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Differently Normal

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A spellbinding love story of hopes, dreams and sacrifice, for anyone who loved The Fault in Our Stars or Me Before You.

If it doesn't break your heart, it isn't love...

For Maddy, life is all about routine. It has to be, to keep her autistic sister happy and healthy. With just Maddy and her mother as Bee's full-time carers, there's no time in Maddy's life for complications like friends, let alone a boyfriend. So when Bee meets Albert, the last thing on her mind is falling in love.

Albert has resigned himself to always being a disappointment to his strict father. But then he meets Maddy, and gets a glimpse of what being part of a functioning family can be like - and the tremendous sacrifices people will make for the ones they love.

But are Maddy and Albert willing to make the biggest of sacrifices for each other? Some things, they are about to discover, are outside of their control...

Differently Normal is a love story with the biggest of hearts. It shows us that anyone can find love, and anyone has the capacity to love, even when the odds are stacked against them.

What readers are saying:

'How I wish I could give more than 5 stars! Reading this book will make you laugh and cry and feel every emotion in between' *****

'I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to read this. Breathtaking and heartbreaking, the emotions really take a battering' *****

'If you're after an emotional love story that takes you on a journey of struggles and heartache, I highly recommend this book. Just remember to buy a box of tissues' *****

'I was blown away' *****

'Unforgettable. A must read' *****

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

72 people are currently reading
714 people want to read

About the author

Tammy Robinson

19 books192 followers

Tammy Robinson is a contemporary author from the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. After years spent working her way around the world, Tammy settled back in New Zealand, where she met her husband. They now have three children and live on a farm. She published her first six novels through Amazon before she was signed to Hachette, who published DIFFERENTLY NORMAL and PHOTOS OF YOU, with several worldwide translations. PHOTOS OF YOU has been optioned for film by LA Production company MRC Film, to be produced by Elizabeth Cantillon. Tammy's ninth book, BACK TO YOU, will be published April 27th 2021 by Hachette.

Find her on Facebook - Tammy Robinson - Author
Instagram- Tammy Robinson author
Or follow her on Twitter - @TammyRobinson76

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5 stars
466 (38%)
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439 (36%)
3 stars
225 (18%)
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57 (4%)
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23 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,539 reviews244 followers
December 13, 2019
This is my seventh Tammy Robinson book and the first one that I havent really enjoyed. This read more YA to me and while I do enjoy YA I do need to be in the mood for it and as I wasnt expecting it to be YA it kind of threw me off.

I also dont get the title of this book, the title and blurb suggest you will be following an autistic character but actually she has a very minimal role in the book and you're following a hate to love romance between two youngsters of whom I have no idea of their ages as its reads like under 16's but they both have jobs, cars and adult responsibilities.

Overall I just found this book weird, I dont understand the age its marketed at, its genre or what it even wanted you to feel.

Two stars.
Profile Image for Jules.
1,073 reviews231 followers
April 16, 2017
Having read and loved a few books by this author, I was really looking forward to reading Differently Normal. Yet again, I’m pleased to announce this was another wonderfully emotional book by a very talented author.

This story started off quite funny and light hearted, with me giggling at a Santa Claus look-a-like and what he gets up to in his spare time, and moustache waxing, as my hubby has wax for his moustache and oil for his winter beard, and no, I’m not married to Santa Claus, before anyone asks.

As I progressed through this book, I became much more emotionally involved, and felt the story weighing down on me more and more. This is a touching and heart breaking tale of family bonds, family struggles, health issues and young love.

Being married to someone who has had seizures in the past, I could relate to how awful it is watching someone you love having seizures, and how incredibly terrifying it is to witness it happening.

I don’t want to say any more about the plot, other than while a part of me loved how this book ended, another part of me kept trying to re-write parts of this book to try and prevent emotions I could feel bubbling up inside me.

If you are after a fluffy feel good book, this definitely isn’t for you. However, if you’re after an emotional love story, with real feeling characters, that takes you on a journey of struggles and heartache, I highly recommend this book. Just remember to buy a box of tissues at the same time as buying this book, as I suspect you will have to wipe away your own tears at some point throughout this story.
Profile Image for Tracy Fenton.
1,118 reviews216 followers
April 15, 2017
I have been in a bit of a reading slump this month, my reading mojo went AWOL and every book I started felt a bit "meh". As April is also Autism Awareness Month and having previously read and enjoyed a couple of books by Tammy Robinson Differently Normal seemed the obvious book to read next.

Almost instantly I am transported into Bee, Maddy and Alberts world. The author brings these wonderful loveable and likeable characters to life and this beautifully written sensitive story about family, love, responsibility is both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures.

I particularly love Tammy Robinson's subtle sense of humour which brought a smile to my face even in the saddest moments. The subject matter of living with an autistic family member was written with such sensitivity and described Bee's way of coping with life and educated the reader at the same time.

I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Tara Lyons.
Author 12 books108 followers
July 18, 2017
I always worry my reviews will not do Tammy Robinson's books justice. I am a crime/thriller lover, but it's this author I always go to when I need a break. When I need something beautiful. When I need my heart to be filled with emotion.

She's done it again - Differently Normal is a story told with stunning imagery, honest characters and real emotion. I read it in two sittings (yes, that is fast for me) because the author drew me in and I was absorbed with the characters.

I loved the alternating chapters between Maddy and Albert - a device the author used in one of my favourite books of hers, Charlie & Pearl - because you get inside the minds of the main characters and understand them all the better for it.

A wonderfully written book, published in April 2017, as this is Autism Awareness Month, I highly recommend Differently Normal.
Profile Image for Rebecca If Only I Could Read Faster.
249 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2017
If you have yet to read any books by Tammy Robinson then you really are missing out. Tammy writes incredibly emotive stories, with great characters that you can’t help but care about.

Differently Normal tells the story of Maddy, a teenager living with her mum and her sister Bee. Bee has autism and requires 24/7 care and it’s down to Maddy and her mum to provide it. For Maddy, juggling working and caring for her much loved sister leaves her little time for much else, she has been forced to grow up too quickly, but she’s happy with her life and knows that Bee needs her.

And then she meets Albert. Albert is instantly attracted to Maddy, and gradually she comes to realise that there’s something very special about Albert and that he respects her responsibilities at home.

I don’t want to give too much away but I just loved reading about Maddy and Albert, it was a heartwarming story that at times was incredibly sad, yet it also managed to make me laugh out loud a number of times.

Tammy Robinson has excelled herself with this book, her portrayal of Bee is just wonderful, the book shows the reader how difficult it can be to love and care for a child with autism, but also how wonderful and rewarding it can be. Bee such a lovely character who brought real love and humour to the story.

I don’t do spoilers in my reviews but I will say that the ending of Different Normal was not what I had been expecting, the author skillfully handled the events in the book and I have to say, it took my heart some time to recover. I suggest that you don’t read the end of this book in public!

An easy 5* read for me, and one that will appeal to a wide range of readers, both young and old.

If you liked this review then you can read more on my blog at www.ifonlyicouldreadaster.com
Profile Image for Sarah.
146 reviews23 followers
March 11, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Hachette Australia in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Differently Normal is a poignantly moving novel that left me a blubbering but smiling mess by the time I finished the last page - It is a book I didn’t know I needed in my life.

I should have known that this book was going to break my heart from the description on the cover “If it doesn’t break your heart, it isn’t first love” – however I couldn’t stop myself from hoping throughout the whole novel for a happy ending. Differently Normal is full of love, laughter and first love that had me grinning from ear to ear, however it isn’t all roses and butterflies. Heartache, inner turmoil, domestic abuse, ignorance and tragedy are also themes within this book.

Differently Normal features chapters from our main protagonist Maddy and a boy she meets; Albert. Maddy doesn’t have a very “normal” life – she is also, along with her mother, a full time care taker to her Autistic sister Bee. Bee features heavily throughout the novel and nearly every scene that she was in left me smiling and at times, giggling to myself – she was so happy, innocent and bubbly. She lit up the scene and warmed my heart. It was also heartbreaking – when she suffered from her epileptic fits, it was so hard to read, knowing she didn’t really understand what was happening.

Maddy is quite set with her life, knowing she will never be able to leave or accomplish her dream to be a photographer – she could never leave Bee. Her sense of responsibility and loyalty to her family is endearing and sad at the same time. Maddy is very protective of those close to her, it takes a lot for someone to win her over – something that Albert manages to do.

Albert, beautiful and caring Albert. His family life broke my heart – his father and brother were misogynistic *insert words I am unable to put here*. Constantly thrown under a bus by his father and belittled everyday about not being a proper “man”. Even poor Alberts mother feared her husband – she flinches when he touches her and hides in the laundry. Albert was the complete opposite of his father and his endeavour to win over Maddy left me wishing for an Albert of my own!

The plot moves at the perfect pace throughout the novel. This is a book about first love and it never loses sight of it throughout the events that occur.

The end of this novel had me in tears – literally sobbing, however it wasn’t just because of sad events but because I was so happy that out of tragedy comes triumph and some of the characters in the novel (I won’t say who – spoiler free review!) found their courage to make changes in their lives.

Differently Normal raises autism awareness and shows the ups and downs of everyday life. Overcoming tragedies, moving forward with life and taking on new challenges.

Nobody is perfect, everybody is different = Differently Normal.
Profile Image for Christine Owens.
73 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2018
Loved it! The author writes so brilliantly you can't help but fall in love with the main characters Albert and Maddy. The dialogue between them is excellent and made me laugh out loud at some parts. This story takes you through a range of emotions sadness, happiness, anger, frustration and makes you laugh and cry. All I can say is make it your next read, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Sue Clement.
201 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2017
Another beautiful book from Tammy and yes more tears were shed. A wonderful story that follows a powerful love story between a young couple. Each with their own difficulties. Could not put this book down. The writing just pulls you deeper in and attaches you to the characters from page one. Simply delightful.
Profile Image for Stephanie (earlgreyreads).
292 reviews11 followers
April 16, 2019
Differently normal is a really sweet, yet heartbreaking love story. Since graduating, Maddie has had to turn down any thoughts of going to college in order to stay home and help her mother to look after her younger sister, Bee. Bee has autism and requires full time care. Between work at a photo print shop and watching her sister, Maddie and doesn't have time for friends or relationships. This all changes when she meets Albert. Albert works at the stable where Bee has riding lessons. Albert is dealing with his own family issues due to a verbally abusive and hostile father. Maddie and Albert slowly begin a relationship, and encounter many complications due to each of their family responsibilities.

I really liked this quick read. It is a YA, but both Maddie and Albert are in their early twenties, so I think it can be enjoyed by many different ages. Autism is a topic that is slowly gaining awareness, so it is very interesting to read a first person account of living with an autistic family member. The author is very respectful in the approach to this, and mentions a few times that autism does not present itself the same way in everyone, and different people have varying levels of abilities. This novel also deals with parental abuse and tragedy, so be warned that there are some heavy moments, and if you're like me you may shed some tears.

The story alternates between Maddie and Albert's points of view, which really works here. It moves at a fast pace and kept me interested! Maddie is a very strong, female character, and I loved how this book showed that it is okay for plans to change, and dreams to change!

Thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Fiona Wilson.
Author 2 books57 followers
April 24, 2017
I am a huge fan of this author and her books. Having met the young lady this book is dedicated to, as well as her lovely mother, I couldn't wait to see how the author dealt with the subject matter. I can honestly say I was blown away with the sensitivity the author showed throughout the story, while also managing to provide a lot of humour.

The story itself is brilliantly done. The author has shown her ability to tell a good story many times in the past, but this one takes her storytelling to a whole new level. I laughed a lot at some of the expressions Poppy comes out with, my favourite being one I can't possibly repeat here due to the language used. I was totally shocked by one specific part of the story, but I can see why it had to go the way it does.

A great story about a sensitive subject, told very well.

Profile Image for Maggie.
1,986 reviews58 followers
April 8, 2017
What a delight this book was!I read it through in one sitting on a long journey & was really sorry to finish it.

The characters really leap out the page- or you leap into their world! Albert- a gentle soul with a domineering father, a downtrodden mother and a bullying brother, struggles to be his own man and follow his own path. That path takes him to working in a riding stable which also offers riding lessons for people with disabilities. It is there he meets Maddy, who had brought her sister Bee, who is Autistic. Maddy doesn't have a great life either. Struggling to help her mother- who is single with little support, keep a roof over their heads and keep Bee's life orderly and happy.

An uneasy friendship begins between Maddy & Albert that soon develops into much more than they had imagined.

I've never read any of Tammy Robinson's books before, so now I must do some catching up! Thanks to TBC for introducing me to this wonderful five star book.
Profile Image for Jackie Roche.
538 reviews19 followers
April 3, 2017
How I wish I could give more than 5 stars!
Tammy Robinson's books just keep getting better and better.
Since being introduced to Tammy's books by a friend, I have read , no devoured each one in a matter of hours. As soon as I start reading I am immediately transported to the location and know that I will meet characters that I will fall in love with.
I class myself as very lucky as I know the young lady that Bee is based on. She is exactly as portrayed in the book.
Reading this book will make you laugh and cry and feel every emotion in between.
If you only read one book this year make it "Differently Normal".
I can't wait for Tammy's next book.
Profile Image for Stacey (sassysreadingnook).
637 reviews74 followers
February 19, 2018
I simply LOVED this book, I was hooked from start to finish.

A brilliantly written story that will bring out all the emotions in you. I laughed, I cried, I got mad and I definitely got frustrated. You know it's a good book when you close the last page and you're still reeling from all the emotions it brought forth in you.

This is m first book by Tammy Robinson and I can say now, it definitely won't be my last. I'm so glad that I was introduced to her work.

I simply adored Albert & Maddy. I can see myself having a reread very soon.


Highly recommend picking this book up!
Profile Image for Asimah Akhtar.
130 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2017
One word: WOW! Having read all her previous books, I was so excited when I heard Tammy Robinson had another book out. And she never fails to disappoint!

This story is about Maddy and Albert who both have very complicated home lives, however help each other get through life's difficulties. This is a beautifully written story, which touched me very much. Full of fun, love and laughs this book will stay with me for a very long time.

I would give it more than five stars if I could!
Profile Image for Jayne O’Malley.
24 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2017
I loved this book, so much so I didn't want it to end!
Cleverly written with characters you feel like you know and settings you can imagine being in.
Stirred a mixture of emotions as I read from laughing to crying.
First time I have read anything from this author, now can't wait to read some more of her talented writing,
Profile Image for Gemma.
109 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2017
Loved it, the character bee was very well written.
478 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2017
A really delightful book, from its wonderfully apt title through to the very last word. The characters are so believable and real; I was drawn right into the story, emotionally caught up in the fraught yet loving relationships within Maddy’s family and the developing love affair between her and Al-bear. Tammy Robinson has created something truly magical in her evocation of this relationship; one that starts off as awkwardly as only young love can, and then evolves into something extraordinarily beautiful. And of course Bee, Maddy’s autistic sister, is simply enchanting. Despite not taking up huge amounts of page space, Bee sits powerfully at the heart of this story, dictating the lives of all those around her. She really stole my heart. Recommended. (PS: This will definitely appeal to those who loved Fault in our Stars, by John Green, and is equally worthy of a movie)
Profile Image for Nikolka .
33 reviews
July 1, 2018
Já vám nějak nevím, ne že by to byla špatná knížka, to vůbec, ale asi jsem ji nečetla ve správném rozpoložení. Nebo možná věku.

Maddy I Albert mi byli moc sympatičtí, Albertova otce bych, s prominutím, nejradši pověsila za koule do průvanu jak příšerný byl.

Možná, že kdyby nebylo na obálce to přirovnání k Hvězdám a Než jsem tě poznala, užila bych si to víc, protože takhle jsem podobný vývoj čekala a možná jsem v tom až moc viděla/hledala spojitosti se zmíněnými díly a to je spíše na škodu.

Každopádně máte -li chuť si knihu přečíst, nenechte se odradit mou nedostatečnou nadšeností. Věřím, že hlavně čtenáře youngadult knížek příběh nadchne.

Za mě tak 3,5 hvězdičky, špatné to nebylo, vlastně se mi to i líbilo, ale. Prostě tam cítím to ale...
Profile Image for Melindaaaa.
568 reviews38 followers
July 27, 2018
Tak tohle bylo super roztomilý, super srdceryvný, nepatetický a tak vůbec krásně udělaný. Nebýt toho, že jsem dočítala na veřejnosti a snažila se ovládat, tak to obrečím. Fakt mi Tammy sedla do nálady a všechno co se do příběhu rozhodla použít dávalo smysl, nebylo prvoplánový a jen na efekt. Prostě pecka.
80 %
http://books-postcards-geocaches.blog...
Profile Image for Roni Ramone.
28 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2018
I don’t think I’ve ever rolled my eyes at a book as much as I did while reading this
Profile Image for Sabina.
395 reviews71 followers
July 19, 2018
Normálně jiní není příliš známá u nás a myslím, že je to škoda. Za krásnou ale nenápadnou obálkou se skrývá silný příběh. Hlavní hrdinové, Maddy a Albert si získali mé srdce okamžitě. Jejich charaktery a odvaha mi byli neskutečně blízko. Autorka se pustila do příběhu dvou různých rodin - jedna, kterou nezlomí ani nedostatek prostředků a už vůbec ne autismus. Druhá ovšem ztrácí čas tím, že si neváží jednotlivých členů domácnosti. Dvě různé rodiny, dva mladí lidé a jedna výjimečná kniha. Normálně jiní vám velmi doporučuji. Knihu jsem měla velmi rychle přečtenou, bavila mě. Romantické chvilky na pláži mi zpříjemňovali horké letní dny. Ovšem nejen že mi dokázala vyvolat úsměv na tváři, také mě dokázala rozplakat. A to zrovna ve chvíli, kdy jsem to opravdu nečekala. Sice mi to trošku k příběhu nesedělo, chvílemi jsem měla pocit, že to tam autorka takto dotlačila ale OK. Posledních pár stran bylo jiných, ale ta většina knihy byla mimořádná. Doporučuji :-)
Profile Image for Sue Kitt.
456 reviews15 followers
April 11, 2017
Differently Normal is a sweet and captivating story of love, family that I found to be emotional and heartbreaking.
Maddy is a young woman, who along with her mother, cares for her younger sister Bee, who is autistic. Maddy is not looking for a relationship due to her responsibilities towards Bee, so when she meet the sweet and gentle Albert, she does not expect or want to fall in love with him.
I loved the characters of Maddy and Albert, so genuine and believable.
Tammy Robinson has once again written a beautiful and moving book that tugged at my heartstrings and I highly recommend Differently Normal.
Profile Image for Em Yarnell.
208 reviews5 followers
April 8, 2017
I genuinely could not put this down. Normally quite a slow reader I started and finished it in the same day. Beautifully written with characters you can't help but fall in love with, I found myself willing them on desperate to know their fate. A truly moving, extremely accurate portrayal of human nature and nurture. Completely up to date and very relevant portrayal of individuals on the spectrum and the joy and sorrow they bring to those who know them. As a mum of a differently normal little girl, I found it incredible to read and will definitely be reading it again!
Profile Image for Philippa Mckenna.
453 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2017
Written in Tammy Robinson's inimitable style, this really is a beautiful book, told through the dual perspectives of Maddy and Albert. Maddy lives with her mum, and her autistic sister, Bee. Then she meets Albert (Albear, like the French!) and both their world's are turned upside down. Such a great book! The only reason I give it 4* and not 5*, is purely because it doesn't beat Charlie & Pearl; another smasher by this author. If you haven't read Tammy's books, then DO IT NOW!!
Profile Image for Vicky.
61 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2017
Wow what a beautiful book. I wanted to give it more than 5*. Immediately i was drawn into the lives of the characters, particularly Maddy and Albert. I loved how their love story developed, particularly at the beginning when she was been stubborn and didn't want to date him. I can understand her barriers due to the love and care she has for her own family. I loved the relationship between Maddy, Bee and her mum.
Such a beautifully written story, that had me in tears. I'll definitely look out for more of Tammy Robinson books in the future.
1,464 reviews47 followers
May 2, 2017
Another beautiful tale from Tammy robinson. Loved the cast of characters, especially Maddy, Bee and Al-Bert! Really brings to life the challenges of dealing with a child with autism. Told with humour, realism and warmth, you can really get insights into the lives of the main characters. I particularly enjoyed the scenes on the beach and the descriptions of the starlit night. Another good read from Tammy Robinson. 4.5* Recommended.
Profile Image for Tereeeza.
259 reviews44 followers
November 6, 2018
V rámci žanru dávám 4*. Čekala jsem knížku na pár hodin a tu jsem dostala. Postavy nejsou popsané moc do hloubky, popisy a charaktery známe, ale ničemu to nevadí, když se společně s Maddie a Albertem necháte unášet na vlnách. Ať už je zavedou kamkoliv. Srdce mám zlomené a jsem smutná, ale rozhodně nelituju.
Profile Image for Simon Leonard.
510 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2017
This is yet another brilliantly moving story by Tammy. It kept me entranced and engaged throughout the whole book and I read it in two sittings as I couldn't put it down. I recommend it to everyone as the characters are engaging and the storyline flows beautifully.
432 reviews12 followers
April 6, 2017
Another beautiful and intensely moving book from Tammy Robinson. She has such an understanding of human relationships that every character is crafted to be utterly believable. The blossoming relationship between Maddy and Albert draws you right in and you really want all to be right for them so that they get their haven from the trials that we call life. The characters of Bee and her Mum and Albert's family are also well-written, I liked where I should and despised where needed!
This book made me smile, weep and rage but above all it made me feel which is surely what a quality author aims to do - well, you got me Tammy Robinson: good and proper.
Profile Image for Karen Farrow.
718 reviews13 followers
April 9, 2017
I loved this book from start to finish and tugs at every heartstring, if you have a heart!. It highlights the impact of autism on a family, regardless of colour, creed or wealth. The effects on a "child" within that family is heart breaking but for that "child" to find someone who understands and sympathises is delightful and heartwarming. Definitely one to read!
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