About the book
An edgy, realistic debut novel praised by the New York Times bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys, as “a beautiful reminder that amid our broken pieces we can truly find ourselves.”
Alexi Littrell hasn’t told anyone what happened to her over the summer by her backyard pool. Instead, she hides in her closet, counts the slats in the air vent, and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does—and deal with the trauma.
When Bodee Lennox—“the Kool-Aid Kid”—moves in with the Littrells after a family tragedy, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in this quiet, awkward boy who has secrets of his own. As their friendship grows, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her summon the courage to find her voice and speak up about the rape that has changed the course of her life.
One summer changed everything. One friendship could change it back.
- A Powerful Survivor Story: Alexi hasn’t told anyone about the assault. She hides in her closet, convinced the scars on the inside are her fault.
- Coping with Grief: Bodee “the Kool-Aid Kid” Lennox moves in after his father murders his mother, bringing his own devastating secrets into Alexi’s home.
- Forced Proximity: Living under the same roof, two broken teenagers form a bond over the things they can’t say out loud to anyone else.
- Finding Your Voice: A raw, emotional journey about a quiet boy helping a silent girl speak her truth, and in doing so, finding the strength to face his own past.
Editions of Faking Normal
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780062245397
- EBook
- ISBN 9780062245403
Read an Excerpt
An edgy, realistic debut novel praised by the New York Times bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys, as “a beautiful reminder that amid our broken pieces we can truly find ourselves.”
Alexi Littrell hasn’t told anyone what happened to her over the summer by her backyard pool. Instead, she hides in her closet, counts the slats in the air vent, and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does—and deal with the trauma.
When Bodee Lennox—“the Kool-Aid Kid”—moves in with the Littrells after a family tragedy, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in this quiet, awkward boy who has secrets of his own. As their friendship grows, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her summon the courage to find her voice and speak up about the rape that has changed the course of her life.
One summer changed everything. One friendship could change it back.
- A Powerful Survivor Story: Alexi hasn’t told anyone about the assault. She hides in her closet, convinced the scars on the inside are her fault.
- Coping with Grief: Bodee “the Kool-Aid Kid” Lennox moves in after his father murders his mother, bringing his own devastating secrets into Alexi’s home.
- Forced Proximity: Living under the same roof, two broken teenagers form a bond over the things they can’t say out loud to anyone else.
- Finding Your Voice: A raw, emotional journey about a quiet boy helping a silent girl speak her truth, and in doing so, finding the strength to face his own past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faking Normal about?
An edgy, realistic debut novel praised by the New York Times bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys, as “a beautiful reminder that amid our broken pieces we can truly find ourselves.”
Alexi Littrell hasn’t told anyone what happened to her over the summer by her backyard pool. Instead, she hides in her closet, counts the slats in the air vent, and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does—and deal with the trauma.
When Bodee Lennox—“the Kool-Aid Kid”—moves in with the Littrells after a family tragedy, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in this quiet, awkward boy who has secrets of his own. As their friendship grows, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her summon the courage to find her voice and speak up about the rape that has changed the course of her life.
One summer changed everything. One friendship could change it back.
- A Powerful Survivor Story: Alexi hasn’t told anyone about the assault. She hides in her closet, convinced the scars on the inside are her fault.
- Coping with Grief: Bodee “the Kool-Aid Kid” Lennox moves in after his father murders his mother, bringing his own devastating secrets into Alexi’s home.
- Forced Proximity: Living under the same roof, two broken teenagers form a bond over the things they can’t say out loud to anyone else.
- Finding Your Voice: A raw, emotional journey about a quiet boy helping a silent girl speak her truth, and in doing so, finding the strength to face his own past.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Faking Normal?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Relationships (non-family / groups) > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Dating, relationships, romance and love
Where can I read a sample of Faking Normal?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062245397
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Faking Normal?
Courtney C. Stevens
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Faking Normal is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062245397) and ebook(ISBN 9780062245403)
Where can I buy Faking Normal online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Faking Normal from below
Where can I buy Faking Normal?