What do you think?
Rate this book
Normal Human Beings
Normal Human Beings is a memoir by Robert Fulford, written in collaboration with his wife, Amy Fulford, that examines the long reach of childhood trauma and the complex process of healing.
The narrative moves between then and now — from Robert’s upbringing in suburban New Jersey to his experiences decades later at a wellness retreat in Costa Rica. As a child, he was raised in a household governed by control, perfection, and a insistence on “acting like normal human beings.” Beneath that command was a family dynamic marked by verbal and physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and the suppression of truth.
As an adult, Robert begins to recognize how deeply those early patterns shaped his sense of self, his relationships, and his understanding of strength. The retreat in Costa Rica becomes the turning point — a setting where memory, reflection, and vulnerability collide, forcing him to confront what he has long buried.
Written from the couple’s home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Normal Human Beings explores themes of forgiveness, mental health, childhood trauma and recovery. It is not a story of blame but of accountability — a testament to the courage it takes to look backward in order to move forward, and to redefine what it truly means to be “normal.”
The narrative moves between then and now — from Robert’s upbringing in suburban New Jersey to his experiences decades later at a wellness retreat in Costa Rica. As a child, he was raised in a household governed by control, perfection, and a insistence on “acting like normal human beings.” Beneath that command was a family dynamic marked by verbal and physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and the suppression of truth.
As an adult, Robert begins to recognize how deeply those early patterns shaped his sense of self, his relationships, and his understanding of strength. The retreat in Costa Rica becomes the turning point — a setting where memory, reflection, and vulnerability collide, forcing him to confront what he has long buried.
Written from the couple’s home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Normal Human Beings explores themes of forgiveness, mental health, childhood trauma and recovery. It is not a story of blame but of accountability — a testament to the courage it takes to look backward in order to move forward, and to redefine what it truly means to be “normal.”
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2025
About the author
Robert Fulford
27 books9 followersRobert Marshall Blount Fulford was a Canadian journalist, magazine editor, essayist, and public intellectual. He lived in Toronto, Ontario.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 12, 2026
Absorbing, Courageous and Helpful
Went to elementary and most of high school with Robert. Was not aware of his situation at home and what he was dealing with. Had some of the same issues at home but not to the same degree.
It must have been very difficult reliving the events to get them down on paper (as described) but this collaboration with his wife Amy produced an excellent book. Amy is obviously a very talented writer. The book is concise and transports you back in time to the events, horrors, successes and redemption Robert endured and ultimately achieved.
This is an honest, courageous book that will hopefully assist others (men in particular who don’t reach out enough) seek help and work through issues/trauma that negatively impact their lives.
Went to elementary and most of high school with Robert. Was not aware of his situation at home and what he was dealing with. Had some of the same issues at home but not to the same degree.
It must have been very difficult reliving the events to get them down on paper (as described) but this collaboration with his wife Amy produced an excellent book. Amy is obviously a very talented writer. The book is concise and transports you back in time to the events, horrors, successes and redemption Robert endured and ultimately achieved.
This is an honest, courageous book that will hopefully assist others (men in particular who don’t reach out enough) seek help and work through issues/trauma that negatively impact their lives.
December 20, 2025
I could not put it down until complete
Part shockingly terrifying, what secrets hide in a small town in NJ.
A boys journey into manhood and what he had to endure.
We wish we knew, but 50 years later are inspired by Bobby's perseverance.
Part shockingly terrifying, what secrets hide in a small town in NJ.
A boys journey into manhood and what he had to endure.
We wish we knew, but 50 years later are inspired by Bobby's perseverance.
January 5, 2026
Could not put this book down. It was such an empowering story of a man understanding his own feelings and emotions towards those who have wronged him. Gives a whole new perspective to healing, forgiveness, and understanding.
March 13, 2026
read it straight though
Rob, was a great guy even before the healing and I am so glad he found peace. Phi Alpha Brother
Rob, was a great guy even before the healing and I am so glad he found peace. Phi Alpha Brother
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews