The Art of Being Normal

The Art of Being Normal

Lisa Willliamson,

The Art of Being Normal

David Fickling Books, 2015

ISBN 9781910200520

14-16 Shortlist 2016

 

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out of 5
 

 

 

Who Wrote It?

Lisa Williamson was born and grew up in Nottingham. She studied drama at Middlesex University and since graduating has worked as an actor on stage and TV. Between acting jobs Lisa temped in offices across London, typing stories when no one was looking, one of which eventually became The Art of Being Normal. Lisa lives in North London with her boyfriend.

What's It About?

David Piper has always been an outsider. His parents think he’s gay. The school bully thinks he’s a freak. Only his two best friends know the real truth - David wants to be a girl.

On the first day at his new school Leo Denton has one goal - to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in Year 11 is definitely not part of that plan. When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But things are about to get messy. At Eden Park School secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long...

Fact File

Lisa spent most of her childhood drawing, daydreaming and making up stories in her head.

After graduating from drama school Lisa adopted the stage name of Lisa Cassidy and spent several happy and chaotic years occasionally getting paid to pretend to be other people.

The Art of Being Normal is Lisa’s first novel.

To find out more about Lisa visit her website www.lisawilliamsonauthor.com or follow her on Twitter: @lisa_letters

Your Reviews

Anika from King James's School:

The Art of Being Normal was such an emotional, gripping book that I adored. I like the genre and topic of the book, I feel I have taken away some valuable information about transgender people and how tender the issue can be.

My favourite section of the story was when David and Leo went to Tripton-on-Sea: it was the first time David went out in public as 'Kate'. It made me happy for David to see him being relaxed and 'in his own skin', not bottling all of his emotions inside. Also seeing Leo finally unwind properly too, just made it feel like one of the most perfect scenes in the story.

My favourite character was Leo due to home reminding me of an unspoken hero. He deals with his dad, step dads, mum, his twin Amber, looking after Tia (who is 7 years old) and not to mention being transgender as well - it truly is an inspiration.

The book was well written that I believed every single word of it, you have an undeniable talent Lisa Williamson!

Anika gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Tara from Ossett Academy & Sixth Form College:

I really enjoyed reading The Art of Being Normal. It is a very interesting and inspirational read for everyone, especially teenagers. I liked the contrasting personalities of Leo and David, and their time dealing with being transgender was different, showing not everyone experienced it the same way. Although some parts were dull in my opinion, the story was relatable and intriguing.

Tara gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read One by Sarah Crossan.

Heather from King James':

I loved this book. It was a gripping page-turner that I couldn’t put down. I loved the beginning because it was straight to the point and well explained. I also love the characters and the deep relationships between them. Leo was my favourite character because he was so strong and brave even though his stepdad is in prison, he doesn’t know where his father is and he has to look after his 7 year old sister, not to mention being transgender. I am glad it all worked at the end. I think this book was a real eye opener and I definitely understand the topic more now.

Heather gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Seed by Lisa Heathfield.

Alice from King James's School:

The Art of Being Normal is a emotional and uplifting book which shows that dreams really can come true, no matter how unlikely they seem. It also helps you understand some of the things that people in similar situations to David and Leo have to go through.

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the ending.

Alice gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Sri from Prince Henrys grammar school:

It's a great book that can really help people going through that. Some people don't like standing out of the crowd and they may be able to relate to that book. I couldn't put the book down after I started to read it.

Sri gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine.

chloe from temple moor :

I found this book very intriguing. I was amazed with the secrets David and Leo have and that they are quite the same. I also enjoyed that Leo and David are different at home then they are at school.

chloe gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Lost and the Found by Cat Clarke.

Georgia from Abbey Grange Academy:

The art of being normal follows the story of two boys, Leo and David, on their journey of becoming the unlikeliest of friends. Leo is new to school and is trying to keep his head down, while David is just trying to survive his miserable life. When the school bully, Harry, is messing with David, both their worlds might just be changed for the better.

I seriously enjoyed this book as I rarely find one with such an intriguing topic in which I think a lot of people need to learn more about. I also loved the way in which we got to see both of Leo and David's point of view as I believe this made us really understand how they were feeling and how their lives acted out.

If I could describe the art of being normal in one word it would be: Intriguing.

Georgia gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Seed by Lisa Heathfield.

erika from king james:

a fantastic book with a very surprising twist right in the middle that you can't suspect. I loved reading the separate views of David and Leo. I think that I can understand transgender people so much more due to book.

erika gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Abigail from Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College:

This book tackles the misconceptions of being transgender and alternates between the perspectives of both David and Leo, helping the reader to understand both sides of one story. I was immensely hooked throughout the book and was taken aback by the twists and turns and unexpected ending that altogether created a great novel that I will surely recommend to my friends.

Abigail gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Seed by Lisa Heathfield.

Hannah from Boston Spa school:

I loved this book! I thought it explored issues that are not usually addressed in books in a very good way and was written as if it could be the story of anyone you knew. I think that it addressed transgender people and issues in society that they face in a non-offensive or stereotypical way that some writers approach the topic of LGBT. I would recommend this book to anyone because I found it beautifully written and a great storyline.

Hannah gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine.

Isabelle from Prince Henry's grammar school:

This book is one of the best books I've read in weeks and is so inspirational towards teenagers to not be ashamed to be themselves and don't be afraid to speak how you feel

Isabelle gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read One by Sarah Crossan.

Charlotte from Temple Moor:

It's an incredibly thought-provoking book which has interesting characters that really seem to develop throughout the book. David's character development really makes the reader support and encourage him as the story progresses and the character of Leo was very engaging and makes the reader want to learn more about him throughout the book.

Charlotte gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Lucia from Cardinal Heenan:

David has always been classed as 'an outsider'. His parents think he's gay and he get bullied at school because they think he's a freak. Only his two best friends, Essie and Felix, know what David really wants, why everyone thinks he is miserable - David wants to be a girl.

On the first day at his new school Leo Denton decides he is going to be invisible and get through the year without any problems (he has enough trouble following him from his old school). However, he immediately grabs the attention of who he thinks is most beautiful girl in year 11. When Leo stands up for David in a fight they form an unlikely friendship and they learn that they both have secrets weighing them down.

I like how the author develops the characters as the story goes on. We learn that being a teenager is difficult and if you feel different life can be tough. However, we also learn that we need to keep going, and not be afraid to show the 'real' us.

I also liked the 'Prom' part. I didn't dislike anything...

I would definitely recommend this as it's a good read and it shows the struggles that teens can face, even when on the surface the situation looks fine.

Lucia gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Ewan from Leeds East Acadamy:

The art of being normal is a book that at first glance looks like some weird gender statement. But as you start to reed it, it grows on you until the point where all the themes in the book just seem normal and it forms into a great story which makes you question what you think is normal. my favourite part about the book is that it drops hints about a large point in the story but only when it reveals the point do you realise all the smaller hints.

Ewan gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Morgan from The Morley Academy:

It's about 2 boys called Leo and David. They are both from different backgrounds and become good friends. Eventually, they tell each other secrets about themselves and find out about their background. I think it is aimed more for older teenagers because of the language that they speak.

Morgan gave The Art of Being Normal 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine.

Yasmin from Abbey Grange:

I loved this book and found it really enjoyable to read. Its defiantly an interesting topic that I didn't know much about. This book is one of a kind and I will definitely be recommending tis to all of my friends!

- brilliant!

Yasmin gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Seed by Lisa Heathfield.

Imogen from Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College:

The Art of Being Normal is a brilliant book which I will definitely recommend to all of my friends. It is not only a gripping story with unexpected twists and turns, but it is also a topic considered a taboo (for some strange reason). This book represents the Trans Community as real people, which is something some people tend to forget about. Therefore, I believe this book is worth 5/5.

Imogen gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Seed by Lisa Heathfield.

Maia from Abbey Grange :

I thought this book was very original, especially considering the subject, which is stupidly still considered controversial. The characters seemed so real and genuine. The book was beautifully written with a brilliant storyline and complete with a creative plot-twist. Would recommend to anyone and everyone, regardless of their views on gender

Maia gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read One by Sarah Crossan.

Matthew from Leeds City Academy :

This book is so up-to-date with the things happening in 2016. I'm pleased to say this book holds nothing but pure perfection. I absolutely loved this book for many reasons; it's relatable, understanding and has a very good plot twist. Both of the main characters are wonderfully thought up of, and I love the way the author incorporated the best friends into this book. Hats off Lisa!

Matthew gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Rebecca from Abbey Grange Academy:

This book is about two boys. The first is called David; he is transgender and desperately wants to become a girl. The second boy is a mysterious new boy who was kicked out of a particularly rough school - he is called Leo. It addresses some particularly sensitive matters about transgender people and has introduced me to this topic. The book is extremely gripping, and although it may seem like a typical high school book about students finding it hard to fit in, it not like any other book that I have ever read.

Rebecca gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Seed by Lisa Heathfield.

Erin from King James school:

I think the subject matter of this book was outstanding. It has a lot of promise and the characters were amazing too. The hangers on the chapters dropped hints in a rather discreet way. I found the character Leo a very good character and rather well chosen. Though I have to say, my favourite character is Alicia. She shows what being trapped in another body does to you and others around you. This book definetly deserves a 4 out of 5

Erin gave The Art of Being Normal 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine.

Cindy from Cardinal Heenan:

Two boys from very different lives however closer than they think. Leo is a mysterious new boy who hides deep dark secrets and finds himself making an acquaintance with the freak who everyone thinks he's gay. But he isn't. He wants to be a girl.

I liked that this book was original and didn't follow the mainstream storylines and was full of interesting twist and turns.

I think you have to be mature to read this book due to the touchy subjects mentioned. Some people may find the bullying upsetting and extreme however this book is bae!

This book shows how society is changing and how we shouldn't discriminate others for their sexuality. And it is a great book!

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!

Cindy gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Fire Colour One by Jenny Valentine.

Miss Burns from Cardinal Heenan:

A really interesting insight into the experiences of transgender in high school - this book has opened up some interesting discussions in our group about the way in which we respond to others who are 'different' in high school.

I couldn't put down!

Miss Burns gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Estera from Benton Park:

This book had me gripped the whole way through. The point in the book at which the genius twist came was perfect and affected the entire narrative. The topic is a very important one and is approached in a very careful and thoughtful way, without being too cautious or too abrupt. The Art of Being Normal is an excellent read and I would recommend it to all mature young book-lovers out there. I would also just like to say well done to Lisa Williamson and thank you for such an amazing read; you almost had me in tears by the end.

Estera gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read One by Sarah Crossan.

Charlotte from Crawshaw Academy:

Best book EVER

Charlotte gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.

Millie from Benton Park:

I thought that this book was very good as it had an excellent storyline with a brilliant twist which I was not expecting at all. I really liked all the characters and I thought that the way the topic was explored was brilliant. I loved the idea of the alternate prom and I imagined this very well, it made me hopeful and wish they were things like this in real life.

Millie gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read One by Sarah Crossan.

Amir from Cardinal Heenan:

This book is about two people. David and Leo. It involves their lives and struggles due to their personal secrets.

I liked that this book was going deep into an issue that is still quite taboo. Transphobia. I liked that the author was extremely good at writing they book so we got the most out of the characters, I really understood the emotional state of the characters.

I didn't really not like anything about this book.

It would be perfect for people my age and older.

Amir gave The Art of Being Normal 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Lost and the Found by Cat Clarke.

Scott from King James's School:

I glanced at the front cover of this book (still out in hardback) and (due to its rather plain colours and feminine and masculine coat hangers, which I did think were effective in the way they were crossed) immediately had it down as the sort of book I wanted to get over with. As soon as I turned the front cover however, it became clear just how drastically wrong I was.

In her “about the author” section, Lisa Williamson mentions typing at work while nobody was watching. This has certainly paid off, whether her boss would like it or not. The attitude this book discusses is common and stereotypical, and yet I don’t think it has ever been written about in this way before.

This book provides an enlightening insight into the lives of people who feel that they were born in the wrong body.

I am very glad that I read this. Although it was something new for me, it opened me up to a new genre and such a power in a book should never be underestimated. Because of this, it certainly deserves a 3 out of 5.

Scott gave The Art of Being Normal 3 out of 5 and now plans to read One by Sarah Crossan.

Hannah from Benton Park School :

This book is a must read for anyone who likes reading. I usually wouldn't go for this genre, but the moment I started reading it I loved it and couldn't put it down. The characters were likeable and the plot was good and detailed. The plot twist really helped the book take a new turn and prevented the ending from being predictable. Usually books on subject matter like this, inform you very straight out about the ins and outs, but this book was different, the story line, characters and situations were all very well developed and that made it a great read.

Hannah gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read One by Sarah Crossan.

Emily from Abbey Grange:

It was amazing, and very emotional in some parts because it shows the perspective of what different people think about transgender people. The book also shows why people are so secretive about being transgendered. I think people should read this book because it is truly amazing and it is a brilliant book!

Emily gave The Art of Being Normal 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Asking for It by Louise O'Neill.