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The Definition of Normal
A tender love story of two best friends who grow up next door to each other since they were five. One matures to become the outward definition of normal, and one struggles but falls short. Together they start a journey of discovery and uncover a meaning far greater than the socially popular interpretation, and through their mutual caring, both come to understand the deeper conflicts facing those who fall short of accepted norms. This is the story of their life together as they try to fit a definition that eludes more than our society acknowledges. How their friendship turns into a love that ends up defining their lives. A story about what unconditional love and acceptance truly mean as they spend the rest of their lives trying together to fit the definition of normal.
445 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2015
26 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 31, 2016
I first read this book because its description captured my attention. I have been romantically involved with a transgender boy for around two years now, but he only came out to me about a year ago. When he told me, I began searching for novels based around transgendered individuals, and this one caught my eye on social media.
The love that burns between the two protagonists, Jake and Stephie, is romantic and vivid. They begin as friends, then morph into lovers, and tackle the challenges that coincide with Stephie coming to terms with her gender identity, together. They explore the romantic and sexual attraction between them - this book has some steamy, romantic scenes, but they are done with class and worded beautifully, unlike some writing that depicts sexual encounters in a purely lustful light. It is clear during these scenes that what motivates the characters is true love.
E.S. Carpenter, the author, has done a brilliant job of capturing a reader's attention, with this story, making sure that there is never a dull moment. Whether something dramatic is happening, or the story slows to focus on the relationships among the characters, it is never boring. This book requires a reader to think; there are scenes where gender, religion, and other things are explored in depth, and a reader has to be ready to meet these things when delving into the book.
I enjoyed it, and purchased both the Ebook and paperback version. I recommend anyone who is reading this review to do the same thing. It's a wonderful experience.
The love that burns between the two protagonists, Jake and Stephie, is romantic and vivid. They begin as friends, then morph into lovers, and tackle the challenges that coincide with Stephie coming to terms with her gender identity, together. They explore the romantic and sexual attraction between them - this book has some steamy, romantic scenes, but they are done with class and worded beautifully, unlike some writing that depicts sexual encounters in a purely lustful light. It is clear during these scenes that what motivates the characters is true love.
E.S. Carpenter, the author, has done a brilliant job of capturing a reader's attention, with this story, making sure that there is never a dull moment. Whether something dramatic is happening, or the story slows to focus on the relationships among the characters, it is never boring. This book requires a reader to think; there are scenes where gender, religion, and other things are explored in depth, and a reader has to be ready to meet these things when delving into the book.
I enjoyed it, and purchased both the Ebook and paperback version. I recommend anyone who is reading this review to do the same thing. It's a wonderful experience.
January 18, 2016
-This was a lovely story. Jake and Stephie took their place in my heart from page one. I'm pleased they have their happy ending, it was so deserved. I had issues with this book tho, primarily that their parents never seemed to have a conversation where they sounded like real people. It seemed as tho the author cruised the thesaurus for every other word, which resulted in wooden, stilted dialogue in places. I understand the desire to get across the philosophical nature of this tale, and to share the psychology that enabled the main characters to be so accepting of Jake and Stephanie, but the language used detracted from that very thing because it was so unnatural. It's a great story, and a subject very close to my heart....but tries a little too hard!
May 3, 2015
Wow just wow
I Loved this book with all my heart. I wish there was a little angst but I was ok without it. The true love Jake and Stephie shared was amazing. They shared love without boundaries and it was so sweet and sensual. There were definitely hot scenes in this book. I could not put it down. You will not be disappointed. My only complaint is I felt it was a little unrealistic that they never felt any real discrimination for the relationship from family, friends or coworkers. The little the book showed was nothing different than some "normal" couples experience. Overall that did not change my experience with this book.
I Loved this book with all my heart. I wish there was a little angst but I was ok without it. The true love Jake and Stephie shared was amazing. They shared love without boundaries and it was so sweet and sensual. There were definitely hot scenes in this book. I could not put it down. You will not be disappointed. My only complaint is I felt it was a little unrealistic that they never felt any real discrimination for the relationship from family, friends or coworkers. The little the book showed was nothing different than some "normal" couples experience. Overall that did not change my experience with this book.
July 27, 2016
What I liked:
I loved the plot and characters in this story. It chronicled one character's journey to finding her true self and also gave many positive examples of how to be an ally of someone going through this transition. The love and friendship Jake and Stephie shared was beautiful.
Not a fan:
At many times the dialogue (especially the adults) was written in an unbelievable way. Genna was a great mother but her thoughts and words were just so dramatic I found myself cringing. Also there were parts that were either about religion or the science/psychology of gender that really took me out of the story.
I loved the plot and characters in this story. It chronicled one character's journey to finding her true self and also gave many positive examples of how to be an ally of someone going through this transition. The love and friendship Jake and Stephie shared was beautiful.
Not a fan:
At many times the dialogue (especially the adults) was written in an unbelievable way. Genna was a great mother but her thoughts and words were just so dramatic I found myself cringing. Also there were parts that were either about religion or the science/psychology of gender that really took me out of the story.
December 8, 2016
Ummm. No. Felt like the author did a bunch of research on the subject(good) but then just threw it all in the book. Came across as not a story. A lot of jumping around near the beginning. Hard to tell how old the characters were at certain points. 2 biggest pet peeves about the book:1. I get they all love each other but the characters don't need to say it every other sentence. 2. Did not appreciate how it was described as "his excitement" At least use the correct name for it.
June 21, 2018
Too much “fluff” and just unreal in my opinion. Not enough conflict, no real opposition save the main characters alone. I may be comparing it to my own coming out and my parents did not embrace my truth. They still have not and I have not spoken to them in over 6 years.
July 11, 2018
Whenever I Need Solace
I return to Stephie and Jake. Yes, their story IS a little too good to be true, but it's the kind of TRUE you wish and hope in your deepest heart was just that...true. And yes, there's a lot of sermonizing and sometimes the story's pacing can jar but the information and affirmation for people like Steph and me just recharges my soul. As for the truth of their story? I do know that life CAN imitate art...since my transition has had many of the overflowing and overwhelming support Steph has enjoyed in her journey. Hopefully, as our societies undergo the last throes of a dying paradigm of hate and mistrust and fear (you don't REALLY see Trump as anything more than the last gasps of those who revel in misery do you?) books like this will continue to light our paths to be who and what humanity was always meant to be: as close to as perfect, Jake's perfect, as we can possibly be.
I return to Stephie and Jake. Yes, their story IS a little too good to be true, but it's the kind of TRUE you wish and hope in your deepest heart was just that...true. And yes, there's a lot of sermonizing and sometimes the story's pacing can jar but the information and affirmation for people like Steph and me just recharges my soul. As for the truth of their story? I do know that life CAN imitate art...since my transition has had many of the overflowing and overwhelming support Steph has enjoyed in her journey. Hopefully, as our societies undergo the last throes of a dying paradigm of hate and mistrust and fear (you don't REALLY see Trump as anything more than the last gasps of those who revel in misery do you?) books like this will continue to light our paths to be who and what humanity was always meant to be: as close to as perfect, Jake's perfect, as we can possibly be.
March 4, 2018
Amazing!
This is an amazing book with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. It is the story of two young boys, Steve and Jacob, who meet at age 5 and immediately become best friends. As the years go by, Steve realizes that he is not like Jacob. He hides his secret desire to be female, afraid that no one, not his parents and especially not Jacob, would understand and still love him. Then Steve meets Vicky and everything begins to change. This book shows the true meaning of unconditional love. I highly recommend this book be placed on your must-read list!
This is an amazing book with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. It is the story of two young boys, Steve and Jacob, who meet at age 5 and immediately become best friends. As the years go by, Steve realizes that he is not like Jacob. He hides his secret desire to be female, afraid that no one, not his parents and especially not Jacob, would understand and still love him. Then Steve meets Vicky and everything begins to change. This book shows the true meaning of unconditional love. I highly recommend this book be placed on your must-read list!
October 8, 2017
Feel good love story
Feel good love story. A little bit mushy at times, but enjoyable never the less. Also, I get to see life from a different perspective which I would never experience otherwise. Viva la difference!
Feel good love story. A little bit mushy at times, but enjoyable never the less. Also, I get to see life from a different perspective which I would never experience otherwise. Viva la difference!
July 29, 2022
Kinda preachy at times but very cute
March 29, 2016
Fantastic
What a terrific story. The author shares a sweet story that is a bit corny at times but in a sweet way. I loved the characters, if only everyone could be as open minded and accepting as the families in this book the world would be a much better place. There is also some very thought provoking stuff in here regarding accepting the differences in people and understanding what 'normal' really is.
The story is sweetly romantic and hotly erotic at times, but mostly I loved the journey that the main characters took. It was a pleasure to read.
What a terrific story. The author shares a sweet story that is a bit corny at times but in a sweet way. I loved the characters, if only everyone could be as open minded and accepting as the families in this book the world would be a much better place. There is also some very thought provoking stuff in here regarding accepting the differences in people and understanding what 'normal' really is.
The story is sweetly romantic and hotly erotic at times, but mostly I loved the journey that the main characters took. It was a pleasure to read.
June 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book Jake and Stephie had such a connection from the start it was beautiful to watch that love grow and deepen.
The parents were brilliant. There attitudes were fantastic but a little too text book ish. Everything seemed to be scripted and I was expecting references to appear at the back.
But that didn't detract from the meaning and feeling of the story.
I loved how it ended how it started.
The parents were brilliant. There attitudes were fantastic but a little too text book ish. Everything seemed to be scripted and I was expecting references to appear at the back.
But that didn't detract from the meaning and feeling of the story.
I loved how it ended how it started.
October 6, 2015
I love this book its the best book ive ever read i could not put it down. it speaks to me because i like one of the characters in the book i am also transgender. and i think this is a wonderful love story. i wish there was love out there like there is in that book.
March 30, 2016
I love this book , it's a great book about unconditional love. I love Jake and Stephanie and their parents are the kind of parents ever kid need
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews