Feel like this was very much trying to jump on the train of brutally emotional love stories following the success of The Fault in Our Stars and works like that, but it just didn't have the same effect on me.

What a beautiful and emotional story. This book made me laugh and cry and is a brilliant insight into how to live life around autism.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I went into this book with no trepidation. It sounded good but a bit cliche like any sordid love story. However, this book took me by complete surprise. It was heartbreaking and so endearing. It really shed light on autism and what it’s like to have that be your reality everyday. A really beautifully written book that will make you shed tears! It’s akin to books like The Fault in our Stars but it def has its own feel to it and will hopefully pave its own way in the bookish world.
This book gave me all the feels!

So so beautifully written. Starting off in a light hearted way but getting more and more emotional as the pace picks up. Just lovely. A great book to snuggle up with. Would highly recommend. 5* from me. My thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

I’ve mentioned many a time on my blog over the past few months that this was the year I wanted to read more YA fiction. In truth, my experience so far hasn’t been mind-blowing (that’s a post for another day) but then Tammy Robinson’s Differently Normal happened.

For Maddy, life is all about routine. It has to be, to keep her autistic sister happy and healthy. With just Maddy and her mother as Bee’s full-time carers, there’s no time in Maddy’s life for complications like friends, let alone a boyfriend. So when Maddy meets Albert, the last thing on her mind is falling in love.

Albert has resigned himself to always being a disappointment to his strict father. But then he meets Maddy, and gets a glimpse of what being part of a functioning family can be like and the tremendous sacrifices people will make for the ones they love.

But are Maddy and Albert willing to make the biggest of sacrifices for each other? Some things, they are about to discover, are outside of their control…

Annoyingly, I was super busy when I started reading Differently Normal, so it took a good few days to get really into it but then when I did, bam, I was hooked. Firstly, I loved Albert. I’m definitely too old for him but I was loving the surfer vibes and his character felt so authentic.

I also really loved the portrayal of autism throughout the book. I’ve read some pretty shoddy depictions of autism but this was spot on. I really liked the way Bee wasn’t just used to progress the story, but a real character, and it was nice to see a depiction of autism that wasn’t a stereotypical ‘socially awkward, high-functioning’ person. I really hope this book gets people thinking about the whole spectrum of autism, instead of the one portrayal so often shown in the media.

Overall, I thought the story was great and while I’m obviously not going to give anything away, just make sure you have some tissues handy while you read.

I keep seeing the book being compared to Me Before You and The Fault in our Stars, which is a huge accolade but I really hope Differently Normal will stand out on its own because I truly enjoyed it.

I’m struggling to find the words to do justice to this book. As a parent to two children with very different additional needs Differently Normal strikes a chord in so many ways.you can’t help falling in love with every character in the book, even the ones you love to hate. The emotional rollercoaster is superb. Not only is it so incredible sad in places but there are some seriously funny laugh out loud moments. Bee is an incredible character and so true to life.
I know this version had added chapters from the previous kindle version, but I couldn’t tell where they had been added as the story flows so well. It’s one of those books where you jump in with all your heart and soul and the world outside the book ceases to exist. I simply devoured it from the first chapter to the very last page. It’s beautiful, thought provoking and so incredibly true to life that it will stay with me always. There are books that speak to you on such a deep level they change how you see the world and this is definitely one of those. I’d thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

With great writing and an interesting story this book had me gripped from start to finish as it made me laugh and cry. I would highly recommend as a summer read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 lovely stars

What a great book, well developed characters, a tragic love story, and insightful too.

I really enjoyed the dynamics of Albert’s relationships with Maddy, Bee, his family. It’s a book where you feel like you know the characters well.

Have the tissues at the ready for parts, and enjoy this book.

Differently Normal is a dual narrative YA book from the perspectives of Maddy and Albert (Al-bear), and it tells of their different home lives and how their worlds collide in a beautiful love story. However, as the suggestion that it's for fans of John Green and Jennifer Niven suggests, this book will break your heart and throughout you're just waiting for something to fall apart, but you don't quite know how! I did not expect the ending at all, even when I was nearly finished with the book!

One key aspect, and one that makes me wonder whether Tammy is writing from experience, is that of Maddy's sister Bee's autism, epilepsy and learning difficulties. Bee is such a loveable little girl, although her condition makes her demanding to look after - she's got such complex needs, and, if it wasn't for the fact that I know people with these conditions, I wouldn't have realised just how connected the conditions are. In addition, Maddy is such a selfless character that she's highly admirable and one who you want to aspire to be like; her love for her sister shines through and that sisterly bond she shares with Bee is an important part of the story.

I loved the story of how Maddy and Albert meet and become closer - it's really cute, not without its difficulties, and it isn't a case of instalove which was very refreshing! The two of them are so different yet so similar which made their relationship very believable and the timeline of the story seemed to fly by.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book for people who love a good contemporary YA book that'll drag you into the world of the characters and who really jump off the page. I found that I was wanting to get back to reading as often as possible just to be with Maddy and Albert and find out what happened next!

Differently Normal had the ability to make me feel everything through Maddy and Albert's story, I went through a roller coaster of emotions, laughing through the book and definitely crying at parts. This is my favourite contemporary this year!

Maddy and Albert feel so real during the entirety of Differently Normal and this is what makes this story so special. It feels like they could be your friend or family member going through the same situations and building a relationship. The relationship between Maddy and Albert was sweet and built slowly, getting to know each other and supporting each others lives. I feel they were definitely an amazing fit for each other and it was a very believable romance.

Tammy is not afraid to look at family dynamics throughout the Differently Normal and some of it is simple heartbreaking whilst others were uplifting. I feel it was a good portrayal of being a carer for a person with autism as it showed that sometimes it can be difficult but it is extremely worth it to have the connection Maddy has with Bee. Albert's family is quite difficult as his dad is a very negative influence whilst his mum is trying to be strong for him, it is good that his mum has a very positive character arc through the book.

As a reader you are completely sucked in by the story and are completely rooting for the characters, their hopes become your hopes and their heartbreaks yours. I will definitely be reading more by this author as I've never been drawn in so quickly into a contemporary and had my heart broken so hard.

I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a book to latch on to them and not let go.

*ARC received from Little Brown via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

The storyline catches you completely unaware, from the first page until the last it is an emotional rollercoaster of love and heartache. The characters are relatable and vividly written they will stay with you long after the last page. It definitely deserves its comparisons to fault in our stars. Like the cover says 'if It doesn't break your heart, it isn't love...' ~ I loved it!!!



Thanks to Netgalley and the Little Brown Book Group for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

A wonderful, life affirming story that by turns had me by turns laughing, crying and ultimately reflecting on how life can change in an instance. I definitely feel like I’ve been on something of an emotional rollercoster, having just read it. This is a book that I know will have me thinking about it long after I’ve finished it. The theme of the book is the sacrifices we make for the ones we love. Despite being teenagers, the main characters are emotionally articulate and I was quickly drawn into their moving story. The story is sensitively written with believable and carefully crafted characters. Despite the darker themes in the book, the author handles these with a deft touch and they don’t detract from the emerging relationship between the two central characters. All in all this is a beautifully written book which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Differently Normal is set in New Zealand and is told from two different perspectives; Maddy, our main protagonist and Albert, the boy she eventually falls in love with.

Both Maddy and Albert have difficult lives, Maddy, due to (along with her mother) being a full time carer for her autistic sister Bee and Maddy finds that she has no time for complications in her life, but this also means no time for friends, no time for herself – not even for her own dreams.

Maddy knows that this is it for her, this is her future, she has no way out.

Albert, also has a challenging home life, his father is emotionally abusive, his brother is misogynistic and his mother copes with the dysfunctional family dynamic by drinking.

Working at the stables is his only escape, it’s his way out, save up enough money and leave.

When Maddy and Albert meet at the stables during Bees’ riding lesson, Albert immediately feels something for her, and is soon trying to convince Maddy to date him.

As Albert slowly breaks down Maddy’s walls he teaches her that she is capable of loving and capable of being loved, and the pair grow closer together, sharing their hopes and dreams with one another, learning that there is that person out there for everyone, the person you should be sharing your life with, the person that gets you, and for his story, Maddy and Albert are clearly meant to be, and the relationship blossoms the way only first love can, that is until everything comes crashing down around them.

The lyrical prose that Robinson so deftly weaves, crawls it’s way into your heart and grips on tight, ultimately crushing it.

The characters, especially Bee are so perfectly portrayed, showing how life with a family member on the autistic spectrum can be, both the good and the bad.

The characters get under your skin, they start to feel like family, their hopes and dreams become yours and their pain is felt so acutely

Is as though their heartache is your own.

This is the first of Robinson’s books that I’ve read, but I fell hard and fast, and like first love, this ultimately broke my heart.

This should definitely be on everyone’s to read list this year, because even though this will completely devastate you, it conveys the message that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

*I received a copy of this book to read via netgalley from Little Brown. All thoughts are my own

It’s a heartwarming story about family, love and self. It’s humorous, sweet and incredibly painful in all the right places. I burst out in so much laughter and tears that I stayed up all night both giddy with joy and hollow with heartbreak. It’s that kind of book. The beautiful kind that fills you up only to carve you hollow, but in a good way. It may sound strange, but to me, that’s the best kind of read.
I will not spoil the entirety of this story, but I’ll say I didn’t expect the events to turn out the way they did. It left me feeling so raw and human, but in a way I appreciated because it was so real.

This is my first Tammy Robinson read but when I read the synopsis, I knew I just had to read it. I loved the way she wrote this book so much. It’s the perfect mix of humour and sadness. The plot moves at a great pace so everything is easy to absorb and appreciate. The characters are mature yet playful, and their voices were different, so it was also easy to get to know Maddy and Albert as individuals.
One of my favourite aspects was the dialogue. It flowed well and I felt like I was right there with the characters, wheeling along with their conversations. I loved the quirky dialogues, and I think everyone should read this book because Albert is an absolute sweetheart and he’s the funniest boy I’ve ever met.

Maddy is a character I absolutely adore. She’s strong, incredibly mature and well-grounded. She was forced to grow up a little too early because of Bee, but she barely complains. The way she cares for her sister is very telling of her selflessness. She doesn’t easily let people in, always putting Bee first. She wasn’t so easily trusting and her consideration for the little things was one of the things I loved about her.
I can’t relate to her experience with caring for someone with autism, but I learnt a lot from her. And the feeling of needing to put someone else before yourself is something I’m very familiar with, but not to the extent Maddy does. I admire her so much for this, for never giving up. Sure, it was tiring and her own life was very much on hold for a long time, but she was happy whenever Bee was happy and knew when she was needed. I loved their relationship, even if it was less than a whole, because the bond of family was thick through and through. Her relationship with her mother was also inspiring as, despite being the daughter, Maddy looked after her just as much as they did Bee. The three of them together made a wonderful team and I really enjoyed reading about their family life.

And then we have Albert. Just the thought of him breaks my heart. He was…perfect. As imperfect as his life was. (Hey, Al-bear, it’s not fair! Where are we ever going to find someone as wholesome and good as you?)
He was a very respectable character. He never pushed, was always considerate. Especially of Maddy and Bee and their family. He was so sweet and humble, yet his family was so difficult. It was heartbreaking to read the scenes between him and his father and brother. Him needing to escape his family and home was relatable, and his drive was so strong. I looked up to him for many reasons, and this was one of them. He had so much energy and drive to work harder for himself, his mother and Maddy. He was nothing like his dad and brother, and he made sure never to turn out like them. And he was absolutely amazing with Maddy! His crush was extremely cute. He was even more amazing with Bee. He was understanding and so, so considerate. The world could use a lot more people like him. He is a truly unforgettable person. If only he were real, just so I could meet him and ask him for a high-five.

Maddy and Albert together was a solid team. I was in so much awe reading them gradually fall and fall. What they had was very special. One of my favourite tropes is when one of the two is funny and playful while the other one is slow to open up (you know what I mean), and Albert made me laugh just as much as he made Maddy laugh! Both were extremely respectful of each other and gosh, the scenes where they thought about each other when they were apart – when they missed each other so much it hurt – I found myself hurting for them, too. Their relationship was heartwarming and refreshing.

Bee’s portrayal was also wonderful to read. While it shows you the difficulty of caring and loving someone, especially a child, with autism, it didn’t dwell on the negatives. It actually teaches you how amazing it all it. It makes you grateful and appreciative, and Bee is so inspiring. It also teaches you how rewarding and fulfilling it is to love them, especially when they’re happy. Maddy laments that she will never be able to have a proper conversation with her sister, but she loves her to no end. Bee’s happiness was Maddy’s happiness. I found myself tearing up at some parts because Bee was such a sweet character, lovely and funny and honest.

I was emerged into the world of Maddy and Albert from the very first page to the very last. This is a book that I know will stay with me for a long time. It’s already taken root in my heart and mind, and I have nothing but songs of praise to sing. This is a book that I will strongly encourage others to pick up. Take time to read it, to get to know Maddy and Albert, Bee and their mum. Feel yourself in their world, in your shoes. I already want to reread it, if only to meet them again and spend time with them.

I read this book in a day because it was poignantly written and I could not put it down. I feel in love with the story and the characters right off the bat. And even now, a few days later, I find myself lingering on Maddy and Albert and Bee – how I feel like I got to know them and how I came to love them. Now I miss them.

I didn't think this could be improved on, but I recommend everything who previously fell in love with Maddy and Albert should read this new and improved version. There's even more of them to love. It is simply brilliant.

When you pick up a Tammy Robinson book you can guarantee you are setting off on a rollercoaster of emotions. Ups, downs and twists that will take your breath away and at the end you are left with your head spinning.
This is s story of love and family and reminds us of how we should never take either for granted. You will smile , you will laugh and you will also need your tissues at the ready.

I was lucky enough to read an early version of this book which I absolutely adored, but this new, expanded edition has even more to love. 'Differently Normal' is a beautifully written story that will stay with me for a long time to come. With memorable characters that drew me in from the very first page, it is also a book that resonated with me on a very personal level. It portrays the reality of caring for a loved one with a disability in such a believable way, and is told with the care, humour and sensitivity I have come to expect from this author's work.

Tammy Robinson is a born storyteller. She breathes life into her characters, making you love and care about them, feeling every emotion right along with them. Maddy and Albert are brought vividly to life on the page and, more than anything, you're willing everything to work out well and for them to get all the things that life has so far denied them.

The unwavering love Maddy has for her sister, Bee (who has autism), is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, and as the parent of a (now adult) child with a disability, my heart goes out to her as she struggles to come to terms with the responsibility of caring for someone you love who is 'differently normal'.

A beautiful story of love and heartache that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride, 'Differently Normal' has a cast of memorable characters and a story that will stay with you long after the final page has been turned. Highly recommended.

This review will also be posted on my blog (Cal Turner Reviews) as part of the Blog Tour for ‘Differently Normal’.

Wow what a tear jerker loved this book from the very first page a funny quite disfunctional but very loving family where the love for their autistic daughter/ sister shines through after Maddy meets Albertwho is bullied by his father and brother but very loved by his mother a beautiful love story evolves and takes your breath away was crying and smiling at the end which was very poignant a fantastic read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Maddy's life with Bees Many disabilities and the  effect it has on them as a close knit family . As well as this the book is a beautiful romance and also deals with a family on the opposite end of the spectrum as Albert struggles with his abusive father and horrible Brother.
The many settings of the book are beautiful and scenic such as the dates the pair go on and then manic and stressful when they both return home. This is evident to the reader and you feel the emotions with the characters. I love The dual perspective chapters as you get to know the stories in depth of both Albert and Maddy. Although there personalities are very different the bond between them is pure and great to see evolve throughout. As a reader you fall in love with both of them!
Bees disabilities such as autism are dealt with superbly. It highlights the real struggles families face. As well as this Bees fits are very raw and heartbreaking to read. However i enjoyed how Tammy Robinson included ideas which showed people with autism can still do things "normal" this by bees involvement in the relationship and the activities her and Maddy do together such as Biking,Parks and Horse-riding. The fact that Albert regards bee as a "normal" person is definitely a key point of the book and true. Just because Bee is different doesn't mean they're not a person and you can still talk to them.
The friendship between Kyle and Maddy is unique and he provides the humour side of the book.
Maddy and Alberts journeys are portrayed realistically. I also like the fact that there is a-lot of dialogue between the two which expresses their personalities more. Albert is free and romantic where as we see Maddy become her true self from quite shy and protective to open and flirtatious.
I fell in love with Albert (Albear) as a character i wish he was a real person.😍
Warning something very unexpected happens and it takes you on an emotional Journey.
The ending of the book is brought together perfectly and isn't rushed. Its very sad and happy (i was sobbing!) The sense of everything coming together was very well written in terms of the happiness and freedom for Both families.
I 100% recommend this book to everybody. Its a easy read in terms of pace however hard-hitting in all emotions possible.

Where do I start? I have just read this book and I am a weeping mess, it was so beautifully written and I read it in one sitting. I would recommend this book to everyone but please have your tissues ready. Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this.