Book Review: Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

Faking Normal
Author: Courtney C. Stevens
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: February 25th 2014
Review Source: HarperCollins | Edelweiss

An edgy, realistic, and utterly captivating novel from an exciting new voice in teen fiction.

Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does.

When Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in "the Kool-Aid Kid," who has secrets of his own. As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally face the truth.

A searing, poignant book, Faking Normal is the extraordinary debut novel from an exciting new author-Courtney C. Stevens

Faking Normal is one of those books that once you start reading you cannot put it down. Well, at least in my case. I couldn’t put this book down. It intrigued me from the very moment I saw the cover. I wanted to know why this girl is so sad. After reading the synopsis, I wanted to find out who did this to this poor girl. See, Faking Normal deals with a sensitive topic. And as you may know, I am always all over these kind of stories and it didn't disappoint! Faking Normal was touching, emotionally and well captured.

Alexi is a girl that is broken. A girl who thinks no one can fix her. She hides a secret to protect a friend. A secret that is killing her slowly. A secret in which her demons blocks her memories. Worst of all, no one, not even her family knows about. Her innocent was taken away and all she does is pretend to be normal. She’s faking normal.

Bodee is a broken boy, with a rough past. He has always hidden from this awkwardness. He has always been invisible to everyone. Now that everyone knows that his father is a murder, one that killed his own mother, the spot light has been on him.

With the help of Alexi’s mother, Bodee moves in with them. This is when Alexi and Bodee begin a friendship. This is when they both discover the truth about themselves, their secrets. I love how they both see each other when others cannot. I love how they both help each other. They both learn that they alone can save themselves from their own demons.

My only issue with Faking Normal is the end. I was not happy with the outcome. I wanted justice. This is what he deserves! Ugh, seriously frustrating!

Overall, Faking Normal was a phenomenal read. Courtney Stevens is an extraordinary debut author. She captured this story perfectly. I loved Alexi and Bodee. They are both strong individuals. Together they make an awesome couple. They help each other. They learn from each other. I loved them. I loved Faking Normal and I cannot wait for everyone else to read it! Seriously, go read this story!

P.S - After reading the book, I think the cover captures this story well. I also wonder if those are not trees but brain stems. Because when I was in Biology class, those always looked like trees to me. And well the brain is a funny thing when it comes to memories…