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The Art of Being Normal
by
Two boys. Two secrets.
David Piper has always been an outsider. His parents think he’s gay. The school bully thinks he’s a freak. Only his two best friends know the real truth – David wants to be a girl.
On the first day at his new school Leo Denton has one goal – to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in year eleven is definitely not part of t ...more
David Piper has always been an outsider. His parents think he’s gay. The school bully thinks he’s a freak. Only his two best friends know the real truth – David wants to be a girl.
On the first day at his new school Leo Denton has one goal – to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in year eleven is definitely not part of t ...more
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Hardcover, 353 pages
Published
January 1st 2015
by David Fickling Books
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I'm a trans person and when I saw this book I was super excited. It had a cool cover and a premise I was personally interested in.
However, once I started reading I was honestly very disappointed.
I know that trans people have different experiences and points of view on their gender, but so many things about this book seemed off to me.
The book isn't written by a trans person, and that was my first clue.
In the blurb: "Two boys." and "David wants to be a girl."
Being trans isn't about wanting to be ...more
However, once I started reading I was honestly very disappointed.
I know that trans people have different experiences and points of view on their gender, but so many things about this book seemed off to me.
The book isn't written by a trans person, and that was my first clue.
In the blurb: "Two boys." and "David wants to be a girl."
Being trans isn't about wanting to be ...more
It's been a while since I read this but I feel there's two things I should point out that really bothered me about the book. 1) Leo is a trans guy but him being trans is treated as a plot twist, and is found out when a girl he likes sees his genitalia. Not a fan of that. 2) Kate (called by her birth name for most of the book) is referred to by he/him pronouns by Leo in his internal monologue after he finds out she's a trans girl but only refers to her as 'she' when she's wearing feminine clothin
...more
"Normal" kids don't see therapists. "Normal" kids don't have mothers like mine, who tell you life isn't fair with messed-up glee, like the unfairness of life is pretty much the only thing they know for sure. I've spent my whole life being told I'm the complete opposite of "normal".
I'm sorry, but I loved this. I don't know why I'm apologizing, since I'm on this website to either hate or love a book no matter what others thought about it, but I feel like this is another one of those bo ...more
The Art of Being Normal was not what I had expected. I would say that this is a good introduction for someone who wants to know more about life as a transgender kid and adolescent. It is a heartfelt novel, for sure, but not a perfect one.
I had difficulties connecting with the characters, especially with David. She is 15 years old if I am not mistaken, but she acts like a 12-year-old. In most situations, David and her friends seem ...more
[CONTENT WARNING: TRANSPHOBIA]
I'm not transgender, but even I can see how terrible the author dealt with the characters transness. The story is about the transgender girl Kate who is closeted (and goes by David for most of the book) and the transgender boy Leo who is not out at his new school. The two of them form an unlikely friendship and that's basically what the story is about. I thought the story itself was - except for some problematic things I'll remark on later on - really fun and just ...more
I'm not transgender, but even I can see how terrible the author dealt with the characters transness. The story is about the transgender girl Kate who is closeted (and goes by David for most of the book) and the transgender boy Leo who is not out at his new school. The two of them form an unlikely friendship and that's basically what the story is about. I thought the story itself was - except for some problematic things I'll remark on later on - really fun and just ...more
Fantastic. Highly recommended.
The Art of Being Normal is the story of a transgender character named David, and his journey to finally telling his family (and the rest of the world) that he wishes to be referred to as Kate, and would like to begin transitioning.
I have to be honest and say that I don't believe I've read a book about a transgender character before, certainly not as the main focus of the story. I know they exist, so it's either down to my own lack of diverse reading or a distinct l ...more
The Art of Being Normal is the story of a transgender character named David, and his journey to finally telling his family (and the rest of the world) that he wishes to be referred to as Kate, and would like to begin transitioning.
I have to be honest and say that I don't believe I've read a book about a transgender character before, certainly not as the main focus of the story. I know they exist, so it's either down to my own lack of diverse reading or a distinct l ...more
I couldn't finish this,it deals with an incredibly important issue and relevant topic in today's society but the book just felt like a generic ya book.I wanted to read this book for the trans character and to see how well the story would deal with the issue but after 110 pages I couldn't even really get to the core issue because the writing,dialogue and story were so painfully cliche.The story screams American cliche high school trash that we see in so many media outlets and the book isn't even
...more
I’m transgender myself and I work with transgender youth, so of course I’m bringing that to the table. I didn’t hate this book – in fact, I quite liked large parts of it, but there are a few issues that drag it down. One of them was that I don't feel like it was written with transgender people in mind as a part of the key audience, unless they're teenagers still trying to figure out even the most basic things. But at the same time, it's a bit of a narrow representation of transgender people.
The ...more
The ...more
Oct 07, 2014
Stacey (prettybooks)
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
young-adult-fiction,
read-in-my-twenties
You must have heard about The Art of Being Normal by now and, if not, I'm not sure how you have managed to miss it. Published on 1st January, it's one of the most talked about UKYA novels published this year so far, and has certainly set a high standard.
Fourteen-year-old David Piper has only told two people – his two best friends, Essie and Fox, who have both been incredibly supportive – that he has wanted, needed, to be a girl ever since he was a small child. David has written a letter to his p ...more
Fourteen-year-old David Piper has only told two people – his two best friends, Essie and Fox, who have both been incredibly supportive – that he has wanted, needed, to be a girl ever since he was a small child. David has written a letter to his p ...more
3.5 stars
Loved the introductory exploration of trans issues in this book, even if it faltered in other areas. The Art of Being Normal follows two protagonists who both go to Eden Park School: David Piper, a biological male who has always wanted to be a girl, and Leo Denten, an outsider with dark secrets of his own. Though the two seem quite different - David, more reserved and wistful, Leo, more moody and confrontational - a twist of fate brings them together in ways neither of them expect.
I app ...more
Loved the introductory exploration of trans issues in this book, even if it faltered in other areas. The Art of Being Normal follows two protagonists who both go to Eden Park School: David Piper, a biological male who has always wanted to be a girl, and Leo Denten, an outsider with dark secrets of his own. Though the two seem quite different - David, more reserved and wistful, Leo, more moody and confrontational - a twist of fate brings them together in ways neither of them expect.
I app ...more
I don't think I've ever been so happy to finish a book. And I don't mean that in a bad way, I literally finished the book with the biggest grin on my face, content with the ending and slightly wanting more Kate (David) and Leo. I'm so glad this book was mainly focused on finding ones true self, as well as true friendship. You know, the type of friendship you'll have for life.
However, I also have to be open and honest to the slightly problematic aspects of the book too. Do I think this represent ...more
However, I also have to be open and honest to the slightly problematic aspects of the book too. Do I think this represent ...more
Sigh. Another disappointment crossed off the TBR. I was so excited to read this, especially after seeing so many rave reviews, but unfortunately this was a story that did not make it on my memorable list.
My main issue with THE ART OF BEING NORMAL is that it's a tale of transgender teens told by a cisgender author. Now admittedly, I knew that from the beginning but I was optimistic that it may have worked out. I believe in giving authors the benefit of the doubt until I've seen the proof in their ...more
My main issue with THE ART OF BEING NORMAL is that it's a tale of transgender teens told by a cisgender author. Now admittedly, I knew that from the beginning but I was optimistic that it may have worked out. I believe in giving authors the benefit of the doubt until I've seen the proof in their ...more
Edit 2019:
After reading reviews from transgender readers, I am lowering my rating to 2 stars. I rather encourage readers to read books, written by trans instead of cis authors, with a more accurate representation of what it is like to be trans, such as George, Peter Darling or Dreadnought.
"Besides, who wants to be normal anyway? Fancy that on your gravestone. ‘Here lies so-and-so. They were entirely normal.’”
A sweet YA-story with a couple of amazing diverse characters, although the st ...more
"Besides, who wants to be normal anyway? Fancy that on your gravestone. ‘Here lies so-and-so. They were entirely normal.’”
A sweet YA-story with a couple of amazing diverse characters, although the st ...more
Have you ever finished a book and thought…that it was IMPORTANT? That the story that’s being told is one that everyone should hear? That’s how I felt about “The Art of Being Normal”. I feel like everyone NEEDS to read this. It’s an important message about our society today. And it it’s just a damn fine book, too.
David has a secret. He hasn’t told his family. He hasn’t come out to the world with it. Only his best friends, and his trusty journal know the truth. If he could be anything in the world ...more
David has a secret. He hasn’t told his family. He hasn’t come out to the world with it. Only his best friends, and his trusty journal know the truth. If he could be anything in the world ...more
Jul 19, 2018
Kathy - Books & Munches
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-in-2018
I wrote "The Good"-part of my review before reading other reviews, own voices-reviews. That's the sole reason I'm still going to stick with everything I wrote first in this part. Beware of "The Bad", though. There's a whole lot coming your way over there.
THE GOOD
I flew through this book. Whether it's the content, the plot, the story line or the writing - I don't care. I absolutely flew through it and loved every second of doing so. The Art of Being Normal spoke to me in a way I didn't expect. I ...more
THE GOOD
I flew through this book. Whether it's the content, the plot, the story line or the writing - I don't care. I absolutely flew through it and loved every second of doing so. The Art of Being Normal spoke to me in a way I didn't expect. I ...more
After reading reviews by transgender readers, I'm lowering my rate of this book.
...more
This book really highlights why we need own voices novels...
I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. I've been hearing a lot about it and on my quest to read more UKYA (since it's where I'm from and I want to support the UKYA scene) I decided to pick it up. I am so happy that I did as it is one of those stories that I completely devoured.
David is fourteen years old and has known since he was a child that he is really a female stuck inside a male body. His two best friends are the only ones to know and he is struggling to find the right way to tel ...more
David is fourteen years old and has known since he was a child that he is really a female stuck inside a male body. His two best friends are the only ones to know and he is struggling to find the right way to tel ...more
It's high time the world of YA fiction had a real contender in the T corner of the LGBT spectrum, and Lisa Williamson stands up to the plate magnificently.
'The Art Of Being Normal' follows David, who stumbles through the minefield of high school and puberty knowing in his heart that everything is wrong... because he wants to be a girl, knows he is supposed to be girl. Navigating bullies gets a little easier for him though with a well aimed punch from Leo Denton, who struggles alongside David wit ...more
'The Art Of Being Normal' follows David, who stumbles through the minefield of high school and puberty knowing in his heart that everything is wrong... because he wants to be a girl, knows he is supposed to be girl. Navigating bullies gets a little easier for him though with a well aimed punch from Leo Denton, who struggles alongside David wit ...more
This book is really important. There are so many people out there today struggling with gender identity and the desperate need to be looked at as "normal" because they do not fit into the specific and constricting constructs of society and it is just heartbreaking. Before this book, i did not have that much of an insight into transgender struggles. Even if this book is purely fiction, it still did open my eyes to some of the struggles in an honest simple prose imbued with complex depths. I real ...more
This is one of those times I'm kicking myself for not even reading the book description before buying it. I saw a rainbow book for only $2 so of course I bought it on a whim without taking the time to read the back of the book.
If I had only read the description beforehand I would've immediately put it down.
"David wants to be a girl."
That line says it all. It doesn't get better throughout the book either. The trans girl character is continuously referred to as just a boy who wants to be a girl, ...more
If I had only read the description beforehand I would've immediately put it down.
"David wants to be a girl."
That line says it all. It doesn't get better throughout the book either. The trans girl character is continuously referred to as just a boy who wants to be a girl, ...more
Mixed feelings about this one, need to think on it.
rtc
rtc
Lisa Williamson's
The Art of Being Normal
is a moving, well-written reminder of how brutal, yet how beautiful, the world can be to those who are different.
David Piper has really never fit in. Apart from his two best friends, most of his fellow high school students ridicule him for being different. One of the school bullies has called him "Freak Show" since they were younger, but David is willing to wait him out until high school ends. His parents think he is gay, and are waiting for him to t ...more
David Piper has really never fit in. Apart from his two best friends, most of his fellow high school students ridicule him for being different. One of the school bullies has called him "Freak Show" since they were younger, but David is willing to wait him out until high school ends. His parents think he is gay, and are waiting for him to t ...more
Oh, this is one cute diversity read! I highly recommend this if you love Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda!
Just like in Simon, in this book it is about a diversity character, in this case a trans, but without the book being written in a learny way. You get to know David and you learn what it's like to be trapped in the wrong body because he is.
And I also like Leo a lot! And I like how, at least in the Dutch version, the different point of views are indicated with different fonts. I really like ...more
Just like in Simon, in this book it is about a diversity character, in this case a trans, but without the book being written in a learny way. You get to know David and you learn what it's like to be trapped in the wrong body because he is.
And I also like Leo a lot! And I like how, at least in the Dutch version, the different point of views are indicated with different fonts. I really like ...more
There are some books you're proud of. This is one of those for me.
It's not the perfect book, but it's heartbreakingly beautiful, and emotional, and heartfelt. It's outstanding.
Please, everyone. Read it. ...more
It's not the perfect book, but it's heartbreakingly beautiful, and emotional, and heartfelt. It's outstanding.
Please, everyone. Read it. ...more
★ 2016 AtY Reading Challenge ★: A book from the Goodreads Recommendations page.
The Art of Being Normal was poorly written at best.
I'm not talking about the cringe-worthy dialogues here, I'm talking about the actual execution and development of the main themes. This book was full of trans-phobic tropes. ...more
The Art of Being Normal was poorly written at best.
I'm not talking about the cringe-worthy dialogues here, I'm talking about the actual execution and development of the main themes. This book was full of trans-phobic tropes. ...more
Oct 10, 2014
Becky (Blogs of a Bookaholic)
rated it
liked it
Recommends it for:
12+ who enjoy books exploring friendships, bullying & gender identity.
This review was originally published on Blogs of a Bookaholic.
An amazing step forward in diversity in publishing, not such a step forward in engrossing storytelling.
As both a reader and a psychology student, I’m always on the lookout for YA books that tackle serious topics and incorporate them into stories, whether that’s mental health, rare disorders or, in this case, gender identity. As a student, I was lucky enough to cover gender as a topic and it really opened my eyes, so I was excited to d ...more
When I first picked up this book I had really high hopes for it. The idea of a young transgender protagonist was really appealing and (as fickle as this may be) I love the cover. It's what drew me in.
Having just finished the book, my overall thoughts are good, but not great.
Story wise I really enjoyed it. I think the overall story was great. Both David and Leo are wonderful characters and I loved their inner monologues of their struggle with being transgender; they were thoughtful and they wer ...more
Having just finished the book, my overall thoughts are good, but not great.
Story wise I really enjoyed it. I think the overall story was great. Both David and Leo are wonderful characters and I loved their inner monologues of their struggle with being transgender; they were thoughtful and they wer ...more
Dec 17, 2014
Lucy Powrie
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
favourites,
review-books,
ukya-2014-read,
contemporary,
arcs,
debut,
physical-review-copies,
own-books,
signed,
to-review
The buzz around the release of The Art of Being Normal has been crazy! So many of my trusted friends and fellow reviewers have loved it so the pressure was on when I chose to read it myself.
Williamson has created a novel I wish had been written years ago. It’s incredibly brave – I don’t think there’s anything too similar to it published at the moment – and it stands out because of its themes and content. However, I’m sad because I wish there were more books just like The Art of Being Normal. I’m ...more
Williamson has created a novel I wish had been written years ago. It’s incredibly brave – I don’t think there’s anything too similar to it published at the moment – and it stands out because of its themes and content. However, I’m sad because I wish there were more books just like The Art of Being Normal. I’m ...more
I first read this book a few months ago and I thought it was a definite 5-star read. However now that I've re-read it, I really don't like it as much as before. I think (more than anything) Leo's character annoyed me a lot, I think he was rude and arrogant and Megan deserves better. I thought the ending felt oddly forced and unrealistic. However, it was a book that tackled lgbt issues well and I would recommend to anyone who wants to know what it truly feels like to be transgender; I think that
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| the families | 2 | 16 | Oct 30, 2017 09:30AM | |
| YA LGBT Books: * Sept 2016 BotM - LGBTQ+ - The Art of Being Normal - spoilers | 26 | 137 | Sep 16, 2016 06:13AM | |
| ♥!The Young Adult...: The Art of Being Normal | 1 | 22 | Jan 31, 2016 09:16PM | |
| Transgender Teens | 1 | 56 | Feb 03, 2015 02:55AM |
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“[...] 'Normale' jongens hebben geen moeder zoals die van mij, die je met ziekelijk leedvermaak vertelt dat het leven niet eerlijk is, alsof de oneerlijkheid van het leven zo'n beetje het enige is waarin ze gelooft. [...]”
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“I am fourteen and time is running out.”
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