I was looking for a quick last-minute read to finish off the month, and decided to give Anything But Normal a try. Even though it is a YA novel, it definitely piqued my interest! But then, I already am a big Melody Carlson fan, and own plenty of her books I've happily reviewed. I have to give her credit - no matter the audience for whom she writes, Ms. Carlson has a way of telling a poignant story.

Anything But Normal is about one teen girl's struggles as she faces some difficult choices that rock her faith, and leave her questioning who her real friends are. As a mom of a teen daughter, this story hit home for me in how girls just like her will have their purity tested during the next handful of years. What I liked best about Anything But Normal is its brutal honesty - in telling of human nature between boys and girls, the conflicts that exist between the views of the church versus the community. Overall, it gives you something to consider, as to what is important, that there is no one right answer, and faith and forgiveness can take many paths. Great theme with an even greater message by the book's end. ( )

My Synopsis:

Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson

(For review from Revell Books - Blog Tour Dates February 7-23)

Sophie Ramsey spent the summer working at a Church Camp, but it’s now it’s time for school to start again. Sophie is an honor student, on the yearbook staff and up for editor of the school newspaper. She’s a faithful member of the Youth Group and has a great group of friends.

But, while all the other girls are thinking about school dances and the cutest boys, Sophie is consumed by a secret. A secret that won’t stay hidden for long. What will Sophie do? How can tell her parents? Will her friends ever forgive her? Can she forgive herself?

My Thoughts:

Sophie’s story rings very true. Readers will easily identify with Sophie’s dilemma. She is in denial about what is really going on, though deep down she knows it’s only a matter of time before someone finds out. Haven’t you ever had a secret that you just wanted to forget about? If you don’t think about it, maybe it will go away. I think we’ve all felt that way.

The YA (Young Adult) novel is all about understanding what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. Sophie finds out what it’s like to be on the other side. One of the people that she might have looked down on in the past. She is able to learn that things aren’t always what they seem.

Though she struggles with her situation and with her faith in God she eventually gets it straight in her head and her heart. I loved Sophie’s character, she was so strong in the face of a life changing decision.
This book is definitely a good teen read and adults will love it as well.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag! ( )