Normal

by Conor Nolan

"Most of us will never be ok, we'll just get better at dealing with it. I hope the flashbacks make sense now." Somewhere along the journey of social and societal evolution, a devastating idea known as 'the norm' came out to play. The blissfully ignorant finger of stigma and judgement pointed at us, paralysed us, and left us afraid to discuss life's delicate matters of mental illness, ambition, and individuality. A teenage life of giving this 'normality' the middle finger gifted twenty-year-old Conor with fulfilment, happiness, and self-awareness. But not without a cost. Amidst the unsuspecting excitement of a lively house party, Conor talks his way through the hairpins and chicanes of an emotional racetrack. With the persuasion of an open-minded stranger, he tells his decade long story of mental struggles, misunderstandings, and how his fight against 'the norm' taught him the fragile yet priceless nature of our own lives.

172 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2020

Reviews

[Máire O’Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read and thought provoking.

What is 'Normal' and who defines 'Normal'. This book illustrates clearly the impact that fitting into perceived social norms in rural Ireland can have on a young boy. From developing anorexia in the pursuit of making the football team at 10 to becoming a champion weight-lifter in college. Normal challenges parents, the education system, sporting organisations and young people to respect the individual for who they are not what they feel they should be.

Written by a wise head on young shoulders. Normal is a journey to mental health expertly told including recovery from anorexia, dealing with depression to finding ones place in the world. I thoroughly recommend this book.

[Aoife Monaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Publishing Push for sending me a copy of Normal to review.

I'll admit that although it did take me a little while to get around to reading but wow, once I did, I just couldn't put it down and pretty much read it in one sitting. Without a shadow of a doubt I'd rate this book 5 stars and would recommend this to everyone and anyone.

'Normal' is a self- help book written by 21 year old Irishman, Conor Nolan and in this book, he talks about his struggles with anorexia and mental health throughout his youth. This book started as an idea and just a year later, became a reality.

It aims to encourage other people to be themselves, open up more and, most of all, to not be afraid to talk. Always be mindful of how you treat people because you never know what someone is going through but no matter what, you are not alone and there is always someone to help.

Anyone who has been through therapy or counselling for mental health may be aware of the analogy of 'The Monkey' who constantly feeds you negative thoughts and feeds you with ideas that you don't want to have but just can't help it. In Conor's book, he too talks about 'The Monkey' and how eventually he was able to celebrate that it had finally left after first "breaking his cymbals".

I really do think that anyone who reads this book will learn something and it could potentially change their lives. I related to so much of this story and I know so many people also will. This book will teach you that you are not alone and although you might not feel it all the time; you are here for a reason and there is so much to be grateful for and "experience is the best teacher" as well as knowing the fact that your survival kit for the toughest times is going to be those hold you dearest.

"Sometimes, in our lifetime we may need a qualified mechanic to step in and fix this combustion chamber that they call a brain. It's amazing how the right help can change everything".

I genuinely think I could ramble on about this book for hours but I really just want to urge whoever can to read it because it truly was fantastic.

[Anne Watson]

Well done Conor on publishing your first book. I would highly recommend that everyone gets a copy as there is wisdom to be found on every page. Conor has an exceptional talent in telling his story through his own eyes. It allows the reader to have hope as Conor overcomes so much at a very young age. It inspires the reader to continue in life no matter how difficult the situation maybe just like Conor did.
A great read and a great writer

[Anita Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written by a young man that is from my village in Co Cavan. I knew of his struggles when he was younger but had no idea how difficult life as a teenage boy could be x really well written, really honest and thought provoking. Great read for parents teachers, football coaches and teenagers x would definitely recommend.

[Carla Nealon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational
What a wonderful thought-provoking inspiring book by an exceptional young man. This book should be compulsory reading material in schools for teenagers to let them know that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Well done Conor you should be super proud.




 

[Theodora]

2.5/5. I feel like he could have used more than 12 months to write this book. It feels premature and flowing with difficulties.