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The Unpredictability of Being Human
Meet Malin, a fifteen-year-old who sees the world differently. Malin knows she couldn’t change much about her life, even if she got to play God. Her dad would still yell all the time – especially as Malin is still friends with Hanna, the girl she met shoplifting. Her mum would still say a glass of wine is good for her heart – and Mum needs it, with Malin’s brother, Sigve, getting into trouble all the time. And Malin would still be Malin. Because she can’t be anybody else.
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 7, 2017
My initial rating for this book was 3.5 stars but I have since decided to boost it 4, as days after finishing this I keep thinking about these characters.
Nanowrimo had been slowing my reading pace down and, as such, I had been craving a book I could tear through with ease, but that still maintained the emotional depth I like all my reading to contain. This book delivered everything I was looking for, in that respect, and it was so refreshing to devour chapters at a time, in between my writing, without it interrupting with my own creativity due to the difference in genre.
The writing style was what initially drew me in. I found it to be a pretty unique one. The blunt sentences gave protagonist, Malin, a voice entirely of her own, which matched her individual perspective of the world. This voice was also one dissimilar to any I had previously encountered, in the contemporary genre.
Malin was a pretty naive character with a limited understanding of the world, but despite this she was far from immature. It was refreshing to see a teenager displayed so authentically and I adored how the author allowed for her not to adhere to the strict character stereotypes that have frequented some of the coming-of-age stories, that I have read. Malin was allowed to be more than one thing and this realistic character portrayal was what bonded me so entirely to this story.
The other characters were also given their own personalities and I found I could differentiate their voices and mannerisms with ease, after only the briefest of meetings. The relationships between all of these individuals was another element that maintained an authenticity and, all this combined, made believable the events that were to follow.
From start to finish I enjoyed every aspect of this book, but a deeper affinity came about with events that occurred just after the half-way point of the narrative. From there, the story arc took a completely different direction from what I had initially perceived happening. This added a depth of subject matter to what was already an interesting tale and transformed this from an illuminating coming-of-age tale to a sorrowful and poignant insight to grief - in all its many forms - the loss of innocence, and a burgeoning understanding about the world.
Malin's character, especially after these traumatic events, reminded me much of the infamous Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. Her limited knowledge and her innocent outlook often jarred with her wise head and her ability to see those around her with a differing perspective to others. Despite dealing with a difference in topic, I can imagine readers of the classic will find many points of reference between the two books.
With all the subject matters broached, this became a tale about many things. It maintained suitability for a younger audience but also allowed relevance to remain, for a more mature reader. This wide readership will find much to learn and much to love in Malin's story, for it has much to give its varied audience. And, through every one of these narrative twists, the reader will learn that this really does chronicle the unpredictability of being human.
Nanowrimo had been slowing my reading pace down and, as such, I had been craving a book I could tear through with ease, but that still maintained the emotional depth I like all my reading to contain. This book delivered everything I was looking for, in that respect, and it was so refreshing to devour chapters at a time, in between my writing, without it interrupting with my own creativity due to the difference in genre.
The writing style was what initially drew me in. I found it to be a pretty unique one. The blunt sentences gave protagonist, Malin, a voice entirely of her own, which matched her individual perspective of the world. This voice was also one dissimilar to any I had previously encountered, in the contemporary genre.
Malin was a pretty naive character with a limited understanding of the world, but despite this she was far from immature. It was refreshing to see a teenager displayed so authentically and I adored how the author allowed for her not to adhere to the strict character stereotypes that have frequented some of the coming-of-age stories, that I have read. Malin was allowed to be more than one thing and this realistic character portrayal was what bonded me so entirely to this story.
The other characters were also given their own personalities and I found I could differentiate their voices and mannerisms with ease, after only the briefest of meetings. The relationships between all of these individuals was another element that maintained an authenticity and, all this combined, made believable the events that were to follow.
From start to finish I enjoyed every aspect of this book, but a deeper affinity came about with events that occurred just after the half-way point of the narrative. From there, the story arc took a completely different direction from what I had initially perceived happening. This added a depth of subject matter to what was already an interesting tale and transformed this from an illuminating coming-of-age tale to a sorrowful and poignant insight to grief - in all its many forms - the loss of innocence, and a burgeoning understanding about the world.
Malin's character, especially after these traumatic events, reminded me much of the infamous Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. Her limited knowledge and her innocent outlook often jarred with her wise head and her ability to see those around her with a differing perspective to others. Despite dealing with a difference in topic, I can imagine readers of the classic will find many points of reference between the two books.
With all the subject matters broached, this became a tale about many things. It maintained suitability for a younger audience but also allowed relevance to remain, for a more mature reader. This wide readership will find much to learn and much to love in Malin's story, for it has much to give its varied audience. And, through every one of these narrative twists, the reader will learn that this really does chronicle the unpredictability of being human.
January 20, 2018
Disclaimer: A Huge Thanks to UsBorne YA for providing me with a review copy. My thought, opinions and feelings expressed in this review are, however are my own!
This book takes a bit getting used to – the voice of the main Character – Malin is a bit abrupt, short and to the point; making her a refreshing character in the contemporary Young Adult genre.
This was also a book that I took my time reading – first to get used to the style of writing and the, to enjoy entirely individual perspective of Malin – which for me had to be taken in little does, for while her perspective was entirely brilliant; it also tended to make me put on my thinking hat more than once!
But this is more than the run – of – the mill YA story; what it ended up was a thoughtful process of understanding the wide variety of human emotions, thoughts and opinions and then, it ends up having something for all ages of readers – not just for younger readers but also for mature readers; especially considering the situations & circumstances Malin faced.
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April 19, 2018
I’m not sure have much to say about this book. It was easy to read but the book as whole just didn’t really seem to have a point. It was quite sweet in a way, and is a cute book about a girl in her life, but the story just didn’t do it for me.
When I first read the title and the blurb of this book, it intrigued me and I thought it’d be an interesting read. However, I have to say that I was disappointed.
The book just seems to go from chapter to chapter with small events but no actual main story and honestly, it just felt a bit pointless to read. I was just getting further and further throughout the book, wondering where it was going.
There was no character development whatsoever, not even from the main character Malin. I very much felt that the characters just stayed the same and were slightly boring to read about.
I’m actually giving this book only two stars in terms of the story and how is progresses with characters etc. However when it comes to Malin, it gets an extra star. This is because I think that how Malin is portrayed is really creative, inventive and just different from a lot of other main characters I’ve read about. She obviously has some sort of learning disability, causing her to struggle with social cues, understanding certain things and just everyday events. And I guess that this was kind of the main point of the book, rather than a progressing storyline.
It’s a nice book about a girl who’s obviously different and although it was never directly stated that she has a learning disability, it was obvious that she had, to some extent. I think this book could actually open some people’s eyes to how difficult some people actually find everyday events and interactions. However I love reading books with a great storyline, exciting events and a dramatic/unpredictable ending so this book just wasn’t my thing.
When I first read the title and the blurb of this book, it intrigued me and I thought it’d be an interesting read. However, I have to say that I was disappointed.
The book just seems to go from chapter to chapter with small events but no actual main story and honestly, it just felt a bit pointless to read. I was just getting further and further throughout the book, wondering where it was going.
There was no character development whatsoever, not even from the main character Malin. I very much felt that the characters just stayed the same and were slightly boring to read about.
I’m actually giving this book only two stars in terms of the story and how is progresses with characters etc. However when it comes to Malin, it gets an extra star. This is because I think that how Malin is portrayed is really creative, inventive and just different from a lot of other main characters I’ve read about. She obviously has some sort of learning disability, causing her to struggle with social cues, understanding certain things and just everyday events. And I guess that this was kind of the main point of the book, rather than a progressing storyline.
It’s a nice book about a girl who’s obviously different and although it was never directly stated that she has a learning disability, it was obvious that she had, to some extent. I think this book could actually open some people’s eyes to how difficult some people actually find everyday events and interactions. However I love reading books with a great storyline, exciting events and a dramatic/unpredictable ending so this book just wasn’t my thing.
February 28, 2018
Another version of this review can be found @ The Regal Critiques.
Received in exchange for an honest review from Usborne Publishing UK.
I wasn't asking for much when I picked this book up- I was in a reading slump and wanted both an easy read and something that would hit me in the feels, and this book was just that...AND it brought me out of that slump, so it's a double yay!
5/5 for the writing
The writing is definitely the best part of the book (as it should be, in my opinion). There's something about a well-written book that makes me stick with it even if the characters are less than likeable (which wasn't the case here since the characters were amazing anyway) or whatever way the book falls short. Here the author managed to keep things refreshing while also maintaining that hint of something more, something suspenseful and it kept me hooked from start to finish. I adored Malin's voice and it was unique, endearing and heartbreaking- pretty much the one reason that I was glued to the story in the first place.
4/5 for the characters
"Today my brother Sigve shot seventy-nine people. Some in the head. Some in the chest. A few in the back. All of them were soldiers fighting for the other side.
He doesn't like to shoot them in the back, he says. He likes it better when they see it coming.
He really enjoys these video games of his."
Malin was amazing- she was naive and yet so smart, blunt and yet so thoughtful. She was a character I fell in love with right off the bat and only continued to love even more throughout the course of the story- her blunders, missteps and all. I was happy for her when things went her way, angry on her behalf when she was mistreated, grieved with her when things started going downhill and was incredibly happy seeing her grow in the short time I was with her- she was a character you'd no doubt root for without a second thought. The other characters like the friend she found in Hanna, and her cousin, Magnus, were also my favourites, and despite things not going exactly the way I'd have liked (hint: there's heartbreak and grief involved!), I'm still glad these people were in Malin's life and that they made such an impact on her.
4/5 for the relationships
I'm in two minds about my favourite relationship in the book but it's most likely the one between Malin and Magnus. She found a friend of sorts in him and always looked up to him (though she probably wouldn't accept it) and he guided her in ways more than either of them probably realized. The other relationship I loved here was that of Malin and Hanna- the older girl she met shoplifting. Theirs was an unconventional friendship right from the start and it was good to see how Hanna impacted Malin's life- showed her the ways of the world and all. I wish they'd had more down the lane for them but it still made sense that things would go that way. Regarding the familial relationships- it broke my heart that Malin thought things were "normal" when her mother kept drinking, when her father kept losing his temper, when her brother kept stirring up trouble and when everyone kept underestimating her- but it was her normal and I loved how the book treated their relationships. Granted, I would have liked to see more of their interactions, but there isn't much to complain about when what was presented was done well.
3/5 for the plot
"If I got to be God for one day, I'd microwave a bag of popcorn to perfection.
Because if God himself could fix the big stuff, he'd have done it already.
And even if he did, people do such weird stuff, they'd break it all again anyway."
While the story had no plot per se- it was mostly Malin's journey during a difficult phase of her life- it was still very engaging and had me hooked. And also- did I mention the story is set in Norway, where the author herself is from? Yeah, well, that was a welcome change too!
Speaking of the end of the story, though, I felt things were too abrupt and we could have had a more satisfying, prolonged ending, but the epilogue made up for it- to an extent. I liked seeing how things turned out for Malin and everyone involved, and it was a sufficient end to the story. However, here's also where I admittedly had a small issue. While it's understood that Malin is no ordinary child, it wasn't elaborated on what was exactly different in her from most kids her age. It is said (in certain blurbs and author interviews) that Malin has undiagnosed ASD, and it's acknowledged towards the end of the story- but by then it was too little, too late. I wish she had gotten a diagnosis and this was addressed in the book and we got to see more regarding this- but it wasn't and we didn't, and I'm pretty bummed about it. I feel this book could have been just that much more and it's certainly a pity that, ultimately, the full potential wasn't reached.
This is not to say that difficult or potentially difficult topics weren't tackled in the book, though. This is a coming-of-age story and deals with many things like huge family secrets, peer pressure, alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, death and grief, and it's all narrated through Malin's refreshing voice and this book felt, to me, like the cross between The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole- which is to say that it was quirky, funny and refreshing, while also unexpectedly deep. A must-read, pretty much, if you're a fan of contemporary YA.
Received in exchange for an honest review from Usborne Publishing UK.
I wasn't asking for much when I picked this book up- I was in a reading slump and wanted both an easy read and something that would hit me in the feels, and this book was just that...AND it brought me out of that slump, so it's a double yay!
5/5 for the writing
The writing is definitely the best part of the book (as it should be, in my opinion). There's something about a well-written book that makes me stick with it even if the characters are less than likeable (which wasn't the case here since the characters were amazing anyway) or whatever way the book falls short. Here the author managed to keep things refreshing while also maintaining that hint of something more, something suspenseful and it kept me hooked from start to finish. I adored Malin's voice and it was unique, endearing and heartbreaking- pretty much the one reason that I was glued to the story in the first place.
4/5 for the characters
"Today my brother Sigve shot seventy-nine people. Some in the head. Some in the chest. A few in the back. All of them were soldiers fighting for the other side.
He doesn't like to shoot them in the back, he says. He likes it better when they see it coming.
He really enjoys these video games of his."
Malin was amazing- she was naive and yet so smart, blunt and yet so thoughtful. She was a character I fell in love with right off the bat and only continued to love even more throughout the course of the story- her blunders, missteps and all. I was happy for her when things went her way, angry on her behalf when she was mistreated, grieved with her when things started going downhill and was incredibly happy seeing her grow in the short time I was with her- she was a character you'd no doubt root for without a second thought. The other characters like the friend she found in Hanna, and her cousin, Magnus, were also my favourites, and despite things not going exactly the way I'd have liked (hint: there's heartbreak and grief involved!), I'm still glad these people were in Malin's life and that they made such an impact on her.
4/5 for the relationships
I'm in two minds about my favourite relationship in the book but it's most likely the one between Malin and Magnus. She found a friend of sorts in him and always looked up to him (though she probably wouldn't accept it) and he guided her in ways more than either of them probably realized. The other relationship I loved here was that of Malin and Hanna- the older girl she met shoplifting. Theirs was an unconventional friendship right from the start and it was good to see how Hanna impacted Malin's life- showed her the ways of the world and all. I wish they'd had more down the lane for them but it still made sense that things would go that way. Regarding the familial relationships- it broke my heart that Malin thought things were "normal" when her mother kept drinking, when her father kept losing his temper, when her brother kept stirring up trouble and when everyone kept underestimating her- but it was her normal and I loved how the book treated their relationships. Granted, I would have liked to see more of their interactions, but there isn't much to complain about when what was presented was done well.
3/5 for the plot
"If I got to be God for one day, I'd microwave a bag of popcorn to perfection.
Because if God himself could fix the big stuff, he'd have done it already.
And even if he did, people do such weird stuff, they'd break it all again anyway."
While the story had no plot per se- it was mostly Malin's journey during a difficult phase of her life- it was still very engaging and had me hooked. And also- did I mention the story is set in Norway, where the author herself is from? Yeah, well, that was a welcome change too!
Speaking of the end of the story, though, I felt things were too abrupt and we could have had a more satisfying, prolonged ending, but the epilogue made up for it- to an extent. I liked seeing how things turned out for Malin and everyone involved, and it was a sufficient end to the story. However, here's also where I admittedly had a small issue. While it's understood that Malin is no ordinary child, it wasn't elaborated on what was exactly different in her from most kids her age. It is said (in certain blurbs and author interviews) that Malin has undiagnosed ASD, and it's acknowledged towards the end of the story- but by then it was too little, too late. I wish she had gotten a diagnosis and this was addressed in the book and we got to see more regarding this- but it wasn't and we didn't, and I'm pretty bummed about it. I feel this book could have been just that much more and it's certainly a pity that, ultimately, the full potential wasn't reached.
This is not to say that difficult or potentially difficult topics weren't tackled in the book, though. This is a coming-of-age story and deals with many things like huge family secrets, peer pressure, alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, death and grief, and it's all narrated through Malin's refreshing voice and this book felt, to me, like the cross between The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole- which is to say that it was quirky, funny and refreshing, while also unexpectedly deep. A must-read, pretty much, if you're a fan of contemporary YA.
September 17, 2018
The Unpredictability of Being Human by Linnie Ingmundsen was a heart warming read. Malin is a fourteen year old naive little lady, a round peg in a square hole, trying to fit in. Well, aren't we all? The plot was so relatable that it clicked with me at the very first chapter and I wonder how novels achieve such universal intelligibility?
The world changes to an adolescent's eye, as she is rendered capable of comprehending the darkness surrounding us. The innocence is slowly lost and thus our outlook changes as well! Malin's stupidities just remind me more of my own, and all the times I had ended up embarassing myself when I was about her age. ( I am glad that phase is over)
However, it might be a disappointment for people who look forward to read novels with a solid plot as it doesn't have one. It is a peep into Malin's little world and as I have learnt to accept that fact, the novel came across as a pleasing one.
Ingmundsen has a beautiful writing style which is easy to comprehend, that makes me very pleased because I like to make my sister read such books as she is about to be a teenager soon!
I read the book during Christmas and it was such a soothing feel to cuddle up with a pretty book under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, and Elvis Presley playing in the background. Totally recommended vibes that perfectly complement the book!
The world changes to an adolescent's eye, as she is rendered capable of comprehending the darkness surrounding us. The innocence is slowly lost and thus our outlook changes as well! Malin's stupidities just remind me more of my own, and all the times I had ended up embarassing myself when I was about her age. ( I am glad that phase is over)
However, it might be a disappointment for people who look forward to read novels with a solid plot as it doesn't have one. It is a peep into Malin's little world and as I have learnt to accept that fact, the novel came across as a pleasing one.
Ingmundsen has a beautiful writing style which is easy to comprehend, that makes me very pleased because I like to make my sister read such books as she is about to be a teenager soon!
I read the book during Christmas and it was such a soothing feel to cuddle up with a pretty book under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, and Elvis Presley playing in the background. Totally recommended vibes that perfectly complement the book!
December 5, 2018
This book, while not terrible, was excruciatingly dull. The writing wasn't interesting, the story wasn't told in an interesting way, and it was just... too long? It's something that, honestly, feels like it should be a short story or a novella; it didn't merit being very long because it was the same thing over and over and over again, and you never really got a feel for the characters other than the same few characteristics.
I don't mind reading stories that are about everyday life or events that happen to us that we can't predict (which is nearly all of them), but I do get tired of reading the same few sentences over and over again and seeing no one... alter even a little bit?
Also, it felt very young for the writing.
I don't mind reading stories that are about everyday life or events that happen to us that we can't predict (which is nearly all of them), but I do get tired of reading the same few sentences over and over again and seeing no one... alter even a little bit?
Also, it felt very young for the writing.
September 17, 2018
I absolutely loved this book it was set in a different scene to what kind of book I would usually read but I would really recommend it to young adults as an enjoyable book 😀
August 28, 2018
I really enjoyed it! Very sweet and strangely comforting.
May 30, 2021
3.0☆
It was a fast read and I loved the short chapters (which as by now you notice I love)and the plot kept me invested in the story.
I thought it a bit overrated as I couldn't really feel a connection between the characters.
The character, Malin, was very hard to find relatable and her personality was very absent-minded in a sense that it was hard to be aware of everything going on.
It irritated me that she would just go on (you'll have to read to understand) when something huge happened like it was nothing.
She didn't give off the maturity of a fourteen year old and I guess that was the biggest thing for me.
What gave it that extra 0.5☆ star was the plot. It really had lots of twists which kept me invested and a few stuff you definitely didn't see coming.
The endddddd I did not see that coming. I had a rating in mind but I completely upped it after I finished. Anyway please like/comment if you'd like to and enjoy your day :)
It was a fast read and I loved the short chapters (which as by now you notice I love)and the plot kept me invested in the story.
I thought it a bit overrated as I couldn't really feel a connection between the characters.
The character, Malin, was very hard to find relatable and her personality was very absent-minded in a sense that it was hard to be aware of everything going on.
It irritated me that she would just go on (you'll have to read to understand) when something huge happened like it was nothing.
She didn't give off the maturity of a fourteen year old and I guess that was the biggest thing for me.
What gave it that extra 0.5☆ star was the plot. It really had lots of twists which kept me invested and a few stuff you definitely didn't see coming.
The endddddd I did not see that coming. I had a rating in mind but I completely upped it after I finished. Anyway please like/comment if you'd like to and enjoy your day :)
December 15, 2021
A sweet, coming of age story about an awkward high school girl (weren’t we all? – ha ha) growing up in small town Scandinavia.
Recommended for young adults.
A big thank you to author Linni Ingemundsen as well as Incorgnito Publishing Press for providing a complimentary copy of The Unpredictability of Being Human.
To grab a copy of The Unpredictability of Being Human for yourself, head on over to www.BookShop.org – the online bookstore that gives 75% of each book’s profit margin back to independent bookshops. Find yours at https://bookshop.org/a/13638/97819445....
#TheUnpredictabilityOfBeingHuman
#LinniIngemundsen
#IncorgnitoPublishingPress
#BookShop
#DebutNovel
#DesireeReads
#ComingOfAge
#Humor
#QuirkyCharacters
#ScandinaviaAuthors
#SmallTownStories
#YoungAdult
#ContemporaryFiction
Recommended for young adults.
A big thank you to author Linni Ingemundsen as well as Incorgnito Publishing Press for providing a complimentary copy of The Unpredictability of Being Human.
To grab a copy of The Unpredictability of Being Human for yourself, head on over to www.BookShop.org – the online bookstore that gives 75% of each book’s profit margin back to independent bookshops. Find yours at https://bookshop.org/a/13638/97819445....
#TheUnpredictabilityOfBeingHuman
#LinniIngemundsen
#IncorgnitoPublishingPress
#BookShop
#DebutNovel
#DesireeReads
#ComingOfAge
#Humor
#QuirkyCharacters
#ScandinaviaAuthors
#SmallTownStories
#YoungAdult
#ContemporaryFiction
April 4, 2018
4.5 stars
February 18, 2018
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The novel, ‘The Unpredictability of Being Human’ by Linni Ingemundsen is a contemporary, young-adult fiction. The story revolves around the little girl Malin. She is 14 years old and lives in a village named Hassund in Norway with just about 5,346 other people.
Malin is an adorable but naive girl. I loved her p.o.v. Her inner dialogues were original, relatable and funny. Malin trying to get a better understanding of the world and her innocent outlook guaranteed a few laughs. Then with her introduction to sorrow and grief my heart clenched.
The novel does not have a plot and it is not supposed to have one. It is just a glimpse into the life of a teenager but Linni Ingemundsen, completely has a fresh take on it. I assure you that it is nothing you have read before and is everything cute and adorable alongside having a dark vibe to it.
This novel is indeed a ‘wry, dark and bittersweet look at life’s highs, lows and the bits in between.’ It will warm your heart and break it at the very same time.
This book was a very fast read. I just flew through the pages. The writing style was very refreshing. Itconsumed me and I devoured it cover to cover.
The ending however seemed abrupt and I was like’ ahh! It’s over already? Like this?’ But then there was a prolonged epilogue that made up for it. And Linni Ingemundsen did finally give us a neat and complete ending.
Oh How I want to quote so many hilarious lines from the novel, but since it is an advanced readers copy, I don’t think I’m supposed to.
The ending did not match the grace of the rest of the story and I was about to rate it like 4 stars but then the prolonged epilogue made up for it. Cleared all the questions. Has a neat ending.
A very lovely book.
June 7, 2021
Me dio mucha ternura la inocencia del libro. Es re chill porque es un coming of age y porque no tiene un re plot twist definido, but we love it anyways. Also, ame que muestren como los pensamientos de los adultos influencian los pensamientos y las acciones de aquellos que todavía están creciendo.
Dejo quotes q me gustaron😋
- “ There is no use thinking about everything that could have gone differently. Good or bad. You can drive yourself crazy imagining all the different scenarios that could possibly taken place if you or someone else had made a different choice”
- “ Not everything in life can be fixed. Sometimes you just have to find a way to live with what is broken and move on”
- “ Sometimes okay is enough”
Dejo quotes q me gustaron😋
- “ There is no use thinking about everything that could have gone differently. Good or bad. You can drive yourself crazy imagining all the different scenarios that could possibly taken place if you or someone else had made a different choice”
- “ Not everything in life can be fixed. Sometimes you just have to find a way to live with what is broken and move on”
- “ Sometimes okay is enough”
January 27, 2018
3.5 Stars.
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
The Unpredictability of Being Human by Linni Ingemundsen is a book I've wanted to read ever since I heard it was about a girl with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And while it was a captivating read and enjoyable read, I've finished it with mixed feelings.
The Unpredictability of Being Human is very much a coming of age story. It follows Malin during a specific period in her life when things change. There's not so much of a plot to the story, it's more a snapshot of her life during this time of change. She makes a new friend, she starts to become a bit more interested in boys, her mum goes away on a "business trip" for quite a long time, secrets that have caused the family a lot of pain come to light, and, although she's never fit in or really had friends, the bullying is stepped up when she retaliates after someone steals something from her - though maybe not in the best way. There is an innocence to Malin, and she takes things at face value, not really understanding that she's being lied to and played with, until it's too late. It's quite heartbreaking when we, the readers, know where things are going to go, because Malin doesn't understand that people are being conniving and fake, but are powerless to stop it.
Despite there not being a real plot, I was captivated by Malin's voice. I was rooting for her when she made a friend in Hanna, who treated her mostly well, when no-one else at school did, and also when it looks like things might work out with a boy she likes. And loved her relationship with her cousin, Magnus; how they were close, and he didn't treat her like he would anyone else, unlike everyone else. But was also so sad when people took advantage of her because she's so guileless, and doesn't understand that people are lying to her to get her to do things. And I also wished her family would stop lying to her. Because she's not stupid, she would understand if she was just told the truth and had things explained to her, she would be fine. But instead is treated like she wouldn't understand, so lie to her to make things easier for her, when it's not necessary. It was also kind of sad that she would find bottles of wine in strange places around the house, like the tumble dryer, and not think anything of it, and that her father shouting and yelling all the time, and occasionally punching a wall, is normal and nothing to worry about. But it's great to see how she learns through the book, as she comes to understand things, and how things in her life get better.
I also loved how The Unpredictability of Being Human was set in Norway, where Ingemundsen is from. I loved all the little elements that made this book stand out from other YA novels, which are mostly set in the US or the UK; the names of the characters, some of the words used occasionally, and the mention of how Malin had never been out of Scandinavia. Being set in Norway just gave the book that little bit something extra, that made it even more interesting.
My main problem is that I only know that Malin has undiagnosed ASD because the publicist told me so. It doesn't come up at all in the book. Towards the end of the book, where things were going in a certain direction, I though she might get a diagnosis then, but no. As the book is from the perspective of Malin, we, the readers, are aware that she might be neurodiverse, because of the things she misses that are quite obvious to us - for example, that her mum is an alcoholic. From the other characters treatment of her, it's clear that they know she's "different"; when her mum goes to rehab, Malin is told her mum is going on a business trip, though a strange one where you can't call her at first, and she can't can't come back until 90 days later, or have visitors. She's also called stupid by various people and a moron by her older brother, and she's bullied for being different. But having ASD is never mention in any way. And this worries me slightly. I am all for a character having ASD where the story isn't about having ASD, but 1) I think it will make it difficult for people with ASD who are looking for books with characters like them to find this book, because it's not even mentioned in the blurb, and 2) I worry that the lack of even one mention of Malin having ASD may cause readers to judge her, because they don't understand? I don't think this is an unnecessary worry, as I've already seen one review of someone saying Malin seemed younger than 14, and was annoyed at Malin, though she was naive and did stupid things - the reader obviously didn't pick up on the fact that she has undiagnosed ASD, and judged her. I just think it would have been better if she had a diagnosis, whether it was right at the end, or, if she had the diagnosis before the book even started, and it could be mentioned that Malin has ASD, what that means, and that's it, the story continued without mentioning it again, because it's not the point of the story. But to not mention it at all feels like a disservice to those with ASD, I feel.
Despite this, I still really enjoyed the story, and getting to know Malin. I loved seeing her life, and seeing things improve for her, even if it broke my heart to see things get worse for a while.
Thank you to Usborne for the proof.
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
The Unpredictability of Being Human by Linni Ingemundsen is a book I've wanted to read ever since I heard it was about a girl with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And while it was a captivating read and enjoyable read, I've finished it with mixed feelings.
The Unpredictability of Being Human is very much a coming of age story. It follows Malin during a specific period in her life when things change. There's not so much of a plot to the story, it's more a snapshot of her life during this time of change. She makes a new friend, she starts to become a bit more interested in boys, her mum goes away on a "business trip" for quite a long time, secrets that have caused the family a lot of pain come to light, and, although she's never fit in or really had friends, the bullying is stepped up when she retaliates after someone steals something from her - though maybe not in the best way. There is an innocence to Malin, and she takes things at face value, not really understanding that she's being lied to and played with, until it's too late. It's quite heartbreaking when we, the readers, know where things are going to go, because Malin doesn't understand that people are being conniving and fake, but are powerless to stop it.
Despite there not being a real plot, I was captivated by Malin's voice. I was rooting for her when she made a friend in Hanna, who treated her mostly well, when no-one else at school did, and also when it looks like things might work out with a boy she likes. And loved her relationship with her cousin, Magnus; how they were close, and he didn't treat her like he would anyone else, unlike everyone else. But was also so sad when people took advantage of her because she's so guileless, and doesn't understand that people are lying to her to get her to do things. And I also wished her family would stop lying to her. Because she's not stupid, she would understand if she was just told the truth and had things explained to her, she would be fine. But instead is treated like she wouldn't understand, so lie to her to make things easier for her, when it's not necessary. It was also kind of sad that she would find bottles of wine in strange places around the house, like the tumble dryer, and not think anything of it, and that her father shouting and yelling all the time, and occasionally punching a wall, is normal and nothing to worry about. But it's great to see how she learns through the book, as she comes to understand things, and how things in her life get better.
I also loved how The Unpredictability of Being Human was set in Norway, where Ingemundsen is from. I loved all the little elements that made this book stand out from other YA novels, which are mostly set in the US or the UK; the names of the characters, some of the words used occasionally, and the mention of how Malin had never been out of Scandinavia. Being set in Norway just gave the book that little bit something extra, that made it even more interesting.
My main problem is that I only know that Malin has undiagnosed ASD because the publicist told me so. It doesn't come up at all in the book. Towards the end of the book, where things were going in a certain direction, I though she might get a diagnosis then, but no. As the book is from the perspective of Malin, we, the readers, are aware that she might be neurodiverse, because of the things she misses that are quite obvious to us - for example, that her mum is an alcoholic. From the other characters treatment of her, it's clear that they know she's "different"; when her mum goes to rehab, Malin is told her mum is going on a business trip, though a strange one where you can't call her at first, and she can't can't come back until 90 days later, or have visitors. She's also called stupid by various people and a moron by her older brother, and she's bullied for being different. But having ASD is never mention in any way. And this worries me slightly. I am all for a character having ASD where the story isn't about having ASD, but 1) I think it will make it difficult for people with ASD who are looking for books with characters like them to find this book, because it's not even mentioned in the blurb, and 2) I worry that the lack of even one mention of Malin having ASD may cause readers to judge her, because they don't understand? I don't think this is an unnecessary worry, as I've already seen one review of someone saying Malin seemed younger than 14, and was annoyed at Malin, though she was naive and did stupid things - the reader obviously didn't pick up on the fact that she has undiagnosed ASD, and judged her. I just think it would have been better if she had a diagnosis, whether it was right at the end, or, if she had the diagnosis before the book even started, and it could be mentioned that Malin has ASD, what that means, and that's it, the story continued without mentioning it again, because it's not the point of the story. But to not mention it at all feels like a disservice to those with ASD, I feel.
Despite this, I still really enjoyed the story, and getting to know Malin. I loved seeing her life, and seeing things improve for her, even if it broke my heart to see things get worse for a while.
Thank you to Usborne for the proof.
August 17, 2025
This was a really easy read that I finished in a few short sittings.
Its not a bad story for a YA book.
it shows the difficulties of growing up as a teenager and then as a teenager and being slightly different to everyone else.
Whilst a great deal didnt happen as such, I enjoyed the characters in the book and the twist at the end.
Its not a bad story for a YA book.
it shows the difficulties of growing up as a teenager and then as a teenager and being slightly different to everyone else.
Whilst a great deal didnt happen as such, I enjoyed the characters in the book and the twist at the end.
April 1, 2019
Didn’t expect to like it so much..
August 7, 2025
dark, funny, innocent yet meaningful and adult-like child pov
November 19, 2021
Short and sweet. Malin is just trying to fit in, in a world that doesn't really seem to understand her.
March 20, 2018
I really liked the writing style of this, and Malin was SUCH an interesting and well written character.
FULL REVIEW UP SOON!
FULL REVIEW UP SOON!
April 21, 2018
I am a girl who wants to read books that are too old for me. when my nana bought me this one for my birthday, I read it as soon as possible. it starts of with its one little story in the first chapter with a girl named Milan who is a teen ager with a friend two years older than her. milan goes to school defeats school bullies becomes 'FREINDS' with another boy and loses her one and only friend. whilst this is going on at school at home, Milan's family is falling apart. her brother continues to lie her mom falls apart and her dad yells.
when I read books I like to put myself in the position of the main character. here I don't know how I could of coped in Milan's life. this book may sound in-exiting and the opposite of adventurous but if you enjoy adventurous books then this is a nice break. it isn't too thick and it is just right for the aged 12 to 14.
i have dreams of becoming an author and this book was the perfect inspiration. so have a read
when I read books I like to put myself in the position of the main character. here I don't know how I could of coped in Milan's life. this book may sound in-exiting and the opposite of adventurous but if you enjoy adventurous books then this is a nice break. it isn't too thick and it is just right for the aged 12 to 14.
i have dreams of becoming an author and this book was the perfect inspiration. so have a read
April 19, 2024
The book blurb is so confusing. It makes you think that the story is mostly about her teenage life with her friend Hanna beside her. Disappointed that Hanna got only few pages of the book.
I like how it started with “If I got to be God one day,” and ends with the same sentiment.
I like how it started with “If I got to be God one day,” and ends with the same sentiment.
March 10, 2018
detailed review on blog: https://zoeymusesaboutbooks.wordpress...
April 11, 2023
3.75 ★ ★ ★ ★
I found this book easy to read and enjoyable. I loved the themes in this book i.e. growth. It’s a good book if you want to start reading.
I found this book easy to read and enjoyable. I loved the themes in this book i.e. growth. It’s a good book if you want to start reading.
January 4, 2018
The story is about Malin Sande, a girl who is 14 years old, lives in Haasund a village on the south western coast of Norway with her parents, an elder brother Sigve and a cat Oscar who disappears and comes back whenever he is hungry, like all cats do.
It’s a wry, dark and bittersweet look at life with a brutally honest and a bit too naïve protagonist who is so straightforward that she will make you laugh at the stupidity and problems she causes on her own. The book is quite true to reveal the struggle of fitting in one’s school with all the preformed labelled groups when you clearly don’t belong in one. And how easily can naïve teenagers like her be tricked or left alone in the middle of lies, deceit, distorted truths. The story is different because it also covers issues too uncomfortable to discuss. It caters to both the younger audience, teens specially who can relate to Malin and more mature readers who can understand the underlying context.
The book has a different writing style, it’s blunt and evasive in the beginning but give it time, it will grow on you. Its quite a light read, I was able to finish it under 3 hours so a big plus if you’re looking for a book with a nice plot but isn’t too heavy or time consuming. The genre is young adult but being 21 and a hard core mystery, thriller fast paced fiction fan I still liked it so you can pick it up even if you’re not a fan of this genre and enjoy it.
Also the way the situation is presented in the book by the author is quite true and up to the mark. Teenagers don’t like to share their problems with elders, and neither do most of the parents share or discuss some things out of embarrassment, shame or even guilt. You shrug, and tell the kids to stop asking questions, so then they ask what’s for dinner and sit and eat in front of TV. And that’s how you find it in the story, for me it got frustrating at first like why isn’t this being talked in detail or why isn’t anybody addressing it but it all adds up beautifully in the end that's why I rated it 4. Until I reached that point if anybody asked me I would have given the book 3 stars saying it’s okay-ish. But the epilogue is what binds it all together perfectly (not perfectly because life cannot be perfect) but beautifully and put my anxiety to rest.
It’s a wry, dark and bittersweet look at life with a brutally honest and a bit too naïve protagonist who is so straightforward that she will make you laugh at the stupidity and problems she causes on her own. The book is quite true to reveal the struggle of fitting in one’s school with all the preformed labelled groups when you clearly don’t belong in one. And how easily can naïve teenagers like her be tricked or left alone in the middle of lies, deceit, distorted truths. The story is different because it also covers issues too uncomfortable to discuss. It caters to both the younger audience, teens specially who can relate to Malin and more mature readers who can understand the underlying context.
The book has a different writing style, it’s blunt and evasive in the beginning but give it time, it will grow on you. Its quite a light read, I was able to finish it under 3 hours so a big plus if you’re looking for a book with a nice plot but isn’t too heavy or time consuming. The genre is young adult but being 21 and a hard core mystery, thriller fast paced fiction fan I still liked it so you can pick it up even if you’re not a fan of this genre and enjoy it.
Also the way the situation is presented in the book by the author is quite true and up to the mark. Teenagers don’t like to share their problems with elders, and neither do most of the parents share or discuss some things out of embarrassment, shame or even guilt. You shrug, and tell the kids to stop asking questions, so then they ask what’s for dinner and sit and eat in front of TV. And that’s how you find it in the story, for me it got frustrating at first like why isn’t this being talked in detail or why isn’t anybody addressing it but it all adds up beautifully in the end that's why I rated it 4. Until I reached that point if anybody asked me I would have given the book 3 stars saying it’s okay-ish. But the epilogue is what binds it all together perfectly (not perfectly because life cannot be perfect) but beautifully and put my anxiety to rest.
February 16, 2018
First reviewed on Pretty Little Memoirs.
Malin, straight away, is quite an unusual main character. Her point of view and inner monologue on the world is striking, bordering on painfully honest. She sounds much older than her age, fifteen, throughout her POV. Malin's family are a huge part of her troubles and bigger picture on life. There's the situation surrounding her Mom's drinking, her Father's temper and brother's troublesome behaviour. These things make Malin overwhelmed by these trusting, innocent ways to cope with not being able to change what her life is.
What's different about The Unpredictability of Being Human is that there is no solid plot. But in that way, it's even more interesting, if that makes sense. It's a crack into the universe inside Malin's mind and a teenage life. And just a glimpse into her world is bittersweet, relateable and addictive. She's to-the-point and there's no messing about with her thoughts on everyday life, so there's that same, definite maturity to her point of view that definitely made me feel like I was reading about someone a few years older (but not in a bad way).
Overall, I flew through the pages SO FAST. I think it was over three nights that I read this before bed and it was such a refreshing, slice-of-heaven that I think it's one of those books I could pick up again in months time and re-read. The writing does take some time to get used to in Malin's ways of talking to us as readers, but it's honestly such a great read that I can't think of anything that was negative about The Unpredictability of Being Human. If you love feel-good YA or similar to the John Green demographic, you'll adore this book. Amazing read - four stars!
Malin, straight away, is quite an unusual main character. Her point of view and inner monologue on the world is striking, bordering on painfully honest. She sounds much older than her age, fifteen, throughout her POV. Malin's family are a huge part of her troubles and bigger picture on life. There's the situation surrounding her Mom's drinking, her Father's temper and brother's troublesome behaviour. These things make Malin overwhelmed by these trusting, innocent ways to cope with not being able to change what her life is.
What's different about The Unpredictability of Being Human is that there is no solid plot. But in that way, it's even more interesting, if that makes sense. It's a crack into the universe inside Malin's mind and a teenage life. And just a glimpse into her world is bittersweet, relateable and addictive. She's to-the-point and there's no messing about with her thoughts on everyday life, so there's that same, definite maturity to her point of view that definitely made me feel like I was reading about someone a few years older (but not in a bad way).
Overall, I flew through the pages SO FAST. I think it was over three nights that I read this before bed and it was such a refreshing, slice-of-heaven that I think it's one of those books I could pick up again in months time and re-read. The writing does take some time to get used to in Malin's ways of talking to us as readers, but it's honestly such a great read that I can't think of anything that was negative about The Unpredictability of Being Human. If you love feel-good YA or similar to the John Green demographic, you'll adore this book. Amazing read - four stars!
May 11, 2018
This book is a typical contemporary YA with little to no plot and it is all about the voice.
There are some things that are interesting here; how the story is set in a small Norwegian town, and how the main character Malin is obsessed about time. But there isn't enough plot to carry the story forward.
I don't mind books without a real plot, as long as the characters are deep and enjoyable to interact with. The problem here was the main character, and how much of an idiot she was.
Malin is meant to be 14, but she felt more like a 6 year old. She didn't understand how people interact with each other at all. She meets the Regina George of the school and trusts her implicitly. Her family goes through major trauma and she doesn't seem to "get" it. At the end of the book there is a major revelation and she basically chooses to ignore it.
Weak story, strange main character, and the prose itself was very basic. It was a similar style of writing to Wonder, but without the message or the charm.
There are some things that are interesting here; how the story is set in a small Norwegian town, and how the main character Malin is obsessed about time. But there isn't enough plot to carry the story forward.
I don't mind books without a real plot, as long as the characters are deep and enjoyable to interact with. The problem here was the main character, and how much of an idiot she was.
Malin is meant to be 14, but she felt more like a 6 year old. She didn't understand how people interact with each other at all. She meets the Regina George of the school and trusts her implicitly. Her family goes through major trauma and she doesn't seem to "get" it. At the end of the book there is a major revelation and she basically chooses to ignore it.
Weak story, strange main character, and the prose itself was very basic. It was a similar style of writing to Wonder, but without the message or the charm.
February 17, 2019
Thought-provoking. Relatable. Enticing. This book starts on an extreme high by asking deep questions, luring in the reader. However it then experiences an extreme low as it drops momentum.
I found that I often lost track of what was going on with this book and found myself often having to re-read pages. I also found that the momentum drops after the first chapter to about half way through the book, which is a shame considering the strong first chapter and the epilogue.
Despite this I thought that the writer's use of language, in particular the Norwegian, was interesting. I loved Malin's characterisation. I think that it is incredible how Ingemundsen created such a deep characters spontaneously, especially as I thought that I was one of very few writers who does this.
Overall I think that the characters are relatable, the storyline whilst weak has a strong message and the use of a different language helps transport the reader to Norway. I would recommend this to the younger half of the YA audience.
I found that I often lost track of what was going on with this book and found myself often having to re-read pages. I also found that the momentum drops after the first chapter to about half way through the book, which is a shame considering the strong first chapter and the epilogue.
Despite this I thought that the writer's use of language, in particular the Norwegian, was interesting. I loved Malin's characterisation. I think that it is incredible how Ingemundsen created such a deep characters spontaneously, especially as I thought that I was one of very few writers who does this.
Overall I think that the characters are relatable, the storyline whilst weak has a strong message and the use of a different language helps transport the reader to Norway. I would recommend this to the younger half of the YA audience.
July 18, 2018
This is a beautiful book; a poignant view into a specific time in Malins' life when life comes crashing into her world. A coming-of-age vignette, there is no real plot, so to speak. But that actually enhances the feel of the story. Malin is a brilliant character, clever, bold and quite naive. She also has Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is Malins' perception of everything going on around her that tells the story and creates a fascinating view into human nature; the things we protect, the things we hide, what we can and cannot deal with as human beings, our hopes, our fears and our frustrations. There are many issues dealt with in the book. All of these are handled with great sensitivity on the part of the author, making it an insightful and emotional read, with moments of real humour and light.
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