williams at that point. While it isn't what I was expecting, I...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Kvothem rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

This is a haunting story about 14 year old Lacey and her mom. It's a story of how Lacey's life is and has been affected by her mom's depression, how all the kids made fun of Lacey and her mom, so she has no friends, and how Lacey needs to take on the role of a parent in the relationship encouraging her mom, pushing and cajoling her mom, trying to get her mom out of the house, trying to get her mom to take a job at the Winn-Dixie. Lacey's mom believes that her dad (Lacey's grandfather)is haunting...more

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Mar 19, 2011 Basma Aal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

My review:

This is my very first time reading a book by Carol Lynch Williams but I promise you it won't be the last one.

This book captivated me from the first page. Miles from Ordinary only took place in one full day and only 3 settings. But the flashbacks made it seem like a rich and a full novel. Carol Lynch Williams made it very easy to be able to picture the 13 year old character and what she was going through.

The book is about Lacey who struggles with her depressed mom. She is on her own of...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Emily Brown (TheBrownReviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, reads-of-2011

Wow, this book was really good. But also, extremely different. Let's start off by saying that the only thing keeping me from giving this book a 5/5 stars was because at parts, I was really confused. I wasn't really sure what was going on, and although I know it's pretty obvious at the end, the author was still not straight forward as to what exactly was going on with Lacey's mother. Clearly, some type of schizophrenia, I'm assuming, or just straight out crazy.

Other than that, this book was so go...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Inspired Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Miles from Ordinary is a book that can be read in one sitting. Just 197 double spaced pages I flew through this book. It was a heartbreaking, almost haunting, read that left me with feelings of sadness, gratitude and hopefulness. The writing is beautiful but the subject matter is dark. I felt for Lacey and the struggle she had dealing with her mentally ill mother. The love she had for her mother was evident despite the struggles her mother illness brought her. It made me understand better what t...more

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