Differently Normal by Tammy Robinson Review

Differently Normal by Tammy Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was not prepared for this book. I was not properly warned of how it would end. I was not ready for any of it! But I'd read it all over again, knowing what I now know.

5 stars minimum! I loved this author's writing style, her little jabs of humor, the crippling heartbreak and emotion and her ability to make you feel like you were right there living alongside the characters.

Maddy, sweet Maddy. So selfless and caring. She literally gave up her entire life to help care for her little sister. Putting all of her dreams and aspirations on hold, because she knew she had to. And she did it without malice or spite. She was just that good of a person down to her soul.

My favorite quote from Differently Normal:
"I feel adrift on the wave, buffered by storms, completely vulnerable. And there is Albert, the lighthouse in my darkness. The beacon of hope that, despite everything I promised myself going into this, the shields I put up, I've now come to depend on more than I care to admit even to myself. How did I let this happen? How could I have let him into my heart so deeply that the thought now of ever going back to how my life was before him fills me with complete terror?"

Gah! I feel you Maddy! I was infatuated with Albert from the moment his character made an appearance in the story. I felt like his personality was so humble and honest. His family drama was extremely relatable and real. He was just so darn sweet and charismatic, not only to Maddy but to her sister Bee as well. He was a genuine good guy who deserved everything in the world. My heart couldn't have been more full, the more him and Maddy grew to know and love one another.

To say I was blindsided by the last 10% of the book would be an understatement. I did not see the ending coming. I didn't even have a tiny bit of suspicion. I was completely and utterly shocked. How could the author go and do that to the reader!?!?! I had such a hard time finishing the book because I was mentally and emotionally drained. But I loved how the story wrapped up! I was so proud of Albert's mother and her transformation.

Being an international author, some terms in the story I had to look up but that kind of made the read more fun. Exposed me to phrases and words I hadn't heard used before in America.

Tammy Robinson did an incredible job of writing an authentic character on the Autism spectrum. Bee's character was written with such raw honesty. Every behavior, every outburst, every mannerism, it was all so realistic and true to the disorder. I appreciated this more than I can say. I sought out this book specifically for the inclusion of an autistic character (didn't matter that she was a supporting character). The movie theater scene was one of my favorites, as I have experienced that exact same outing with my own autistic child and felt like I was reliving that moment.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. While it was a YA read, it was extremely mature and emotional. The topics were heavy and realistic. The intimate scenes had just enough detail that you weren't left feeling like you were missing out on any of the romance. I cannot wait to read another book by this author!

In conclusion, catch you on the next drift, Al-Bear. <3

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