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sandeeisreading's review
5.0
What is it with me and books that deals with teenage hormonal issues?
This would have to be the second book I read that dealt with premarital sex and the first that dealt with teenage pregnancy.
Sophie Ramsay was starting her senior year with a secret. Sophie was a strong Christian girl who had a purity pledge that she had to break because of Dylan Morris. Dylan told her that he loves her and Sophie believed him. Now she finds out that she was pregnant and is left with a very big decision to make. What will she do? Who will she turn too? Will she continue with the pregnancy or have the baby aborted?
Anything but Normal is a book after my own heart. Teenage pregnancy is hard. It becomes even harder when you feel that you cannot share what you are going through with anyone.
Sophie was a very realistic character for me. I was actually pretty surprised how close Ms. Carlson was in showing us how a teenager will handle this type of situation. I know because I was in that same situation when I was 19 too. I fell in love and thought that he does too. I get pregnant he left me with a baby in my stomach and a pretty hard decision whether to get the baby aborted, give the baby up for adoption or keep the baby. I had the same struggles as Sophie did. It may not be the same for everybody but for me it was so damn close.
This book is not just about teenage pregnancy but there was also a part of the book that dealt with religion. I honestly love the author’s take on how even Christians make mistakes. Sometimes Christians could be closed minded and judgmental. This book teaches us to forgive despite how bad someone has wronged us. It also shows how important other people’s love and acceptance would mean to someone who is going through a hard time. Despite the mistake and wrongdoings we must accept and forgive one another because that is something God would want us to do.
The characters that the author made are pretty realistic. I liked Sophie, Wes and Pastor Vincent. They were my favorite characters in this book. I liked Sophie because she was strong and despite all the wrong things that happened to her she still had faith in God. I admire her for that. I may have not agreed with her decision but that doesn’t make it wrong. Wes was one of those guys that I’d love to have. Seriously, how often would a guy be willing to be called a baby’s daddy even if he’s not? Not much right? But Wes was okay with that. He was the support that Sophie needed along with her parents. Pastor Vincent was fair and he understood what happened to Sophie and didn’t judge her based on that one mistake.
I seriously loved this book!
It teaches you a lesson without being preachy.
It definitely deserves 5 stars
This would have to be the second book I read that dealt with premarital sex and the first that dealt with teenage pregnancy.
Sophie Ramsay was starting her senior year with a secret. Sophie was a strong Christian girl who had a purity pledge that she had to break because of Dylan Morris. Dylan told her that he loves her and Sophie believed him. Now she finds out that she was pregnant and is left with a very big decision to make. What will she do? Who will she turn too? Will she continue with the pregnancy or have the baby aborted?
Anything but Normal is a book after my own heart. Teenage pregnancy is hard. It becomes even harder when you feel that you cannot share what you are going through with anyone.
Sophie was a very realistic character for me. I was actually pretty surprised how close Ms. Carlson was in showing us how a teenager will handle this type of situation. I know because I was in that same situation when I was 19 too. I fell in love and thought that he does too. I get pregnant he left me with a baby in my stomach and a pretty hard decision whether to get the baby aborted, give the baby up for adoption or keep the baby. I had the same struggles as Sophie did. It may not be the same for everybody but for me it was so damn close.
This book is not just about teenage pregnancy but there was also a part of the book that dealt with religion. I honestly love the author’s take on how even Christians make mistakes. Sometimes Christians could be closed minded and judgmental. This book teaches us to forgive despite how bad someone has wronged us. It also shows how important other people’s love and acceptance would mean to someone who is going through a hard time. Despite the mistake and wrongdoings we must accept and forgive one another because that is something God would want us to do.
The characters that the author made are pretty realistic. I liked Sophie, Wes and Pastor Vincent. They were my favorite characters in this book. I liked Sophie because she was strong and despite all the wrong things that happened to her she still had faith in God. I admire her for that. I may have not agreed with her decision but that doesn’t make it wrong. Wes was one of those guys that I’d love to have. Seriously, how often would a guy be willing to be called a baby’s daddy even if he’s not? Not much right? But Wes was okay with that. He was the support that Sophie needed along with her parents. Pastor Vincent was fair and he understood what happened to Sophie and didn’t judge her based on that one mistake.
I seriously loved this book!
It teaches you a lesson without being preachy.
It definitely deserves 5 stars
forever_day's review
4.0
Rating:3.5
This is a tricky one for me to review as I was rushed for time and read it 1-2-skip a few style so I didn't get it as the author intended it to be read. That said, I did feel that it dealt with the issue well and I would recommend it to someone who was prejudiced or generally lacked empathy to the teen pregnancy issue (since I thought the 'it could happen to anyone' side of it was very well done. Worried even me) My one niggle would be that the writing was very pink-lit (?I don't know how to describe it. All books aimed at teenage girls seem to be in this writing style?), which makes for a nice easy read but isn't my favourite style.
Warnings: References to sex but not graphically (It's a teen pregnancy book, go figure)
This is a tricky one for me to review as I was rushed for time and read it 1-2-skip a few style so I didn't get it as the author intended it to be read. That said, I did feel that it dealt with the issue well and I would recommend it to someone who was prejudiced or generally lacked empathy to the teen pregnancy issue (since I thought the 'it could happen to anyone' side of it was very well done. Worried even me) My one niggle would be that the writing was very pink-lit (?I don't know how to describe it. All books aimed at teenage girls seem to be in this writing style?), which makes for a nice easy read but isn't my favourite style.
Warnings: References to sex but not graphically (It's a teen pregnancy book, go figure)
foreverday's review
4.0
Rating:3.5
This is a tricky one for me to review as I was rushed for time and read it 1-2-skip a few style so I didn't get it as the author intended it to be read. That said, I did feel that it dealt with the issue well and I would recommend it to someone who was prejudiced or generally lacked empathy to the teen pregnancy issue (since I thought the 'it could happen to anyone' side of it was very well done. Worried even me) My one niggle would be that the writing was very pink-lit (?I don't know how to describe it. All books aimed at teenage girls seem to be in this writing style?), which makes for a nice easy read but isn't my favourite style.
Warnings: References to sex but not graphically (It's a teen pregnancy book, go figure)
This is a tricky one for me to review as I was rushed for time and read it 1-2-skip a few style so I didn't get it as the author intended it to be read. That said, I did feel that it dealt with the issue well and I would recommend it to someone who was prejudiced or generally lacked empathy to the teen pregnancy issue (since I thought the 'it could happen to anyone' side of it was very well done. Worried even me) My one niggle would be that the writing was very pink-lit (?I don't know how to describe it. All books aimed at teenage girls seem to be in this writing style?), which makes for a nice easy read but isn't my favourite style.
Warnings: References to sex but not graphically (It's a teen pregnancy book, go figure)
onceuponasarah's review
3.0
If I remember correctly, Melody Carlson references Christianity a lot in her books. This was no exception. The references are not too invasive, and overall the story was a very good read. I read it in one sitting! Would be off-putting for those who don't like mention of religion, but for those who do, all power to you! I did feel that it was somewhat unrealistic, and I couldn't really connect with the character very much. I was apathetic towards her. But, because I don't want a spoiler review, I will say that Wes turns out to be a really good guy. A short sweet read for anyone who has an hour or two on their hands.
jelisela's review
2.0
Not as preachy as I feared it would be, but the writing wasn't anything special, and it story was just okay. I was very disturbed that the subject of
The more I think about this book, the more it disturbs me, actually.
Spoiler
rape or consent wasn't discussed--Sophie states at least twice that she said no halfway through and Dylan didn't hear or listen to her.The more I think about this book, the more it disturbs me, actually.
purplepages's review
5.0
What is it with me and books that deals with teenage hormonal issues?
This would have to be the second book I read that dealt with premarital sex and the first that dealt with teenage pregnancy.
Sophie Ramsay was starting her senior year with a secret. Sophie was a strong Christian girl who had a purity pledge that she had to break because of Dylan Morris. Dylan told her that he loves her and Sophie believed him. Now she finds out that she was pregnant and is left with a very big decision to make. What will she do? Who will she turn too? Will she continue with the pregnancy or have the baby aborted?
Anything but Normal is a book after my own heart. Teenage pregnancy is hard. It becomes even harder when you feel that you cannot share what you are going through with anyone.
Sophie was a very realistic character for me. I was actually pretty surprised how close Ms. Carlson was in showing us how a teenager will handle this type of situation. I know because I was in that same situation when I was 19 too. I fell in love and thought that he does too. I get pregnant he left me with a baby in my stomach and a pretty hard decision whether to get the baby aborted, give the baby up for adoption or keep the baby. I had the same struggles as Sophie did. It may not be the same for everybody but for me it was so damn close.
This book is not just about teenage pregnancy but there was also a part of the book that dealt with religion. I honestly love the author’s take on how even Christians make mistakes. Sometimes Christians could be closed minded and judgmental. This book teaches us to forgive despite how bad someone has wronged us. It also shows how important other people’s love and acceptance would mean to someone who is going through a hard time. Despite the mistake and wrongdoings we must accept and forgive one another because that is something God would want us to do.
The characters that the author made are pretty realistic. I liked Sophie, Wes and Pastor Vincent. They were my favorite characters in this book. I liked Sophie because she was strong and despite all the wrong things that happened to her she still had faith in God. I admire her for that. I may have not agreed with her decision but that doesn’t make it wrong. Wes was one of those guys that I’d love to have. Seriously, how often would a guy be willing to be called a baby’s daddy even if he’s not? Not much right? But Wes was okay with that. He was the support that Sophie needed along with her parents. Pastor Vincent was fair and he understood what happened to Sophie and didn’t judge her based on that one mistake.
I seriously loved this book!
It teaches you a lesson without being preachy.
It definitely deserves 5 stars
This would have to be the second book I read that dealt with premarital sex and the first that dealt with teenage pregnancy.
Sophie Ramsay was starting her senior year with a secret. Sophie was a strong Christian girl who had a purity pledge that she had to break because of Dylan Morris. Dylan told her that he loves her and Sophie believed him. Now she finds out that she was pregnant and is left with a very big decision to make. What will she do? Who will she turn too? Will she continue with the pregnancy or have the baby aborted?
Anything but Normal is a book after my own heart. Teenage pregnancy is hard. It becomes even harder when you feel that you cannot share what you are going through with anyone.
Sophie was a very realistic character for me. I was actually pretty surprised how close Ms. Carlson was in showing us how a teenager will handle this type of situation. I know because I was in that same situation when I was 19 too. I fell in love and thought that he does too. I get pregnant he left me with a baby in my stomach and a pretty hard decision whether to get the baby aborted, give the baby up for adoption or keep the baby. I had the same struggles as Sophie did. It may not be the same for everybody but for me it was so damn close.
This book is not just about teenage pregnancy but there was also a part of the book that dealt with religion. I honestly love the author’s take on how even Christians make mistakes. Sometimes Christians could be closed minded and judgmental. This book teaches us to forgive despite how bad someone has wronged us. It also shows how important other people’s love and acceptance would mean to someone who is going through a hard time. Despite the mistake and wrongdoings we must accept and forgive one another because that is something God would want us to do.
The characters that the author made are pretty realistic. I liked Sophie, Wes and Pastor Vincent. They were my favorite characters in this book. I liked Sophie because she was strong and despite all the wrong things that happened to her she still had faith in God. I admire her for that. I may have not agreed with her decision but that doesn’t make it wrong. Wes was one of those guys that I’d love to have. Seriously, how often would a guy be willing to be called a baby’s daddy even if he’s not? Not much right? But Wes was okay with that. He was the support that Sophie needed along with her parents. Pastor Vincent was fair and he understood what happened to Sophie and didn’t judge her based on that one mistake.
I seriously loved this book!
It teaches you a lesson without being preachy.
It definitely deserves 5 stars
books_and_coffee_please's review
4.0
This is an easy, quick read. It's geared more for adolescents, but I still enjoyed it.
This is something totally random, but I had to point out this funny fact - a little ways into the book, Sophie states that she hasn't been to the school nurse since 4th grade, but a little later into the book, she talks about a time that she went to the school nurse "last year." Yes, I am a nerd who enjoys pointing out these little discrepancies.
This is something totally random, but I had to point out this funny fact - a little ways into the book, Sophie states that she hasn't been to the school nurse since 4th grade, but a little later into the book, she talks about a time that she went to the school nurse "last year." Yes, I am a nerd who enjoys pointing out these little discrepancies.
larskat's review
2.0
I started this book with great trepidation, as I do any teen parent book . I've walked that mile in those shoes and actually felt that Carlson managed to portray the turmoil fairly accurately. The part I didn't agree with was the death grip she made on the chastity vow being broken only by rape... Give me a break. There was one part that honestly addressed the issue, I think it was the pastor who talked about girls breaking their chastity vows. I don't know why she had to be raped, I thought that part of the story was what took it from a strong three stars to a meh two stars. Can't "good little Christian girls" make stupid mistakes or is all the blame to lay on those horny "PK"s as they are labelled by the gossipy moms in the book.
loveleareads's review
4.0
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started Anything but Normal, but I know I didn't expect to like it so much. This book was amazing, and I loved it. It was very real and honest about what Sophie is going through as a pregnant teen.
I loved Sophie. She was a very genuine character. At times I wanted to yell at her, but I can't blame her for most the things she did. She was sweet and I felt sorry for her. I did not like most of the other characters, but I loved Sophie.
I really enjoyed Anything but Normal. Melody Carlson did a beautiful job writing this and I look forward to reading more of her books.
I loved Sophie. She was a very genuine character. At times I wanted to yell at her, but I can't blame her for most the things she did. She was sweet and I felt sorry for her. I did not like most of the other characters, but I loved Sophie.
I really enjoyed Anything but Normal. Melody Carlson did a beautiful job writing this and I look forward to reading more of her books.
fullybookedlibrarian's review
4.0
To be honest, a book with "Christian life" as a subject heading doesn't make it across my desk very often. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, especially considering the author.
This book treats teen pregnancy with a deft touch, and I applaud the author for finding a way to present various aspects of the abortion/adoption/purity pledge/abstinence debate without making me want to rip out my very liberal hair. Pregnant teens are people with feelings and problems too, and we should not be so quick to judge the decisions of others.
A YA "issue" book worth consideration.
This book treats teen pregnancy with a deft touch, and I applaud the author for finding a way to present various aspects of the abortion/adoption/purity pledge/abstinence debate without making me want to rip out my very liberal hair. Pregnant teens are people with feelings and problems too, and we should not be so quick to judge the decisions of others.
A YA "issue" book worth consideration.