Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

Release Date: February 25, 2013

Publisher: HarperTeen

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 336

Summary: 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.  

My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure what to think of this one as I started. It did feel a little bit young. I’m not sure if it was the writing or what. But I did enjoy it a lot.

We are introduced to Alexi who lives with her parents. She also has an older sister and is close with her future brother in law.

Lex has been through a lot. After getting sexually harassed by someone she knows, she’s shut herself off to the world and tries to stay to herself except a few friends. And they don’t even know the real truth. Her neighbor Bodee ends up going through his own dilemma and after his father kills his mother, he starts living with Lex’s family. I loved his nickname; the kool-aid kid. I had no idea where that nickname came from but once I found out, it made it even cuter!

There is also another guy in Lex’s life. His name is Captain Lyric. He leaves lyrics on her desk and she has no idea who he is. They write back and forth and Lex finds herself falling for him. But she also kinda likes Bodee. But, he’s more of a friend than anything else. Bodee and Lex comfort each other and help one another heal. Captain Lyric is just a cool guy, but a nice distraction for Lex. He gives her hope.

I loved seeing Lex and Bodee help heal each other. They both had real problems and once I found out who hurt Lex, I wanted to punch him so hard! It surprised me even though I should have seen it coming sooner.

Faking Normal was a beautiful debut and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Overall: I actually really enjoyed this one and raced through it. Even though it was heartbreaking, it had some funny moments and a few smile worthy moments. The kind where you grin ear to ear. I really liked this one. This is one that you should surely add to your debut list this year!

Cover: Like it! I love how normal the girl looks, with her freckles and all. I really like this cover even though it is kind of ordinary. 

What I'd Give It: