Who Would Like This Book:
If you ever felt out of place as a teen, you'll find a friend in Perry, the ultra-awkward and endearingly nerdy hero of The Other Normals. Ned Vizzini delivers a quirky, imaginative adventure peppered with laugh-out-loud humor, clever world-building, and heartfelt moments about growing up different. It's a must-read for fans of RPGs, comic books, and anyone who appreciates a fresh, funny take on figuring out who you really are.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Those looking for a more realistic or mature teen voice may find Perry acts younger than his 15 years, which can be distracting. If fantasy or portal adventures don't grab you, or you prefer grounded stories without mystical elements, this may not hit the mark. Some readers missed the emotional depth or complexity found in Vizzini's other books.
About:
"The Other Normals" by Ned Vizzini is a creative story that follows the journey of a teenager named Perry who, feeling like an outcast in the real world, discovers a new world through an RPG game he loves. The book explores themes of self-discovery, bravery, and the awkwardness of adolescence as Perry navigates through the challenges of fitting in while embracing his uniqueness. The writing style is described as humorous, inventive, and fast-paced, with relatable characters that capture the essence of teenage awkwardness and growth.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of divorce and family issues, which may be sensitive for some readers.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance present, particularly involving the protagonist's interactions with a girl named Anna.
From The Publisher:
From Ned Vizzini, the best-selling author of It's Kind of a Funny Story and the co-author of the New York Times bestseller House of Secrets, comes this geektastic tale about role-playing and growing up. The Other Normals is a story from one of the most brilliant voices in teen literature about the winding and often hilarious path to manhood.
Given the chance, fifteen-year-old Peregrine "Perry" Eckert would dedicate every waking moment to Creatures & Caverns, a role-playing game with magical creatures, spell casting, and deadly weapons. The world of C & C is where he feels most comfortable in his own skin. But that isn't happening-not if his parents have anything to do with it. Concerned their son lacks social skills, they ship him off to summer camp.
Perry is bracing himself for the worst summer of his life. Everything changes, however, when Perry gets to camp and stumbles into the World of the Other Normals. There he meets Mortin Enaw, one of the creators of C & C, and mythical creatures from the game. Perry's new otherworldly friends need his help to save their princess and prevent mass violence. As they embark on their quest together, Perry realizes that his nerdy childhood has uniquely prepared him to be a great warrior in this world, and maybe even a hero. But to save the princess, Perry will have to learn how to make real connections in the human world as well.
Ratings (2)
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Reader Stats (4):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (2) |
What can you read after
The Other Normals?
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