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Some Kind of Normal
How far would you go to save the life of someone you love? This is the question the Babcock family struggles with when 12-year-old Ashley is diagnosed with diabetes, which quickly turns deadly. A day or two in the hospital stretches into months as the doctors explore every medical alternative to find a way to cope with the mounting complications, but Ashley continues to deteriorate. If faith can cure Ashley, the folks at First Baptist Church are sure they have more than enough to keep her alive. But as Babs watches her daughter's life and death struggle and sees her family start to unravel, she turns to the Internet and science to find a solution the doctors say isn't there.
Paperback 226 pages; 86,384 words
Paperback 226 pages; 86,384 words
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published December 2, 2009
2 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Willis
1 book24 followersI like to read. A lot. And once, a while back, I wrote a book. I was lucky enough to be one of those whose book was actually published, and better still, have many people read. I might write another one some day, but right now, I am back to mostly reading, raising kids, and editing other people's words for a living, and being amazed that a little piece of my heart is floating around in the pages of a book with my name on it. It's a good life.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 16, 2010
"Some Kind of Normal" was breathtaking. It was crisp, clear, honest and every character was lovable.
Set in southern Texas where everyone knows everyone, and everyone goes to church, it's hard to cope with a new disease in the family when they're all breathing down your neck. Especially when they all bring baked goods to heal your wounded heart, even though your 12 year old daughter has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Not only has she got type 1, but soon after diagnosis, they realize she's got an allergy to the insulin as well. So she needs to inject insulin to stay alive, but the insulin she's injecting is killing her.
Babs is the mom who may have only a tenth grade education, but she's got the curiosity and the ability to research the pants off of anyone who challenges her. She is determined to cure her daughter- or atleast find something that will help her daughter (who is very quickly wasting away because she can't eat) live. Babs is funny yet introspective. She is brave and questioning. She has faith in her family, not so much faith in God.
Travis is the dad who has undying faith in his God, believing "God's will" will save his 12 year old daughter. He is strong, spending much time away from the family to make the money and keep the insurance that is supporting the months long stay in the hospital. The adoration from his daughter is enough to carry his love through the whole book.
Logan is the older brother. He acts like a misfit, but he is really the smartest person in this whole book. He is extremely book smart and can teach anyone anything- but hides behind his mohawk hair and bad attitude. He is probably the most mis-understood character in this story. And I probably love him the most.
Ashley is the 12 year old whose life suddenly comes crashing down at diagnosis. Through Babs's eyes, we see Ashley growing sicker and sicker. We see how brave Ashley is to face this disease head-on (not like she has any other choice) And Ashley's unwavering faith in her God is enough to carry the rest of the family through this time.
But, don't get me wrong. "Some Kind of Normal" is NOT a preachy-God-loving book. I'm not even a believer, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms Willis's writing style is beautiful. It's funny when it needs to be and informative when I have no idea what's going on.
As a Diabetes-Fighting-Champion for 12 years, I've never seen the world outside my own. I have known all along that my friends and my family suffer because of my health, but I'd never really THOUGHT about how hard it was when I was first diagnosed. I'm in my 20s now, so I can handle my own life... but when I was just a teen, struggling to find my place in the world, my parents had to watch my body fall apart time and time again. The insuin shock comas are real. The ketoacidosis is real. The allergies and the resistance to the insulins that you have to inject 10 times per day... those are real too.
I have always been a supporter of stem cell research, but felt sick to my stomach knowing they used aborted fetuses. Through this book, I actually learned a whole lot about stem cell research- but it didn't feel like a "factual" read in that I was completely entertained without feeling like I was reading a textbook.
This book should be mainstream. It's a shame it was published by such a small company. This story needs to be told and it was written very well.
This book is told from the point of view of the mom.
For stories told from the type 1 point of view, see great books:
"This Side of Normal" by Eric Devine
or
"Wretched (this is my sorry)" by Katherine Marple
Set in southern Texas where everyone knows everyone, and everyone goes to church, it's hard to cope with a new disease in the family when they're all breathing down your neck. Especially when they all bring baked goods to heal your wounded heart, even though your 12 year old daughter has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Not only has she got type 1, but soon after diagnosis, they realize she's got an allergy to the insulin as well. So she needs to inject insulin to stay alive, but the insulin she's injecting is killing her.
Babs is the mom who may have only a tenth grade education, but she's got the curiosity and the ability to research the pants off of anyone who challenges her. She is determined to cure her daughter- or atleast find something that will help her daughter (who is very quickly wasting away because she can't eat) live. Babs is funny yet introspective. She is brave and questioning. She has faith in her family, not so much faith in God.
Travis is the dad who has undying faith in his God, believing "God's will" will save his 12 year old daughter. He is strong, spending much time away from the family to make the money and keep the insurance that is supporting the months long stay in the hospital. The adoration from his daughter is enough to carry his love through the whole book.
Logan is the older brother. He acts like a misfit, but he is really the smartest person in this whole book. He is extremely book smart and can teach anyone anything- but hides behind his mohawk hair and bad attitude. He is probably the most mis-understood character in this story. And I probably love him the most.
Ashley is the 12 year old whose life suddenly comes crashing down at diagnosis. Through Babs's eyes, we see Ashley growing sicker and sicker. We see how brave Ashley is to face this disease head-on (not like she has any other choice) And Ashley's unwavering faith in her God is enough to carry the rest of the family through this time.
But, don't get me wrong. "Some Kind of Normal" is NOT a preachy-God-loving book. I'm not even a believer, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms Willis's writing style is beautiful. It's funny when it needs to be and informative when I have no idea what's going on.
As a Diabetes-Fighting-Champion for 12 years, I've never seen the world outside my own. I have known all along that my friends and my family suffer because of my health, but I'd never really THOUGHT about how hard it was when I was first diagnosed. I'm in my 20s now, so I can handle my own life... but when I was just a teen, struggling to find my place in the world, my parents had to watch my body fall apart time and time again. The insuin shock comas are real. The ketoacidosis is real. The allergies and the resistance to the insulins that you have to inject 10 times per day... those are real too.
I have always been a supporter of stem cell research, but felt sick to my stomach knowing they used aborted fetuses. Through this book, I actually learned a whole lot about stem cell research- but it didn't feel like a "factual" read in that I was completely entertained without feeling like I was reading a textbook.
This book should be mainstream. It's a shame it was published by such a small company. This story needs to be told and it was written very well.
This book is told from the point of view of the mom.
For stories told from the type 1 point of view, see great books:
"This Side of Normal" by Eric Devine
or
"Wretched (this is my sorry)" by Katherine Marple
December 16, 2012
When I first read Some Kind of Normal I was simply swept away by the story. I found it totally authentic, the characters painfully real, and the struggle excruciatingly gripping. As a parent I could identify with what the family in the book was going through. The plot line was masterfully handled, and even more so, the book had something vital to say.
The second time I read it, I was trying to be more critical, doing biopsies of the characters, checking out their psychology, listening closely to the emotional nuances. Again, I found a consistency I rarely encounter in books, and once more it deepened my appreciation of the author's skill. It was a delightful surprise.
Usually I'm a hard-nosed person, not given to gushing, but as an author myself (with 10 ebooks online) I was impressed by Some Kind of Normal. There have been glowing reviews posted here, I will not add to the many praises, just state how I reacted to it.
The third time I read it, I did so as an author, ready to pick it apart to see why and how it worked so well. The pacing of the story was perfect, never a dull moment, the tension ratcheted by slow, steady degrees. I likened it to an IV drip, constantly adding to the mix until the final climax. In short, I found it to be fit for a master class in writing. I certainly learned from it.
I tried very hard to be negative. No book can be 100 %, but Some Kind of Normal comes close. The only comment I could hit upon was that the Texas community Ms. Willis describes, lines up a little too well with my idea of how that milieu should be, but that probably says more about me than her.
Would I recommend her book? Most definitely yes, all elements fit tightly, the emotions are pitched right, and the book leaves the reader with a lot to think about and take home... in a good way.
The second time I read it, I was trying to be more critical, doing biopsies of the characters, checking out their psychology, listening closely to the emotional nuances. Again, I found a consistency I rarely encounter in books, and once more it deepened my appreciation of the author's skill. It was a delightful surprise.
Usually I'm a hard-nosed person, not given to gushing, but as an author myself (with 10 ebooks online) I was impressed by Some Kind of Normal. There have been glowing reviews posted here, I will not add to the many praises, just state how I reacted to it.
The third time I read it, I did so as an author, ready to pick it apart to see why and how it worked so well. The pacing of the story was perfect, never a dull moment, the tension ratcheted by slow, steady degrees. I likened it to an IV drip, constantly adding to the mix until the final climax. In short, I found it to be fit for a master class in writing. I certainly learned from it.
I tried very hard to be negative. No book can be 100 %, but Some Kind of Normal comes close. The only comment I could hit upon was that the Texas community Ms. Willis describes, lines up a little too well with my idea of how that milieu should be, but that probably says more about me than her.
Would I recommend her book? Most definitely yes, all elements fit tightly, the emotions are pitched right, and the book leaves the reader with a lot to think about and take home... in a good way.
March 12, 2024
Absolutely amazing. I can’t find the right words. I felt like I was reading about my own diagnosis story at so many points it was insane. The mother reminded me of my mama so much and I couldn’t help but cry at so many points. I could have bawled if I had let myself. I started to read it this morning and had to go to class and complete homework when I came home, but I just wanted to keep reading soooo bad.
I was 8 when I was diagnosed. I had women from my Christian school come visit and bring me coloring book, games, homemade cards from my classmates,etc. I had other children be afraid they would “catch it.” I remember nurses who were abrupt and just not sympathetic or warm feeling while me and my family were scared. I seriously seriously connected with this book on a level I have never experienced before.
I obviously did not have an allergic reaction to insulin, but I felt this story and the characters and moments of the plot so personally I can’t explain it.
I’ve had complications with insulin pumps and CGMs in the past when technology wasn’t as good as it is now and it left me terrified. I’ll be on my Medtronic CGM that controls my basel (I can’t spell) rate on it’s own for almost a week now and I’ve felt like a newbie to this game I’ve been playing for 15 years.
The characters were so vivid and amazing, the writing was amazing and easy to digest, it was so relatable.
(It did make me wish I could relate to her cure though after reading it haha. It was so relatable I was starting to feel jealousy). Ugh I also want my mom to read this but I’m afraid it’ll make her TOO emotional! (they are so similar!)
Anyways, just amazing. I wish I could email or contact the author to tell her (I couldn’t find an email online or website that is active). Maybe she can see it here idk but I’m very grateful to her for writing this.
I was 8 when I was diagnosed. I had women from my Christian school come visit and bring me coloring book, games, homemade cards from my classmates,etc. I had other children be afraid they would “catch it.” I remember nurses who were abrupt and just not sympathetic or warm feeling while me and my family were scared. I seriously seriously connected with this book on a level I have never experienced before.
I obviously did not have an allergic reaction to insulin, but I felt this story and the characters and moments of the plot so personally I can’t explain it.
I’ve had complications with insulin pumps and CGMs in the past when technology wasn’t as good as it is now and it left me terrified. I’ll be on my Medtronic CGM that controls my basel (I can’t spell) rate on it’s own for almost a week now and I’ve felt like a newbie to this game I’ve been playing for 15 years.
The characters were so vivid and amazing, the writing was amazing and easy to digest, it was so relatable.
(It did make me wish I could relate to her cure though after reading it haha. It was so relatable I was starting to feel jealousy). Ugh I also want my mom to read this but I’m afraid it’ll make her TOO emotional! (they are so similar!)
Anyways, just amazing. I wish I could email or contact the author to tell her (I couldn’t find an email online or website that is active). Maybe she can see it here idk but I’m very grateful to her for writing this.
June 12, 2010
This book is different to what I usually read. It's a book that I probably wouldn't have taken any notice of, except for the fact that I've been reading the author's blog for about eight or so months. The author writes well balanced, informative posts which I always enjoy and it was for that reason I decided to take a chance on her book.
Babs Babcock is a wife and mother. She's not special in any way. She considers herself unintelligent, uninformed and unlikely to ever amount to anything. She is even unsure in her faith. Her family are normal, everyday battlers. Her husband barely holding on to his job. Her son rebellious and distant. Her daughter a typical pre-teen. When her daughter collapses in the driveway one morning, their lives change forever. Everything they know is thrown aside and the threat of death looms around them constantly.
This is a story of a family battling with difficult decisions that go against everything they believe in. They must fight their inner demons, but they also find themselves fighting against each other and the community. They must sit and watch someone they love deal with pain, discomfort and possible death. They must do this without knowing if their lives will ever return to some kind of normal again.
It's a story that challenges the reader to think about what they would do if they found themselves in a similar situation. It's a story that reminds us that we have no right to judge other people's actions and decisions.
Babs is fictitious, but she's so well written you'd swear she was a real woman with real problems. Because of this, it felt like I was privy to her personal diary and that drew me into the family's crisis and held me tight. Having a family history of type 1 diabetes (although I don't have it myself) I also learned a lot about this medical condition and now understand what aunts and cousins are going through, which I never fully appreciated before.
The book isn't filled with dragons or made up worlds or brave men carrying heavy swords. You won't find action scenes filled with blood and gore or murderous villains with evil thoughts of taking over the world within these pages. What you will find is a mother's battle to keep her daughter alive...and it's so real, it's heart wrenching.
It's an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
Babs Babcock is a wife and mother. She's not special in any way. She considers herself unintelligent, uninformed and unlikely to ever amount to anything. She is even unsure in her faith. Her family are normal, everyday battlers. Her husband barely holding on to his job. Her son rebellious and distant. Her daughter a typical pre-teen. When her daughter collapses in the driveway one morning, their lives change forever. Everything they know is thrown aside and the threat of death looms around them constantly.
This is a story of a family battling with difficult decisions that go against everything they believe in. They must fight their inner demons, but they also find themselves fighting against each other and the community. They must sit and watch someone they love deal with pain, discomfort and possible death. They must do this without knowing if their lives will ever return to some kind of normal again.
It's a story that challenges the reader to think about what they would do if they found themselves in a similar situation. It's a story that reminds us that we have no right to judge other people's actions and decisions.
Babs is fictitious, but she's so well written you'd swear she was a real woman with real problems. Because of this, it felt like I was privy to her personal diary and that drew me into the family's crisis and held me tight. Having a family history of type 1 diabetes (although I don't have it myself) I also learned a lot about this medical condition and now understand what aunts and cousins are going through, which I never fully appreciated before.
The book isn't filled with dragons or made up worlds or brave men carrying heavy swords. You won't find action scenes filled with blood and gore or murderous villains with evil thoughts of taking over the world within these pages. What you will find is a mother's battle to keep her daughter alive...and it's so real, it's heart wrenching.
It's an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2010
I easily fell for Babs, the narrator and heroine of Some Kind of Normal. She's not perfect, she sees her flaws and, partly due to her little education, feels judged by her community. But with courage she fights for her daughter and ends up getting more than she expected out of her sudden upside down life. The story moves at a satisfying pace. The heartful characters are well developed, staying with you long after the last page is read. Some Kind of Normal is much more than its title conveys. An excellent read.
November 20, 2011
From the opening line of this book, I was hooked. This gripping story quickly takes shape, and by the third page, I didn't want to put it down!
The distinctive voice of the main character, Babs Babcock, comes through clear and authentic. Readers will instantly embrace Babs's strong character and quick sarcastic wit. And many will relate to her struggles with faith as well as the powerful love she holds for her family. Armed with only a tenth grade education, this is a parent who will do whatever it takes to save her child! I highly recommend this book--it's an excellent read!
The distinctive voice of the main character, Babs Babcock, comes through clear and authentic. Readers will instantly embrace Babs's strong character and quick sarcastic wit. And many will relate to her struggles with faith as well as the powerful love she holds for her family. Armed with only a tenth grade education, this is a parent who will do whatever it takes to save her child! I highly recommend this book--it's an excellent read!
August 20, 2010
Some kind of Normal was an amazing book! Great characters and wonderful relationships between the parents and the children. I felt like I was there with the family as they went through the diagnosis and all the trials. Babs was a great mom. I could relate to her self doubt and her religious doubts in the face of such a great trial.
August 2, 2011
This was, in the words of one of my favorite fellow authors, "The book of my heart." Thank you for reading it.
July 16, 2011
Very believable characters, heart-wrenching, and hard to put down.
October 20, 2011
The ending is completely impossible, however it still gives people hope, and is nice to think about.
September 8, 2013
Great story, written well, but as an atheist I felt there were many good questions raised, but not answered.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews