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Searching for Normal
Searching for Normal: A Memoir Following in the tradition of creative nonfiction, Alison Neuman details her life experience from the onset of a rare and painful illness at the age of three, recounting her personal journey as she comes to terms with an ever-shifting concept of 'normalcy.' The disease, dermatomyositis, shaped her life in ways most could never imagine; a carefree childhood quickly morphed into a blur of ongoing hospitalizations, increasingly reduced mobility, and overwhelming fatigue and pain. But, amidst her constant battles with her health, Alison emerges as a champion. Searching for Normal will leave readers awed by Alison's perseverance and strength of character; her story serves as a reminder that 'normal 'lies in the eye of the beholder. "Searching For Normal is a memoir about one woman's attempts to define herself according to her skills and talents and passions, rather than the outward symbols of what others might consider disabilities. Neuman relates the story of the physical challenges she's endured, but what shines through in this book-and what leaves the reader inspired and grateful-is her depth of spirit. Her belief in the power of creativity and honesty is a gift to all of us. Alison Neuman is, thankfully, anything but normal." Curtis Gillespie, Author: Almost There: The Family Vacation Then and Now; Crown Shyness; Someone Like That; Playing Through; and, The Progress of an Object in Motion; Winner Danuta Gleed Literary Award. "Searching for Normal is a poignant and inspiring memoir of the power of the human spirit, the strength of dreams, and the importance of family. Alison Neuman may have been searching for normal but her achievements in the arts, including this memoir, are extraordinary. Anyone who has had a dream, struggled to overcome physical or psychological obstacles, or searched for his or her place in the world should read this book. Everyone should read Searching for Normal." Cassie Stocks, Author: Dance, Gladys, Dance. Winner of the 2013 Leacock Medal for Humour.(
- GenresNonfiction
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2013
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 27, 2013
Don’t get me wrong, I like to read works of the imagination, but there are some times that I would love to read some nonfiction. I picked up Searching For Normal knowing that it was a memoir and I was excited for the change of pace. I am making time to read stories that are based on people’s true lives and stories this year, and it feels good to be able to relate to some of them. This book touched my heart in all the right places and I was so happy to have had the chance to experience what the author had to say.
This is a story of what your life would be like if you had a disease that made it horribly hard to be “normal”, in any sense of the word. The way that the author approached the subject was not too over my head. I liked that there was structure and boundaries to her writing and that she made it easy to keep up with what was happening in the story. There was not a lot of jumping back and forth. It was a straight forward story and it was so easy to get to know the character without feeling overwhelmed.
The hard times that she puts forth for the reader are not something that we think about every day because it is not present in everyone’s lives. A lot of people do not know what illness really means until either they have one or a loved one does. I was aching for the girl that had been told that she would never succeed. I found myself yelling silently in my head for her. She could do anything she wanted to do! I am so glad that I got the chance to read this book because it opened my eyes to a whole new world. I recommend it to anyone that wants to read a heartfelt memoir or struggle and triumph.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
This is a story of what your life would be like if you had a disease that made it horribly hard to be “normal”, in any sense of the word. The way that the author approached the subject was not too over my head. I liked that there was structure and boundaries to her writing and that she made it easy to keep up with what was happening in the story. There was not a lot of jumping back and forth. It was a straight forward story and it was so easy to get to know the character without feeling overwhelmed.
The hard times that she puts forth for the reader are not something that we think about every day because it is not present in everyone’s lives. A lot of people do not know what illness really means until either they have one or a loved one does. I was aching for the girl that had been told that she would never succeed. I found myself yelling silently in my head for her. She could do anything she wanted to do! I am so glad that I got the chance to read this book because it opened my eyes to a whole new world. I recommend it to anyone that wants to read a heartfelt memoir or struggle and triumph.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.
February 13, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. It is much like my memoir 'A Twisted Fate: My Life with Dystonia'. We both touch on many of the same issues of having a disability at a young age yet our maladies are different.
May 15, 2014
Searching for Normal: A Memoir is more than a story, it is an account of a remarkable life lived. Told from the perspective of the author, this book provides a rare glimpse into the experiences of a person who strives to carve her place in a society that suffers from a limited notion of normality.
Written with refreshing clarity and directness, the author effectively invites the reader into her lived experience with the use of vivid imagery that simultaneously helps to demystify a rare disease. Portrayed in descriptive detail, no aspect of her experience is spared, allowing the reader to thoroughly indulge in her physical, emotional, and social struggles and triumphs. Many of these vignettes are powerful, some contextual, others stemming humorous and profound insights, and all leaving the reader to broach the next chapter with curious anticipation of the author's next feat.
Searching for Normal is a must read for all - all those who have been othered, and all those who have been complicit in the act of othering. With each obstacle faced, we are reminded of the consequences of allowing limited notions of normality to materialize in our everyday built environments, our institutions, and our personal relationships. And yet, each personal triumph serves as inspiring testament to the capabilities and resilience of a single individual, not only as she overcomes her own adversity, but also as she attempts to re-configure nonrepresentative notions of normality for the benefit of a more inclusive and just world.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in order to complete this honest review.
Written with refreshing clarity and directness, the author effectively invites the reader into her lived experience with the use of vivid imagery that simultaneously helps to demystify a rare disease. Portrayed in descriptive detail, no aspect of her experience is spared, allowing the reader to thoroughly indulge in her physical, emotional, and social struggles and triumphs. Many of these vignettes are powerful, some contextual, others stemming humorous and profound insights, and all leaving the reader to broach the next chapter with curious anticipation of the author's next feat.
Searching for Normal is a must read for all - all those who have been othered, and all those who have been complicit in the act of othering. With each obstacle faced, we are reminded of the consequences of allowing limited notions of normality to materialize in our everyday built environments, our institutions, and our personal relationships. And yet, each personal triumph serves as inspiring testament to the capabilities and resilience of a single individual, not only as she overcomes her own adversity, but also as she attempts to re-configure nonrepresentative notions of normality for the benefit of a more inclusive and just world.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in order to complete this honest review.
August 27, 2014
When she was three years old, Alison Neuman was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare muscle disease that also affects her immune system. However, she did not know the name of her debilitating illness until much later. She spent a lot of time in hospitals and at doctor’s appointments with her mother by her side. As she was growing up, the disease progressed, and Alison ended up needing a wheelchair. It didn’t stop her from developing her creative mind though, and she threw herself into writing, singing and dancing. In fact, she spent all her energy into fulfilling her dreams and enjoying her time with her family and friends.
Searching for Normal is about Alison Neuman’s life but it is also a tribute to her mother. The author is an incredibly courageous woman,and despite this awful disease, she manages to keep her sense of humor. For example, she nicknames her illness Dermy, and she also gives her doctors monikers that describe their behavior (Dr. Cowboy, Dr. Pinches, Dr. Respect, etc.). While her story is interesting and moving, I thought some parts were a bit slow at times. Maybe a little more editing would have made the book even more compelling. However, I admire the author’s lust for life and her perseverance in the face of adversity.
In the end, all Alison wanted was to find her place in the world and to be normal. But she eventually realized: “My difference is what makes my life interesting. I’d rather be anything but normal.”
Searching for Normal was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
To read the full review, please go to my blog (Cecile Sune - Book Obsessed).
Searching for Normal is about Alison Neuman’s life but it is also a tribute to her mother. The author is an incredibly courageous woman,and despite this awful disease, she manages to keep her sense of humor. For example, she nicknames her illness Dermy, and she also gives her doctors monikers that describe their behavior (Dr. Cowboy, Dr. Pinches, Dr. Respect, etc.). While her story is interesting and moving, I thought some parts were a bit slow at times. Maybe a little more editing would have made the book even more compelling. However, I admire the author’s lust for life and her perseverance in the face of adversity.
In the end, all Alison wanted was to find her place in the world and to be normal. But she eventually realized: “My difference is what makes my life interesting. I’d rather be anything but normal.”
Searching for Normal was sent to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
To read the full review, please go to my blog (Cecile Sune - Book Obsessed).
November 20, 2013
I don’t often read memoirs.. it’s just not really that I don’t like them, i’m just usually caught up in other books. But this year, I’m making more time for non-fiction in my life, both serious and humorous, and this lovely, touching piece of creative non fiction fit right in. It’s a story of really understanding what normal is while you are struggling with a disease that keeps taking your “normal” and throwing it out the window. The author is inspiring. I enjoyed how the book was structured, chronologically, and it didn’t get too overwhelming, with event after event. She’s got a nice, flowing, quality to her writing, which allowed me to enjoy the memoir without feeling like I had to keep up with each date hitting me in the face. Her struggles are something you don’t really think about if you are a healthy american, you don’t realize the toil a chronic illness takes on the person, their life, and their family. The stories about school and people telling her that she wouldn’t succeed hurt. We live in a world where we believe everyone is equal, but you can clearly see here people who weren’t willing to take the time to look past the illness at a very smart, talented individual. I enjoyed this book, I cheered for her and her successes and I think this book will open a lot of eyes that previously didn’t notice or understand this kind of journey. I’m completely glad I read it, and will suggest it to others.
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2014
REVIEW
At the age of three, Alison Neuman came down with dermatomyositis, which is a rare muscle disease the affects the immune system. It was later on in her life that she learned the name of her disease.
She was in and out of hospitals, doctor's offices always with her mother alongside her. During her growing years, the disease got worse and she ended up in a wheelchair. This wasn't a deterrent for her to keep her creativeness going. She put herself into her writing, singing and dancing. She did all she could trying to fulfill her lifelong dreams and spending time with her family and friends.
The author wrote a wonder, sometimes very sad story about her life but it was a dedication to her mother. This book shows how courageous this woman was inspite of the obstacles in her life. She finds humor in it all. I usually find memoirs sad and this one was also sad. It was inspiring to know how some people can go on and fulfill their dreams with so much going against her. She kept on going and I can't even imagine how tough it was. She came to the conclusion that: "My difference is what makes my life interesting. I'd rather be anything but normal." I found the pace to be a bit slow but perhaps the author wrote it that way to allow the reader to stoop and think about what the author was going through.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author, Alison Neuman for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
At the age of three, Alison Neuman came down with dermatomyositis, which is a rare muscle disease the affects the immune system. It was later on in her life that she learned the name of her disease.
She was in and out of hospitals, doctor's offices always with her mother alongside her. During her growing years, the disease got worse and she ended up in a wheelchair. This wasn't a deterrent for her to keep her creativeness going. She put herself into her writing, singing and dancing. She did all she could trying to fulfill her lifelong dreams and spending time with her family and friends.
The author wrote a wonder, sometimes very sad story about her life but it was a dedication to her mother. This book shows how courageous this woman was inspite of the obstacles in her life. She finds humor in it all. I usually find memoirs sad and this one was also sad. It was inspiring to know how some people can go on and fulfill their dreams with so much going against her. She kept on going and I can't even imagine how tough it was. She came to the conclusion that: "My difference is what makes my life interesting. I'd rather be anything but normal." I found the pace to be a bit slow but perhaps the author wrote it that way to allow the reader to stoop and think about what the author was going through.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author, Alison Neuman for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
February 16, 2015
What is normal? Normal is a relative term. What is normal to me, may be abnormal to you. Yet, we all seek to find a sense of "normalcy" in our lives, basing it on what we perceive the world thinks is the definition. We can torture ourselves as we look for that ideal. Alison's devastating, rare disease, in which her own body was trying to kill her, created a new kind of normal for her, yet she strove to be as much like her "normal" peers as she could.
It's heartbreaking to follow her struggles. The teacher in me gets annoyed with her teachers who kept trying to tell her she would fail or wasn't smart enough. I rejoiced in her triumphs, as did she, and kept cheering her on throughout the book.
Memoirs are not usually my favorite thing to read. They don't always quite follow an easy storyline, like a novel does. But this story is interesting enough to check out. You may be surprised to find out that you know of Alison Neuman, after all, and wish you could be "normal" like her!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It's heartbreaking to follow her struggles. The teacher in me gets annoyed with her teachers who kept trying to tell her she would fail or wasn't smart enough. I rejoiced in her triumphs, as did she, and kept cheering her on throughout the book.
Memoirs are not usually my favorite thing to read. They don't always quite follow an easy storyline, like a novel does. But this story is interesting enough to check out. You may be surprised to find out that you know of Alison Neuman, after all, and wish you could be "normal" like her!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2013
Truly a touching and beautiful memoir! So much inspiration can be found in Alison Neuman's story. Sometimes I worry about my children's limitations with metabolic conditions, but this story gives me hope that perseverance and will-power can overcome any obstacle. I just need to have them believe they can. . I am not sure that any of us are normal, but I can understand the desire to find some sense of normalcy and move past medical issues that change quality of life. This book brought out a whole range of emotions for me and has left a lasting impression.
This is a great story to read, savor and share with others. It would be the perfect Christmas gift to include for the book lover in your life.
I received a promotional copy in order to write my honest review.
This is a great story to read, savor and share with others. It would be the perfect Christmas gift to include for the book lover in your life.
I received a promotional copy in order to write my honest review.
September 30, 2014
While we all have at times felt left out and alone, Alison Neuman can easily have us all beat. Her disease has excluded her from many 'normal' activities. Maybe those times of exclusion made her more sensitive to others because never once did I feel that as a reader. She does not make herself into a hero or a victim. She is simply a woman living life and inviting us to hear her story. I am glad I had the opportunity to do so. I am glad to be included in her circle.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Story Cartel*
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Story Cartel*
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June 14, 2015I liked this book. It provides another insight into how resilient children can be when they are left to fend for themselves by single parents.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews