The Art of Being Normal Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Lisa Williamson (Author), Tigger Blaize (Narrator), Zee Andrews (Narrator),

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Two outsiders. Two secrets.

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. Because at Eden Park School secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long....

Listening Length

9 hours and 11 minutes
Author

Lisa Williamson
Narrator

Tigger Blaize, see all
Audible release date

2 June 2021
Language

English
Publisher

Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
ASIN

B08YFGTT2R
Version

Unabridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	9 hours and 11 minutes
Author	Lisa Williamson
Narrator	Tigger Blaize, Zee Andrews
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com.au Release Date	02 June 2021
Publisher	Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B08YFGTT2R
Best Sellers Rank	102,003 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) 146 in Fiction on Friendship for Teens 192 in LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction for Teens 202 in Young Adult Fiction on Boys' & Men's Issues

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2 star		1%
1 star		1%

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Emma V

Could not stop reading!

Reviewed in Australia on 19 February 2021

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I started this book at 10pm for something to wind me down for sleep, and it is currently 2:45am. I did not want to stop reading. You feel an instant love for the protagonists, and the world. It was a lovely book. Thank you Lisa!

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Amazon Customer

Amazing

Reviewed in Australia on 30 September 2016

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I kinda new what to expect going in but this book is truly amazing! The plot twists throughout the book keep you hooked!

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Amazing heartfelt story!

Reviewed in Australia on 12 November 2021

School has been tough for David Piper since he let slip that he’s always wanted to be a girl. When the new boy, Leo Denton, steps in to stop David being bullied, they slowly form a friendship, but Leo is struggling with secrets of his own. I loved this heartfelt story about two teens struggling with identity, gender, and fitting in - David’s character in particular really clearly lays out the issues for transgender teens who are horrified by the adolescent changes in a body they hate inhabiting. And while the ending is positive, I appreciated that it was not tied in an unrealistically neat bow. I also like the strong message that friends, maybe even more than families, get teens through the difficult years. British audio narrators Tigger Blaize and Zee Andrews were age- and voice-appropriate with excellent emotion and expression.

Helpful

A quirky tale with an important message. Some fun, but don’t forget your tissues!

Reviewed in Australia on 13 September 2018

It has been quite a while since I’ve read a novel in the GLBT genre – so I thought it was about time to mix it up with ‘The Art of Being Normal.’ What it brought to the table was a level of realism that transgendered youth face depicted really well. Identity and coming out, along with a plethora of other aspects were handled gracefully within the narrative. It was such an enjoyable read for me.

Told with alternating P.O.V’s, it begins with David, the bullied outsider. I like how this character dealt with gender identity intelligently. Research. Though this is only the beginning of David’s journey. It should have been noted somewhere that not all trans know they were born in the wrong body at an early age – sometimes it’s an evolution from something not feeling quite right before arriving at the at conclusion of being transgendered (and involved diagnosis from a professional). I felt like it glazed over some important mechanics in the transgendered experience for the sake of story. Though David was a little frustrating for me at times, I was able to relate and enjoyed a different view of the world at large.

Our second narrator, Leo is an all-around good guy. I enjoyed his strength and found his stand-offishness true to character. However, I guessed the plot twist involving his story from the beginning. Kind of deflated my enjoyment a little. Loved Leo. His story, his mannerisms. And it was great to see a separation in narrative styles with the switching POV’s – Lis Williamson did a fantastic job with each of their voices.

Begrudgingly I admit it lacked a personal engagement from me, something intangible about the characters of David and Leo held me back from truly believing in them. I also had an issue with how they were obliged to get along – it felt forced and artificial.

Effie and Alex – David’s best friends. Love the support and unadulterated no-holes barred relationship they shared. So rare. At times their silliness destroyed the authenticity for me. But loved their sense of humour – had me laughing quite a lot. My favourite scene is when David points Effie and Alex out to Leo, and they pull faces – priceless!

This story brings to light much of the pain and turmoil transgendered teens face in coming to terms with their condition/identity, some of it had tears falling from my eyes. (the feels! The feels!) The relationships in ‘The Art of Being Normal’ are beautiful.

I did want to read something other than issues regarding their gender identity. This book was all about that, and didn’t have much otherwise. I’m starting to find books are using GLBTQIA issues as a plot point or the big reveal annoying: when these are issues that are dealt with for a lifetime… along with everything else. So, more everything else please.

It’s all a very “nice’ depiction of a transgendered experience – and I use that term hesitantly – because some youth experience so much more darkness and hardship. But that is too serious for what is meant to be a supportive, uplifting, and positive story about trying to live your truth.

Great pacing, I completed this novel in two sittings and never found places where my attention was wandering. Great subject matter, but I found it very predictable, though, I would highly recommend this to all my friends.

Proud to have ‘The Art of Being Normal’ in my library, it has been the most grounded story that has dealt with sexual identity in such a point-blank style to date. Refreshing.

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Red red wine

Too much false information

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2020

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This reads like it was written by a 13 year old, very basic use of language, he said/she said.
There are many points made in this book as if they
are fact but are false pieces of information, scientifically incorrect and therefore dangerous for young impressionable teens to read.
It is widely accepted that it is not possible to be “born in the wrong body” (even trans groups say this!) yet this is the theme of this book; it is mentioned several times. Schools and therapists in the UK are told never to tell children they can be born in the wrong body but this book wants children to believe they can be!
It is full of sexist stereotypes. Pink everything! Pink lighters, baby pink nail polish, pink lipstick, pink clothes, hot pink walls, sugary pink headphones etc all associated with every girl, woman and the boy who “wants to be a girl”.
Girls giggling and looking proud when they start their periods! What!?
This book tells girls if they are good at maths and sports or are same-sex attracted (lesbian) then they should change their body to look like a boy because those things are not for girls!!
It tells boys that if they: are no good at sports and maths; prefer long hair to short hair; like dolls; prefer pink to blue; are same-sex attracted ..then they can’t be a boy! Sexist homophobic rubbish!
The book claims that “hormone blockers” “freeze puberty” NO this is not true! Blockers do not simply pause puberty..it is not like a pause button. Mental health is negatively impacted, many become infertile and bone density is reduced. These can not be reversed.
The author talks about “chest binders” these are in fact BREAST BINDERS and are a cause of self harm. She mentions no negative side effects of these either.
There is no point to this book. Nobody aged under 18 should be exposed to this nonsense and over 18s will hopefully be better informed and the childish language won’t appeal to them anyway.
The author seems to enjoy sexualising children.
The children in this book are aged 14 to 16 yet she describes school girls in a sexualised manner.

22 people found this helpful

Jamie

Good story but could be better- Pointless deadnaming galore

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 July 2020

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The Art of Being Normal is a book about two trans teens (one stealth and the other closeted) and follows the plotline of family relationships (don't worry this book isn't the kicking-out narrative). This book was good for a cis-written ice-breaker into a trans narrative- the characters seem fairly authentic and the story is interesting.

If you are cisgender, take this story with a pinch of salt and read something written by a trans author if you are looking for a more accurate account of our experiences (I heard Mason Deaver's "I wish you all the best" is good, Juno Dawson is another trans author).

The author has done research, but despite this- there are majorly obvious inaccuracies that should've been picked up- this being the one main issue I have with this book, which pointlessly dead names the main, Kate (in which you use a person's old/birth name instead of their actual/new name). Seeing as this is one of the main books I often see in relation to trans stories- I feel like it needs to be brought up.

Note- I am mostly mentioning below points as a small hope in hell the publisher reads this and consider editing these points in future editions of the book.
As a trans person, I feel like cis/non-trans readers should also be aware of this when reading in order to understand some inaccuracies, whilst a lot of the characters experiences and emotions in this book are fairly accurate, this novel is not the most accurate account.
If you are trans, this might not be the book for you if you if you are upset by dead naming and general transphobia (the story involves bullying and violence).

In newer editions of the book, the blurb has been thankfully edited to be less dead-namey of the main character- which was great and I was thankful for, hoping in the updated version it was brought to the book. Why the hell it wasn't in the actual book I have no clue.
Despite the author working with trans youth and supposedly doing research (and editing the blurb in newer editions) you would've thought this would be obvious. Surely someone who has worked with trans people knows how upsetting and harmful dead naming to the individual is?? (I mean that's probably why they edited the blurb?? So why not the book??)

Up until the point where the main reveals her name this is understandable but it then continues beyond this point which is defunct and pointless. The POV chapter names remain as her dead name- despite her being 'out' to the reader. Kate's true name is also used intermittently with characters she is out to- used only when she is dressed as a 'girl' and 'passing'. This shows poor research and lack of actual concern to the stories message as to non-trans people it gives the idea that the only time a trans person is valid is when they 'pass' and that our identities are like a 'costume' we put on. (Which is not the case btw)

Additionally, when the other trans character Kate is out to gets angry, they purposely dead-name her. In my experience as a trans person and of other trans people,, no trans person would ever purposefully dead name another, even IF angry (the only acceptable time is when you are with someone you are not out to). Yes, not all trans people are the same BUT it is highly unlikely that a trans person would dead name another trans person- its just a really horrible, and in this situation an insidious thing to do. The other character doesn't even apologise (which I guess would be a point (?) to the original action (?)) and continues to return to dead naming.

I really wish this book had been given to a trans person in editing, as these elements would've been pointed out almost immediately and feels disheartening as good trans lit is so far and few- this book is so close to being great and one of the better cis-written trans narratives.

Overall, I think this book is good but definitely needs further editing and guidance from trans people to make small changes to make it better. Read it, enjoy it, but understand its issues.

6 people found this helpful

writingwithwolves

reading this book has made me feel like I do now

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 January 2017

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Twice in a row I'm left speechless by the book I've just read. I read The Art of Being Normal in one sitting, and only put it down to wash my hair; I even read it in the bath, which isn't something I normally do out of fear of getting my book wet - of course the corner of the book ended up in the water, all because I was so enrapt in the book.

The Art of Being Normal is the first book about being transgender that I've ever read, and before now I didn't know much about it. I've always been 100% accepting of it - I believe that people can be born into the wrong body and that no amount of pretending to be someone you're not can change who you are inside - I believe the brain can be wired in ways so that it doesn't match the body of the person it's encased in; the mind and body are two separate things. As far as I'm aware I've never met anyone trans, but, reading this book has made me feel like I do now. Lisa Williamson managed to create two very real people, who I both believed in and felt emotion for. I actually think I'm a little in love with Leo.

There were times when I felt so much sadness for both Leo and David/Kate, but both characters also made me laugh and smile too. I loved Essie and Felix as well, the real world needs more people like them in it. I also have to admit that I liked Alicia too - I think her reaction is probably very common, and although I felt no anger or annoyance at Leo, I can't help but feel sorry for her; I think people in her situation probably feel lied to and hurt, even if they are totally accepting of trans individuals. And I think as long as they are eventually understanding and forgiving, they're allowed that moment of confusion and hurt. Additionally, Lisa Williamson created a school environment so well that I pictured every school scene taking place in my secondary school - her description of the seating plan in the canteen was so perfect that I sent a picture of that paragraph to a school friend so we could laugh about the accuracy of her description of the popular kids in the middle of the canteen.

I feel like this book has definitely taken me on a journey, but I know I'm nowhere near a place of full understanding of what trans individuals have to go through. This world can be very cruel, as Lisa Williamson has shown, and although I've dealt with abilism coming against me, I can't imagine what some people must experience when faced with the knowledge that the body they're in isn't right, and how the world reacts to this. Teenagers, and children, (plus adults too) can be very, very nasty and I can know that there must be people out there that have experienced what Leo and David/Kate did; and that honestly breaks my heart. I'm really glad I read The Art of Being Normal and I will definitely read other books that share the same themes as it.

The Art of Being Normal has helped educate me, but more importantly I'm sure there's people out there who feel more at ease with knowing they're in the wrong body by reading this book (and others like it), because it highlights the important fact that those people aren't alone; and that not all people are like Harry. The Harrys of this world are a waste of organs, and I hope this book helps to show that.

7 people found this helpful

Herm B.

Uplifting story about identity

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2018

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The author has done extensive work with young transgender people and consequently the characters felt real. They were rounded and had plenty of other things in their lives besides being trans -- very important to show. The novel doesn't go into medical detail, which is a perfectly fine choice especially with a non-trans author. It's a story about being trans, not about transitioning. It's also a story about other things -- wider questions of identity, hopes and dreams, family secrets, bullying. It feels as though it'll be relatable to a lot of young people without moralising or patronising.

There is bullying, with the expected slurs, in the first half. Less later on. It's handled well towards the end with the trans girl character's friends shown standing up for her. I much preferred this approach to the idea of having a redemption arc for the bully, which would have been unnecessary and trite. There will always be nasty people, and good people to tell them to sod off.

3 people found this helpful

Kerry Courtney

Amazing book and really uninspiring

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2020

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This bool was a great quick read and i could not put it down. I gave this 4 stares because it was very confusing at first i thought there was only one person telling the story and it was not clear when they changed the people telling the story so as i started to realise i felt like i missed lodes out soo i strated the book all over again but over all this was a great book and a good concept and i would recomend this book for people to 13/ 16-17 i said 16 17 becuse if u want a book that will inspire and fell like u shoud not care what peole think then this is the book for you.

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The Art of Being Normal Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

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