The Closest Thing to a Normal Life

by Michael Méndez Guevara

There’s nothing remotely normal about seventeen-year-old Ethan-Matthew Cruz Canton’s life. His parents, journalists in Spain, were killed in a terrorist attack and now he’s living with his grandparents in San Antonio, attending his father’s high school for senior year. Narrated in the young man’s perceptive, witty voice, the novel opens with his plan to keep his head down, make it until June and then follow his parents’ footsteps to Northwestern University’s journalism program. But his idea to keep a low profile is quickly blown out of the water.

As Ethan-Matthew deals with incessant questions about his hyphenated name and his grief, he looks forward to the only “normal” thing available: writing for the school newspaper. He was set to be the editor at his high school in Spain, but now his story ideas are being ignored! With the encouragement and help of his new friends, he starts an alternative online newspaper to cover the overlooked students and staff. Things escalate, though, when he writes about a racist incident―instigated by the school’s mostly white, privileged student body―that turns violent!

Amidst all the drama, Ethan-Matthew suddenly and unexpectedly finds himself romantically involved with another boy, his cross-country teammate and best friend Reid. Author Michael Méndez Guevara, a former high school teacher, writes convincingly about the lives of young adults on the path to self-discovery. This refreshing, intelligent novel dealing with the loss of loved ones, prejudice and the clash of social mores is sure to capture the imagination of teen readers.

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2025

Reviews

[Christina Iltis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs a Reid and a CC in their life. Neither one of them is the narrator, but Ethan-Matthew (the narrator) would agree with me. Ethan-Mathew Cruz Canton is just a normal teenager until he isn't. After the tragic loss of his parents in a terrorist attack, Ethan-Matthew (yes, that's his first name) hopes to fly through his senior year at a new high school back in the states. But we wouldn't have a story if he managed to do that.

This book is a reminder that there can be happiness after loss, it's okay to let people help you heal, and you don't have to know someone your whole life for them to become the most important people in your life.

For my educator friends, if this book doesn't remind you of your students and fill you with pride, well...you might just be a Ms. Gillis.

Funny, and heartbreaking, and hopeful, and real, The Closest Thing to a Normal Life should absolutely be on your TBR. Really. Go order your copy.

[Lance Mayes]

What a well-written book; it was difficult to put down. You can feel the emotions building inside you along with the narrator, Ethan-Matthew, as you read through the chapters. The themes of grief, belonging, change, racism, and homophobia are addressed in a real-life way. These are issues that need to be discussed in middle and high school.

Well done, Michael Guevara!

[Kristie Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll do both again, but you will also turn the last page believing (or perhaps remembering) that there are amazing friends out there like CC and Reid to help us shoulder the heaviest of weights. The overwhelming message is simply that we don’t have to go at this crazy life alone. Thank God, Buddha, the universe, and whoever you pray to (or don’t) for this story! It came right when I needed it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan-Matthew, CC, Reid, and the rest of the crew feel like an amalgamation of incredible people I have had the honor of knowing. Through tears of laughter and heartache, I read as this story addressed ever-present topics beautifully. From characters to plot and setting, this is a great read- highly recommend!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lot I liked about this book. I really like Ethan-Matthew’s honest assessment as he grappled with his choices and how he comes to a decision (no spoiler alerts). He thinks through the repercussions of his decision in a believable way. I liked the characters in general—well developed (or in some cases, not. Depending on what the character called for). Clearly written by someone that knows kids and it feels honest.

I also like how true/current events are unflinchingly woven in to the story. The whole thing felt very believable and contemporary. It overall had a positive vibe while dealing with difficult topics. The idea of the “good” elements coming together to root out racism was what we all need now. This needs to be a screen play—I’m ready to see the movie! I can hear the clapping as the band starts to play for Ethan-Matthew!

Certainly a YA novel but good read for adults too. We can learn a lot from the kids. This book will leave you optimistic for the next generation!

[Annie J (The History Solarium Book Club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unless you’re cool with snort-laughing in public and ugly crying on the bus, you might want to read this one in private. The Closest Thing to a Normal Life is about grief, love, and figuring out where you fit‒but don’t worry, it’s also packed with teenage chaos and some truly questionable life choices. Ethan-Matthew Cruz Canton (yep, that’s his actual name) never expected to spend his senior year living with his grandparents. But after losing his parents, he’s stuck in a town where everyone knows everyone‒except him. Enter CC, the head cheerleader who appoints herself as his new best friend, and Reid, a junior guy whose unexpected crush makes Ethan-Matthew rethink everything. As if grief, friendship, and first love weren’t messy enough, his underground newspaper exposes a racist incident, setting off a firestorm.

Hilarious, heartfelt, and impossible to put down, The Closest Thing to a Normal Life is for anyone who’s ever felt lost, out of place, or just trying to figure it all out. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that’s as funny as it is moving‒and completely unforgettable.

I am grateful to Piñata Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy of Michael Mendez Guevara’s The Closest Thing to a Normal Life.

[T.L. Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving and beautiful story, can't wait to read more from this author. Got me right in the heart.