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A Piece Of Normal
“Quite wonderful. . . . Like Anne Tyler, Shelton seems to possess a nearly boundless capacity for empathy. She has the ability to make us love her characters for their faults, not in spite of them.” —Connecticut Post Warmhearted, insightful, funny and poignant, bestselling author Maddie Dawson takes the unfathomable ways of love and family, and celebrates [the joys of] the ordinary craziness of being human. “You know what people really need? Somebody who will listen hard and then find a way to tell them, ‘It’s not all your fault. It’s going to work out fine. Don’t give up.’” So advice columnist ‘Dear Lily’ Brown deeply believes. But Lily could write a letter to herself, asking what to do about an ex-husband who still wants her dating advice, how to redecorate the family home she’s kept exactly the same since her parents died tragically young, and how to move on with her strangely becalmed life…And oh, yes, what to do when your wild-child estranged sister storms back into town, blowing your nicely arranged life into disarray. “As her protagonist tries to learn that she cannot and does not have to control everyone around her and tries to enjoy the "fun" of a dysfunctional family life, Dawson delves into family relationships with humor and empathy, making this a pleasurable read.” –Booklist “Shelton’s greatest talent is a gift for juxtaposing comedy and tragedy to the pulsing beat of the modern-day mating dance.” —BookPage **This book was originally published under the pen name, Sandi Kahn Shelton ***
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2017
2147 people are currently reading
1108 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Dawson
14 books1,542 followersI'm the author of eleven novels about love, crazy families, secrets, parenthood, and--yes, they have happy endings and some laughs as well as tears. (Just like life.) My newest, SNAP OUT OF IT, comes out on Jan. 3, 2023.
Also by me: The Magic of Found Objects, A Happy Catastrophe, Matchmaking for Beginners, The Survivor's Guide to Family Happiness, The Opposite of Maybe, The Stuff That Never Happened, Kissing Games of the World and A Piece of Normal.
My first novel, What Comes After Crazy, was written under the name Sandi Kahn Shelton.
Also by me: The Magic of Found Objects, A Happy Catastrophe, Matchmaking for Beginners, The Survivor's Guide to Family Happiness, The Opposite of Maybe, The Stuff That Never Happened, Kissing Games of the World and A Piece of Normal.
My first novel, What Comes After Crazy, was written under the name Sandi Kahn Shelton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. Heaps of issues and all kinds of things happening to our heroine, a single mum with four year old Simon, and she is setting up her ex on dates. Suddenly her sister returns home after many year away and all hell breaks out in our heroine's life. She writes an advice column as Dear Lilly for a local newspaper and lives in her dead Mum's house on Long Island Sound in Branford, Connecticut.
Having spent more than 30 years living in the New Haven area and even in Branford for a while, it was fun reading about many of my old hangouts and places I grew up in.
I like Maddie Dawson's books, my third or fourth I think, but this one was deeper than any of her previous novels. Recommended.
Having spent more than 30 years living in the New Haven area and even in Branford for a while, it was fun reading about many of my old hangouts and places I grew up in.
I like Maddie Dawson's books, my third or fourth I think, but this one was deeper than any of her previous novels. Recommended.
September 3, 2017
I have loved all of Maddie Dawson's other books.. not this one.
While I'm surprised Lily could walk after laying down to be a doormat to every single person in her life, what bothered me the most is that she couldn't even take her own advice. I gave up at 54% (whatever page that was in Kiblde speak) - I truly think there was no hope for her and I wasn't interested in seeing if the married guy was going to change the status quo.
Hopefully the next one will be better
While I'm surprised Lily could walk after laying down to be a doormat to every single person in her life, what bothered me the most is that she couldn't even take her own advice. I gave up at 54% (whatever page that was in Kiblde speak) - I truly think there was no hope for her and I wasn't interested in seeing if the married guy was going to change the status quo.
Hopefully the next one will be better
March 2, 2019
"What are you doing anyway?"
"Aromatherapy...she's had an upsetting day."
Seriously how dumb is our main character to believe a line delivered directly and so poorly, and continue to bury her head in the sand about her sister and ex? About as dumb as I felt continuing to read it.
I enjoyed Matchmaking for Beginners so much, I dove right into another Maddie Dawson book but I did not enjoy this half as much. There was so much going on and yet, so many reasons to not care about each situation. More reasons in fact, not to care, than to care at all. The only character I truly felt for was Simon, and my heart aches for him as the story ends because who knows what he still has to deal with.
"Aromatherapy...she's had an upsetting day."
Seriously how dumb is our main character to believe a line delivered directly and so poorly, and continue to bury her head in the sand about her sister and ex? About as dumb as I felt continuing to read it.
I enjoyed Matchmaking for Beginners so much, I dove right into another Maddie Dawson book but I did not enjoy this half as much. There was so much going on and yet, so many reasons to not care about each situation. More reasons in fact, not to care, than to care at all. The only character I truly felt for was Simon, and my heart aches for him as the story ends because who knows what he still has to deal with.
August 19, 2018
Based on Matchmakers For Beginners, which is Dawson's most recent work, I really thought that I had discovered a unique author with a brilliant and witty voice. Unfortunately, this is the second book in her earlier work that doesn't live up to my expectations. First, I could not relate to the characters, who were either too permissive, too accommodating, or too eccentric, too selfish, or had no sensitivity at all. Secondly, I thought that there was no breathing room in the writing, it was simply too chaotic in a sense. If I couldn't enjoy what I was reading, was there a message to this story? Nope, not even that.
Lastly, I thought the ending lacked in giving this reader a satisfactory conclusion. Nevertheless, I think that Maddie Dawson is talented somehow, and that we will see that shine in books to come. Maybe a change in editor would help?
Lastly, I thought the ending lacked in giving this reader a satisfactory conclusion. Nevertheless, I think that Maddie Dawson is talented somehow, and that we will see that shine in books to come. Maybe a change in editor would help?
July 15, 2018
Sad!
I was rooting for Lilly but feel like she was very passive. I wanted Lilly to stand up for herself.
I was rooting for Lilly but feel like she was very passive. I wanted Lilly to stand up for herself.
January 7, 2025
This book had so much potential . But ugh it just made me so angry . There was no justice and I left feeling heartache for Simon. I felt all the emotions working through this but the ending was a total let down . The characters had grit at first then it’s like they were put in an ai program and it floundered . Sigh .
July 10, 2019
This was a cute quick read about a advice columnist and her dysfunctional life. When Lily's sister comes back into town after disappearing for 10-years everything changes. Life is all about changing and learning from those around you.
Read
November 21, 2024My last Maddie Dawson!! Always good
April 29, 2018
I loved the twists and turns of this novel and the layered personality traits of the
each character is wonderful! I felt emotional pangs of guilt, betrayal, love, friendship and grief. I also felt the nostalgia of community, the hope of change and adventure. It is true to Dawson's style..a good read that begs to you to keep reading.
each character is wonderful! I felt emotional pangs of guilt, betrayal, love, friendship and grief. I also felt the nostalgia of community, the hope of change and adventure. It is true to Dawson's style..a good read that begs to you to keep reading.
April 24, 2019
The second book of Maddie Dawson's I've read. I appreciate the complexity and depth of her characters and their real-life challenges. Romance, love, and life are complicated and often the people we most love can also frustrate us and cause us to question our lives and our decisions, but this doesn't always mean they're bad for us or that the answer is to leave the relationship.
Life is messy, but wonderful, is the conclusion I came to after reading this book.
Life is messy, but wonderful, is the conclusion I came to after reading this book.
July 1, 2018
Where's the ending?
I'm a bit stumped. All in all it was a good book that suddenly ended without any warning. Did someone tell the author that she needed to shorten the book and it was best to simply delete the final chapter?
I'm a bit stumped. All in all it was a good book that suddenly ended without any warning. Did someone tell the author that she needed to shorten the book and it was best to simply delete the final chapter?
July 11, 2022
Not my favorite from Maddie Dawson
I have read a couple of books of Maddie Dawson’s and loved them but I didn’t connect with the characters in this one. I felt Dana was so awful to her sister and there was so much drama it was a little unpleasant to read for this kind of book.
I have read a couple of books of Maddie Dawson’s and loved them but I didn’t connect with the characters in this one. I felt Dana was so awful to her sister and there was so much drama it was a little unpleasant to read for this kind of book.
January 31, 2022
Too much drama and narcissist behavior being portrayed as free spirited.
October 14, 2020
A book with great depth.
The story takes you on an unpredictable ride through the life of two sisters. You think you know what the outcome of a situation is, but the end results completely takes you by surprise and it's absolutely nothing like what you had assumed. Truly enjoyed the unexpected twists and enlightening revelations that hits home in that know one can predict one's future and all the plans that you make for yourself to achieve your goals in life and follow a specific path can all disappear in the blink of an eye. What happens next and where do you go from there? People automatically judge others even if they know nothing about the person. Financial/class status, racial biases, greed/envy/fear etc. cause evil deeds. Entertaining characters in a small community where everyone knows who's who including all their dirty laundry. Typical main characters of one older sister who is the calm and collected one that abides by the rules while the younger sister is the total opposite being a carefree spirit who breaks all the rules. Why do family secrets come out only after the fact when a person(s) dead and gone? It doesn't make the truth hurt any less. Life keeps moving forward with or without you. Might as well find a way to keep moving forward. And they do. It's been a great while since I've read such a very well written book from start to finish. Reading one book leads me to continue reading the next book introduced at the end. I'm thoroughly enjoying good reads by the brilliant author Maddie Dawson.
The story takes you on an unpredictable ride through the life of two sisters. You think you know what the outcome of a situation is, but the end results completely takes you by surprise and it's absolutely nothing like what you had assumed. Truly enjoyed the unexpected twists and enlightening revelations that hits home in that know one can predict one's future and all the plans that you make for yourself to achieve your goals in life and follow a specific path can all disappear in the blink of an eye. What happens next and where do you go from there? People automatically judge others even if they know nothing about the person. Financial/class status, racial biases, greed/envy/fear etc. cause evil deeds. Entertaining characters in a small community where everyone knows who's who including all their dirty laundry. Typical main characters of one older sister who is the calm and collected one that abides by the rules while the younger sister is the total opposite being a carefree spirit who breaks all the rules. Why do family secrets come out only after the fact when a person(s) dead and gone? It doesn't make the truth hurt any less. Life keeps moving forward with or without you. Might as well find a way to keep moving forward. And they do. It's been a great while since I've read such a very well written book from start to finish. Reading one book leads me to continue reading the next book introduced at the end. I'm thoroughly enjoying good reads by the brilliant author Maddie Dawson.
August 30, 2018
Another winner from Maddie Dawson
Maddie Dawson’s books are not always easy to read. Fluffy, light reads they are not, though they may be mistaken for light reading, focusing, as they do, on women’s relationships. These are not easy relationships, however.
Lily Brown, the protagonist of A Piece of Normal, has lost her parents, her sister, and more recently her marriage. She’s keeping it all together, trying to find her ex-husband (with whom she’s stayed friends) a new partner, not moving forward, but happy with the way things are.
Then her sister shows up, unannounced, after ten years of no contact, throwing Lily’s orderly rut of a life into disarray.
The sisters must confront the reality of their past, family secrets long kept hidden, and Lily must deal with the change she’s been resisting—in her life, her relationships, as well as in the “colony” she and her sister grew up in.
A poignant exploration of the complexities of family and friend relationships, and the ties that bind us.
Maddie Dawson’s books are not always easy to read. Fluffy, light reads they are not, though they may be mistaken for light reading, focusing, as they do, on women’s relationships. These are not easy relationships, however.
Lily Brown, the protagonist of A Piece of Normal, has lost her parents, her sister, and more recently her marriage. She’s keeping it all together, trying to find her ex-husband (with whom she’s stayed friends) a new partner, not moving forward, but happy with the way things are.
Then her sister shows up, unannounced, after ten years of no contact, throwing Lily’s orderly rut of a life into disarray.
The sisters must confront the reality of their past, family secrets long kept hidden, and Lily must deal with the change she’s been resisting—in her life, her relationships, as well as in the “colony” she and her sister grew up in.
A poignant exploration of the complexities of family and friend relationships, and the ties that bind us.
June 12, 2019
Another great read by Maddie Dawson
I won't lie at first it was slow going for me as I started this book. However I've read some of her stuff before and knew how amazing it could be and it didn't disappoint. I think it's because her characters are so human and relatable, all while wanting to strangle them every time there was an unforgivable twist. A piece of me wants more because I feel like there is just so much more to be told. But at the same time it's a beautiful way to end it with not every little piece of their lives being solved and wrapped up neatly just like love and life. I'd give it a 5 if it had caught me a bit faster but 5 out of 5 I'd be interested to read more about these characters. I feel like they have a lot more to tell.
I won't lie at first it was slow going for me as I started this book. However I've read some of her stuff before and knew how amazing it could be and it didn't disappoint. I think it's because her characters are so human and relatable, all while wanting to strangle them every time there was an unforgivable twist. A piece of me wants more because I feel like there is just so much more to be told. But at the same time it's a beautiful way to end it with not every little piece of their lives being solved and wrapped up neatly just like love and life. I'd give it a 5 if it had caught me a bit faster but 5 out of 5 I'd be interested to read more about these characters. I feel like they have a lot more to tell.
December 29, 2019
I liked the story line and flawed characters but was disappointed in the way Lily never once told her sister to leave and the wrap up with Dana and Teddy having zero repercussions to face for their choices. Perhaps if we had seen any indication that Dana wasn’t a horrible, stunted, selfish b-word, that she was turning a corner, I would have felt like the ending up was slightly more believable. Lily should have confronted her sister and been more careful to protect her son from the drama. But- Lol. With all that said, I realize they are fictional characters and no human was actually harmed in the writing of this novel. :). I’ve read 3 others by Maddie Dawson and still planning to read her others. Survivors guide might be my favorite thus far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2018
This book was a great disappointment.
I had bought and read two other books by Maddie Dawson, both of which had an unusual plot and quirky characters. The dialogue was funny and I couldn't wait to see what came next. A slice of normal never was. The characters were whining, argumentative, manic and annoying. It took until chapter 28 to give hope of a love interest and that was never solidly resolved. I read novels for an escape and I like happy endings, but the only reason I finished this novel is I paid for it and I kept hoping it would get better. I'm not likely to buy another.
I had bought and read two other books by Maddie Dawson, both of which had an unusual plot and quirky characters. The dialogue was funny and I couldn't wait to see what came next. A slice of normal never was. The characters were whining, argumentative, manic and annoying. It took until chapter 28 to give hope of a love interest and that was never solidly resolved. I read novels for an escape and I like happy endings, but the only reason I finished this novel is I paid for it and I kept hoping it would get better. I'm not likely to buy another.
September 13, 2018
What did I just read?
The prodigal sister returns and is a total bitch who returns home after running away for ten years. Lily left California to take care of her sister after her parents died and all she could say was bite me. She stole the home that she'd been living in for the ten years she was gone. Oh and Lily's son ends up with a brother-nephew because her sister gets pregnant by Lily's ex-husband! She ends just as entitled and self centered as she was at the start. Basically, there was no development of her character. There was significant growth in Lily's though as her life is upended yet again.
The prodigal sister returns and is a total bitch who returns home after running away for ten years. Lily left California to take care of her sister after her parents died and all she could say was bite me. She stole the home that she'd been living in for the ten years she was gone. Oh and Lily's son ends up with a brother-nephew because her sister gets pregnant by Lily's ex-husband! She ends just as entitled and self centered as she was at the start. Basically, there was no development of her character. There was significant growth in Lily's though as her life is upended yet again.
October 18, 2018
Good... Loved being with these characters
I was afraid after reading some of the reviews that I would be annoyed with the main character. That she would be too timid and get walked on. But one of my best friends said, when I told her this, that not everybody can be outspoken and stand up for themselves all the time. So I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did. I thought it was believable, and encouraging and wherever the characters end up I enjoyed being with them for this part of their story.
I was afraid after reading some of the reviews that I would be annoyed with the main character. That she would be too timid and get walked on. But one of my best friends said, when I told her this, that not everybody can be outspoken and stand up for themselves all the time. So I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did. I thought it was believable, and encouraging and wherever the characters end up I enjoyed being with them for this part of their story.
January 26, 2021
A Small Piece of Normal
The complexity of family secrets unwind in this engaging story. Lily has always worried about her out of control younger sister who she tried to care for after their parents untimely deaths. Sister Dana reappears after 10 years and many miles and adventures. It’s not a typical homecoming as some things and people can’t be fixed. Not much in this story was predictable and for that reason kept me interested. This is a story about empowerment, acceptance and that there’s really not much we can control in life but it’s quite a ride!
The complexity of family secrets unwind in this engaging story. Lily has always worried about her out of control younger sister who she tried to care for after their parents untimely deaths. Sister Dana reappears after 10 years and many miles and adventures. It’s not a typical homecoming as some things and people can’t be fixed. Not much in this story was predictable and for that reason kept me interested. This is a story about empowerment, acceptance and that there’s really not much we can control in life but it’s quite a ride!
September 3, 2024
I’ve liked several of Dawson’s books very much, in particular Matchmaking for Beginners and its sequel, but this one drove me nuts. The characters are unlikeable for various reasons, and the prose was so dense with detail and backstory and god knows what…it just felt like sludge. The plot itself had merit and there were a couple twists that provided some nice surprise but the reading of it was a slog. I had to skim through vast swaths after the first 30% to manage it. I probably should give it 1* but I guess the plot being ok makes me give it 2.
June 27, 2018
A fun read, fizzles out
Maddie Dawson's books are often fun to read but in the endings are unsatisfying & feel lazy. She gives no epilogue of any kind. The protagonist in this one is a doormat & in the end she is a doormat. It is so disappointing. Without giving away the ending there is a seriously unresolved obvious issue. It's such a shame because this seems to be her style, a fun read, & an ending that goes nowhere.
Maddie Dawson's books are often fun to read but in the endings are unsatisfying & feel lazy. She gives no epilogue of any kind. The protagonist in this one is a doormat & in the end she is a doormat. It is so disappointing. Without giving away the ending there is a seriously unresolved obvious issue. It's such a shame because this seems to be her style, a fun read, & an ending that goes nowhere.
August 26, 2018
Rare is the person who can love without control
This book provides insight for those of us who live and love always with a plan on mind. We can't control circumstances, situations or people. I found a lot of commonalities between myself and Lily. I think that Dawson does an excellent job creating characters who are real and relatable.she provides insights on the many fallacies and obstacles that can arise when dealing with diverse personality types
This book provides insight for those of us who live and love always with a plan on mind. We can't control circumstances, situations or people. I found a lot of commonalities between myself and Lily. I think that Dawson does an excellent job creating characters who are real and relatable.she provides insights on the many fallacies and obstacles that can arise when dealing with diverse personality types
October 23, 2018
I enjoyed this book for the most part, but it just went on too long. Somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 from the end the story just went in kind of a continuous loop. I was ready to get to the end by then and here we were just circling the drain. I absolutely loved Match Making for Beginners by this same author, but this book was just not on the same level. So maybe that's why I was more meh about this one.
October 30, 2019
I enjoy Maddie Dawson novels, but this one fell quite short for me; I’m rounding up to 3 stars.
I liked Lily, though she was a tad too passive, but the character of Dana did not ring true to me and I couldn’t root for her. That was a huge drawback. Otherwise, some thoughtful messages about family and love and taking chances. I only wish the rest of the main characters (Simon and Alex are exceptions) weren’t so obnoxious and self-centered.
I liked Lily, though she was a tad too passive, but the character of Dana did not ring true to me and I couldn’t root for her. That was a huge drawback. Otherwise, some thoughtful messages about family and love and taking chances. I only wish the rest of the main characters (Simon and Alex are exceptions) weren’t so obnoxious and self-centered.
July 5, 2020
Cute
I enjoyed this book. I can really relate to both of the sisters. Obviously not their exact circumstances, but the feelings they were carrying for so long. It’s hard to explain, I did really like the book and it was an enjoyable read. The characters seem real to me as well. There were parts where I was like “nah bisch” and couldn’t believe how either sister was missing so much of the point. But I think that was part of the point? Anyway. I loved the ending. Perfect!
I enjoyed this book. I can really relate to both of the sisters. Obviously not their exact circumstances, but the feelings they were carrying for so long. It’s hard to explain, I did really like the book and it was an enjoyable read. The characters seem real to me as well. There were parts where I was like “nah bisch” and couldn’t believe how either sister was missing so much of the point. But I think that was part of the point? Anyway. I loved the ending. Perfect!
October 25, 2021
Neophyte Author
Its difficult to get into this book for several reasons.... The author is obviously not a mother because the child/infant character Simon can not possibly have the vocabulary that she has inserted into the story nor can a child still nursing pretend to be a dog on all fours mimicking a playful dog. These are just a few examples that make the story unbelievable . Its a waste of time and not a good story overall.
Its difficult to get into this book for several reasons.... The author is obviously not a mother because the child/infant character Simon can not possibly have the vocabulary that she has inserted into the story nor can a child still nursing pretend to be a dog on all fours mimicking a playful dog. These are just a few examples that make the story unbelievable . Its a waste of time and not a good story overall.
November 24, 2022
I was enjoying this story that dealt with relationship issues, grief, moving-on, etc. I thought the self- analyzing of the main character would be so terrific at the end, but I was so disappointed in the abrupt ending. I plodded along with the drama and the abuse this character accepted hoping she would redeem herself eventually. What an unsatisfactory ending. I was disappointed that I'd hung in there so long for no good reason.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews