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A Tremendous Amount of Normal
Noah is normal. He’s full of normal. His older brother Will tells everyone all of the time. Even if they don’t believe him. Noah doesn’t understand why kids in school call him a “retard." He’s not intellectually disabled. In fact, he’s very smart. But a lot of people call Will a fag—so maybe it’s kind of like that. Neurotypical people don’t always make sense. Noah doesn’t understand love in the same way that his brother Will does. But maybe that’s because neurotypical people don’t understand love as deeply as Noah does? Noah is full of understanding. And so is Will. Noah wants a girlfriend. His brother Will may never be able to have a boyfriend. Maybe they need to redefine normal?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2018
51 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Chase Connor
37 books311 followersPRIDE AND PUNCTURE - the third book in the Head Rock Harbor Mystery series - is available now!
https://mybook.to/HRHM3PaP
Chase Connor spends his days writing about the people who live (loudly and rent-free) in his head when he’s not busy being enthusiastic about naps and Pad Thai. Chase started his writing career as a confused gay teen looking for an escape from reality. Ten years later, one of the books he wrote during those years, Just A Dumb Surfer Dude: A Gay Coming-of-Age Tale, was published independently. Chase has numerous projects in various stages of completion lined up for publishing. Chase is a multi-genre author, but always with a healthy dollop of gay.
https://mybook.to/HRHM3PaP
Chase Connor spends his days writing about the people who live (loudly and rent-free) in his head when he’s not busy being enthusiastic about naps and Pad Thai. Chase started his writing career as a confused gay teen looking for an escape from reality. Ten years later, one of the books he wrote during those years, Just A Dumb Surfer Dude: A Gay Coming-of-Age Tale, was published independently. Chase has numerous projects in various stages of completion lined up for publishing. Chase is a multi-genre author, but always with a healthy dollop of gay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 11, 2025
Beautifully written!
And I am smitten!
The topic of Asperger's Syndrome has never been this accurately represented with so much care and sensitivity.
The relationship between the brothers is so pure and so beautiful. Noah as the character with the Syndrome has been portrayed with such care and understanding. His brother, Will, is one my most favourite fictional brother characters ever!
And Manny?!
Out of nowhere, he's like the perfect human who's ready to accept the one he loves with whatever 'baggage' he comes with and he's the most amazing, genuine fictional partner I have ever come across. His family is just damn amazing.
Multicultural representation done well even if their parts were pretty small in the book.
The romance is sweet and genuine.
Both Manny and Will turned out to be bookdragons. It's a plus point for me and I did get high on that.
But it's the family dynamics and found family vibes that were the highlights of this story.
The theme has been represented with so much positivity and realistic that it's just impossible not to love each and every character in this book, except for the bullies, the mean people or the family members who become a burden and really inhuman like. Such people will never understand the situation and will keep making the lives of those dealing with the condition difficult. But the book also shows the way how to handle that too. It all depends on the support and understanding of the adults and the family in the lives of such people.
I loved principal Hoffman, Mrs Hess and Manny's family a lot! I wish people are this good and tolerant. At least a bit like them. That's all I am asking for.
This book is my third most favourite book by the author.
I do feel this author and his books are so underrated.
I hope many readers discover his books soon. The representation on mental health, grief and so many important societal issues have never been this fictionally accurate as in his books.
And I am smitten!
The topic of Asperger's Syndrome has never been this accurately represented with so much care and sensitivity.
The relationship between the brothers is so pure and so beautiful. Noah as the character with the Syndrome has been portrayed with such care and understanding. His brother, Will, is one my most favourite fictional brother characters ever!
And Manny?!
Out of nowhere, he's like the perfect human who's ready to accept the one he loves with whatever 'baggage' he comes with and he's the most amazing, genuine fictional partner I have ever come across. His family is just damn amazing.
Multicultural representation done well even if their parts were pretty small in the book.
The romance is sweet and genuine.
Both Manny and Will turned out to be bookdragons. It's a plus point for me and I did get high on that.
But it's the family dynamics and found family vibes that were the highlights of this story.
The theme has been represented with so much positivity and realistic that it's just impossible not to love each and every character in this book, except for the bullies, the mean people or the family members who become a burden and really inhuman like. Such people will never understand the situation and will keep making the lives of those dealing with the condition difficult. But the book also shows the way how to handle that too. It all depends on the support and understanding of the adults and the family in the lives of such people.
I loved principal Hoffman, Mrs Hess and Manny's family a lot! I wish people are this good and tolerant. At least a bit like them. That's all I am asking for.
This book is my third most favourite book by the author.
I do feel this author and his books are so underrated.
I hope many readers discover his books soon. The representation on mental health, grief and so many important societal issues have never been this fictionally accurate as in his books.
April 4, 2023
I have no words to say how much I love these 2 brothers. Will and Noah stole a piece of my heart forever.
PD. This is not a romance ( though it has a bit if romance as a side plot)
PD. This is not a romance ( though it has a bit if romance as a side plot)
September 20, 2021
*Don't forget to check out the free short story about Noah here! https://chaseconnor.com/2019/10/17/fr...
I was crying before I even hit the end of chapter 1 and couldn't stop reading until I reached the final page. My heart is full, my eyes are swollen, and I'm in dire need of a nap.
People don't like things outside the realm of their normal, and we're bombarded everyday with often violent reminders of nonacceptance and hatred erupting from the fear of the unknown.
Noah, who has severe Asperger's, is a victim of such malicious ignorance, misunderstood by peers and those with the power to help who selfishly choose not to. While he might not comprehend the intent behind inaction or hatred as it spews from foolish mouths, he still knows that something doesn't add up. That he's missing a piece of the puzzle. It causes disruption inside.
To think how little effort some people are willing to make to foster an environment that can give as much of a sense of calm and normalcy to those who need it.
Noah sees everyone as a human being worthy of life and living. It's devastating how it doesn’t always work the other way.
But in the darkness exist pockets of light. In Principal Hoffman, in Mrs. Hess, in Manny, in Manny's family, in all the people in the community who embrace Noah for who he is, and of course, in Will.
I can't even put into words the level of wreckage and healing Noah and Will's brotherly love simultaneously inflicted on me. In every action and every word, Will is love personified. Noah might not understand the concept of love as we know it, but you don't need to understand love to feel it.
I found this story to be an incredibly accurate depiction of Asperger's, at least from my surface level knowledge of the syndrome (stimming, hypersensitivity, repetitive behavior, stating facts with no filter but not with the intent of being harsh or crude, etc.), and the inclusion of Noah's perspective, so pure and accepting and remarkably self-aware, stunningly well-done.
I think we can all learn from Noah and the way he sees people and the world in its infinite beauty as they're meant to be.
Manny provides the perfect outsider's perspective as he falls in love with Will as a lover and Noah as his own brother. Although I'm unable to attest to the accuracy of the description of Pancha Ganapati, etc., I absolutely loved the tidbits of Indian rep we got via Manny and his family.
Will and Manny are mature beyond their years in their thoughts and behavior, and I'm more than happy that Will has Manny in his corner now too. The way they'd quote books to each other....the booklover's idea of romance right there, my friends 🥺
Their love is all-encompassing and to experience even half of what the three of them have together would be an honor.
Thank you Chase Connor for giving life to such an incredible story 🙏🏼
I was crying before I even hit the end of chapter 1 and couldn't stop reading until I reached the final page. My heart is full, my eyes are swollen, and I'm in dire need of a nap.
People don't like things outside the realm of their normal, and we're bombarded everyday with often violent reminders of nonacceptance and hatred erupting from the fear of the unknown.
"He doesn't suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don't take time to try and understand him. He suffers from people who are cruel."
Noah, who has severe Asperger's, is a victim of such malicious ignorance, misunderstood by peers and those with the power to help who selfishly choose not to. While he might not comprehend the intent behind inaction or hatred as it spews from foolish mouths, he still knows that something doesn't add up. That he's missing a piece of the puzzle. It causes disruption inside.
To think how little effort some people are willing to make to foster an environment that can give as much of a sense of calm and normalcy to those who need it.
Noah sees everyone as a human being worthy of life and living. It's devastating how it doesn’t always work the other way.
But in the darkness exist pockets of light. In Principal Hoffman, in Mrs. Hess, in Manny, in Manny's family, in all the people in the community who embrace Noah for who he is, and of course, in Will.
"He told me that I was the best Noah in the world. I told him he was the best Will that I knew."
I can't even put into words the level of wreckage and healing Noah and Will's brotherly love simultaneously inflicted on me. In every action and every word, Will is love personified. Noah might not understand the concept of love as we know it, but you don't need to understand love to feel it.
I found this story to be an incredibly accurate depiction of Asperger's, at least from my surface level knowledge of the syndrome (stimming, hypersensitivity, repetitive behavior, stating facts with no filter but not with the intent of being harsh or crude, etc.), and the inclusion of Noah's perspective, so pure and accepting and remarkably self-aware, stunningly well-done.
I think we can all learn from Noah and the way he sees people and the world in its infinite beauty as they're meant to be.
"Each moment of his life with Noah, every event, the minutiae, was ruled by Noah's needs. And Will smiled after each moment, especially when Noah was unbothered. Noah didn't thank Will. Will didn't ask for thanks. In this I see God."
Manny provides the perfect outsider's perspective as he falls in love with Will as a lover and Noah as his own brother. Although I'm unable to attest to the accuracy of the description of Pancha Ganapati, etc., I absolutely loved the tidbits of Indian rep we got via Manny and his family.
Will and Manny are mature beyond their years in their thoughts and behavior, and I'm more than happy that Will has Manny in his corner now too. The way they'd quote books to each other....the booklover's idea of romance right there, my friends 🥺
"A lifetime of understanding was conveyed in the slightest of touches. And understanding was love. Maybe that's what normal is supposed to be? Having patience and kindness to understand each other. Taking time to let another human being realize that they are loved. To let a brother know that he will never be alone. That he is wanted. To prove that none of us are ever alone. And normal is love."
Their love is all-encompassing and to experience even half of what the three of them have together would be an honor.
Thank you Chase Connor for giving life to such an incredible story 🙏🏼
January 23, 2022
This book is wholesome and overwhelming. It’s about two brothers, Noah, the younger one, who has severe Asperger Syndrome, and his slightly older brother, Will, who slipped into the role of his caregiver, after their father left them and their mother doesn’t care (to say the least). Things begin to change for the better, when Manny steps into their life, a fellow student of Will and his love interest.
The story is told alternatingly from both Noah’s and Will’s pov, and later some chapters also from Manny’s pov. I loved Noah’s pov the most. We see the world through his eyes and how he experiences life. He cannot understand feelings like neurotypical people and a lot of sensory impressions overwhelm him and give anxiety up to the point of meltdowns. “Pears are chaos” because they feel like sand to him.
Will loves his brother and does anything for him. His chapters provide the “real life” pov. While Noah doesn’t understand love and hate, we learn from Will’s chapters, how he has to deal with their hateful mother and sister or Noah’s classmates, as well as loving and caring people like some teachers or Manny.
Will’s chapters also provide a lot of information on the theme, but sadly it’s often done in massive info dumps, and sometimes it’s even a little repetitive. Noah’s chapters follow the “show don’t tell” premise, whereas Will’s are most often “tell don’t show”. And not only about providing information. Even crucial dialogs are sometimes only told in recaps.
Will and Manny’s falling in love story felt a little weird to me. It happens very fast, which is okay, because it’s just the side plot. They’re both book nerds, so their mating ritual was a lot of book quotes, just like a Shakespeare play, and I really didn’t have a clue what’s going on.
But that’s just some minor issues. I really loved reading this book. It’s important. It’s wholesome. And it’s a bit overwhelming. I had to take breaks from reading to let it all sink in. I’m still thinking about it. 💝
The story is told alternatingly from both Noah’s and Will’s pov, and later some chapters also from Manny’s pov. I loved Noah’s pov the most. We see the world through his eyes and how he experiences life. He cannot understand feelings like neurotypical people and a lot of sensory impressions overwhelm him and give anxiety up to the point of meltdowns. “Pears are chaos” because they feel like sand to him.
Will loves his brother and does anything for him. His chapters provide the “real life” pov. While Noah doesn’t understand love and hate, we learn from Will’s chapters, how he has to deal with their hateful mother and sister or Noah’s classmates, as well as loving and caring people like some teachers or Manny.
Will’s chapters also provide a lot of information on the theme, but sadly it’s often done in massive info dumps, and sometimes it’s even a little repetitive. Noah’s chapters follow the “show don’t tell” premise, whereas Will’s are most often “tell don’t show”. And not only about providing information. Even crucial dialogs are sometimes only told in recaps.
Will and Manny’s falling in love story felt a little weird to me. It happens very fast, which is okay, because it’s just the side plot. They’re both book nerds, so their mating ritual was a lot of book quotes, just like a Shakespeare play, and I really didn’t have a clue what’s going on.
But that’s just some minor issues. I really loved reading this book. It’s important. It’s wholesome. And it’s a bit overwhelming. I had to take breaks from reading to let it all sink in. I’m still thinking about it. 💝
January 6, 2022
3.5 🌟 This is not a romance but still a story of love and understanding between Will and his younger brother Noah. I could see the beauty of it but unlike other books by Chase Connor, I couldn't feel it and I was not overwhelmed. I totally blame myself for this.
“He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. He suffers from cruel people.”
"A lifetime of understanding was conveyed in the slightest of touches. And understanding was love. Maybe that’s what normal is supposed to be? Having patience and kindness to understand each other. Taking time to let another human being realize that they are loved. To let a brother know that he will never be alone. That he is wanted. To prove that none of us is ever alone. And normal is love."
“He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. He suffers from cruel people.”
"A lifetime of understanding was conveyed in the slightest of touches. And understanding was love. Maybe that’s what normal is supposed to be? Having patience and kindness to understand each other. Taking time to let another human being realize that they are loved. To let a brother know that he will never be alone. That he is wanted. To prove that none of us is ever alone. And normal is love."
October 28, 2020
Please, please, put this book on your want to read list and read it! It’s overwhelming and hopeful and so much more. It’s easy readable and quite short so you can read it in one sitting.
I hate the word normal, because of it’s opposite ‘abnormal’. In our society we have to be normal, average to fit in. If we’re not average we call each other weird. I think that’s weird. I love this book for letting me look at the word ‘normal’ differently.
Noah has a tremendous amount of normal. Noah is normal. He’s filled with an overabundance of normal. And that’s the problem. He’s incredibly normal. He says what he means and he means what he says. Noah calls people fat or dark colored. Not as an insult but as a fact.
I loved the way Chase Connor let me inside the head of a boy with severe Asperger Syndrome. Telling his story, the way he feels. About the structure of the pears he hates, which can cause a meltdown. Because pears feel like sand between his teeth. I like pears but immediately understood what he meant. About the structure of oranges because an orange is always soft and easily chewable. So Noah eats an orange every day. I loved Will and Manny, could every brother, sister, friend be like them.
This book is such a gem and I would love to see more people read it. Just try the preview on Kindle, the first chapter about the pears and the oranges. It got me hooked immediately.
I hate the word normal, because of it’s opposite ‘abnormal’. In our society we have to be normal, average to fit in. If we’re not average we call each other weird. I think that’s weird. I love this book for letting me look at the word ‘normal’ differently.
Noah has a tremendous amount of normal. Noah is normal. He’s filled with an overabundance of normal. And that’s the problem. He’s incredibly normal. He says what he means and he means what he says. Noah calls people fat or dark colored. Not as an insult but as a fact.
I loved the way Chase Connor let me inside the head of a boy with severe Asperger Syndrome. Telling his story, the way he feels. About the structure of the pears he hates, which can cause a meltdown. Because pears feel like sand between his teeth. I like pears but immediately understood what he meant. About the structure of oranges because an orange is always soft and easily chewable. So Noah eats an orange every day. I loved Will and Manny, could every brother, sister, friend be like them.
This book is such a gem and I would love to see more people read it. Just try the preview on Kindle, the first chapter about the pears and the oranges. It got me hooked immediately.
May 17, 2020
Normal for Noah. Real for Will. & Manny
Life for Will is a constant challenge to protect and help his brother, Noah, who is on the spectrum, but so severe to be almost off the end. With an alcoholic mother that hates them both, an evil sister that hate them both, an a father who ran away from it all, Will works to keep things normal for Noah while going to school and falling in love with Manny, who loves both Will and Noah.
This is a true love story that is not what you think love would be, but the reality is adapted to the new normal, and Noah is truly happy with the changes.
Life for Will is a constant challenge to protect and help his brother, Noah, who is on the spectrum, but so severe to be almost off the end. With an alcoholic mother that hates them both, an evil sister that hate them both, an a father who ran away from it all, Will works to keep things normal for Noah while going to school and falling in love with Manny, who loves both Will and Noah.
This is a true love story that is not what you think love would be, but the reality is adapted to the new normal, and Noah is truly happy with the changes.
September 28, 2023
Este es el típico libro que no es nada realista con protagonistas encantadores de familias destructuradas y mogollón de problemas, y que sabes que va a acabar bien . Pero en vez de pensar: ¡Qué patochada, otra historia más! consigue engancharte y que disfrutes con cada cosa buena que les ocurre gracias al buen hacer del escritor.
Cinco estrellas para mi, las voz del MC con Asperger es realmente entrañable.
Cinco estrellas para mi, las voz del MC con Asperger es realmente entrañable.
August 2, 2021
When is a love story not a romance? Read on.
Big brother Will is the primary caretaker to Noah. Noah has a medium to severe diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. Will, who is gay, meets a classmate Manny, who becomes Noah's second brother and Will's boyfriend.
The trajectory of the narrative bookmarks Noah's little victories toward independence and emotions. Each and every one a mountain. It brilliantly unfolds through three perspectives: Will's, Noah's, and Manny's. Along the way, we learn much about how it feels to live in the bubble of Asperger Syndrome, about how cruel children can be to anyone who is different (much like the MAGA child formerly in the White House), and about how extraordinary educators can be who rise above the system.
Most importantly, we're gifted an insider's glimpse of just how heart-wrenching, how joy-filled, how transcendent ordinary love can be.
Thank you, sweet Chase.
Big brother Will is the primary caretaker to Noah. Noah has a medium to severe diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. Will, who is gay, meets a classmate Manny, who becomes Noah's second brother and Will's boyfriend.
The trajectory of the narrative bookmarks Noah's little victories toward independence and emotions. Each and every one a mountain. It brilliantly unfolds through three perspectives: Will's, Noah's, and Manny's. Along the way, we learn much about how it feels to live in the bubble of Asperger Syndrome, about how cruel children can be to anyone who is different (much like the MAGA child formerly in the White House), and about how extraordinary educators can be who rise above the system.
Most importantly, we're gifted an insider's glimpse of just how heart-wrenching, how joy-filled, how transcendent ordinary love can be.
Thank you, sweet Chase.
June 5, 2021
Books are the closest we will ever get to walk in someone else’s shoes and understand their experiences. We should all strive to be more empathic and try to break free from our comfort zones, especially when it comes to our knowledge of things.
Everyone should read this book. I love it so much. I’ve came out learning a lot which is something I always strive to. There are many topics in our society that still remain a taboo, or are misinformed, especially when it comes to mental illnesses and books like these are fundamental in helping educate readers and giving these topics humanity.
Everyone should read this book. I love it so much. I’ve came out learning a lot which is something I always strive to. There are many topics in our society that still remain a taboo, or are misinformed, especially when it comes to mental illnesses and books like these are fundamental in helping educate readers and giving these topics humanity.
June 21, 2020
"Everything about my brother is normal. But nothing in this world works at the same speed of normal as him."
This story had me weeping.
Will's love for his younger brother is the most tangible emotion that I've gotten from a character in ages and i am overflowing with it.
i want to give these two pure boys the whole entire world and whatever else they want.
Noah has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, but he prefers the term moderate to severe Asperger's Syndrome because that was his initial diagnosis.
And Noah is Will's whole world.
"He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. He suffers from people who are cruel.”
for me the ASD representation felt so very real and well researched. We get POV's from Noah's perspective which helped me see how he thinks and feels.
Will is finishing up college. Noah is finishing up high school. Their family doesn't help at all, so Will is Noah's whole world too.
And they wouldn't have it any other way.
Love is a type of total destruction. A beautifully orchestrated abolishment of who a person is.
the main story here is the unshakeable love Will has for Noah, but i'd be lying if i said seeing him be loved as ferociously as he loves Noah didn't make me cry. Connor doesn't let Manny detract from the main point of the story, and the romance is not centred.
“I will let love raze me to the ground every moment of every day. As long as it is yours.”
i adore this book and i love these characters. i'll definitely start making my way through Connor's other work.
would whole-heartedly recommend!
This story had me weeping.
Will's love for his younger brother is the most tangible emotion that I've gotten from a character in ages and i am overflowing with it.
i want to give these two pure boys the whole entire world and whatever else they want.
Noah has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, but he prefers the term moderate to severe Asperger's Syndrome because that was his initial diagnosis.
And Noah is Will's whole world.
"He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. He suffers from people who are cruel.”
for me the ASD representation felt so very real and well researched. We get POV's from Noah's perspective which helped me see how he thinks and feels.
Will is finishing up college. Noah is finishing up high school. Their family doesn't help at all, so Will is Noah's whole world too.
And they wouldn't have it any other way.
Love is a type of total destruction. A beautifully orchestrated abolishment of who a person is.
the main story here is the unshakeable love Will has for Noah, but i'd be lying if i said seeing him be loved as ferociously as he loves Noah didn't make me cry. Connor doesn't let Manny detract from the main point of the story, and the romance is not centred.
“I will let love raze me to the ground every moment of every day. As long as it is yours.”
i adore this book and i love these characters. i'll definitely start making my way through Connor's other work.
would whole-heartedly recommend!
November 11, 2021
"Everything about my brother is normal. But nothing in this world works at the same speed of normal as him."
"A Tremendous Amount of Normal" tells the story of Noah, a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome, and his older brother Will, who serves as his primary caregiver, and the challenges they face daily. The author effectively shows how a person "on the spectrum" thinks and acts, and how a loved one can support them.
What didn't quite work for me was the love story between Will and his schoolmate Manny, which I thought happened too fast, although he served as the catalyst for vital changes in Noah's and Will's lives.
At its core, "A Tremendous Amount of Normal" is about the unconditional love between siblings, and I recommend it to anyone who has family or friends "on the (autism) spectrum" or who are neurodivergent. 3.5 of 5 stars.
"A Tremendous Amount of Normal" tells the story of Noah, a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome, and his older brother Will, who serves as his primary caregiver, and the challenges they face daily. The author effectively shows how a person "on the spectrum" thinks and acts, and how a loved one can support them.
What didn't quite work for me was the love story between Will and his schoolmate Manny, which I thought happened too fast, although he served as the catalyst for vital changes in Noah's and Will's lives.
At its core, "A Tremendous Amount of Normal" is about the unconditional love between siblings, and I recommend it to anyone who has family or friends "on the (autism) spectrum" or who are neurodivergent. 3.5 of 5 stars.
September 20, 2018
Noah is on the autism spectrum, more specifically Aspergers Syndrome. He becomes really anxious when his routines are disrupted or when he is overstimulated by his surroundings. Noah’s non-typical behavior, repetitive motions and routines are his ‘normal’.
Will is Noah’s older brother, a college student still living at home. His devotion to his younger brother is nothing short of saintly. Will has become Noah’s primary caretaker because their mother has neither the patience or understanding to properly care for Noah and their father is out of the picture. Will sees his future with Noah as his primary focus, with any personal relationships always taking a back seat to Noah’s care. And, he is more than willing to do this. Noah is Will’s ‘normal’.
Through this story we learn that ‘normal’ is subjective and not static; it can evolve or devolve due to internal and external influences.
Of the Chase Connor’s novels I’ve read so far, they have one thing in common; they never fail to make me smile and have satisfying endings.
Will is Noah’s older brother, a college student still living at home. His devotion to his younger brother is nothing short of saintly. Will has become Noah’s primary caretaker because their mother has neither the patience or understanding to properly care for Noah and their father is out of the picture. Will sees his future with Noah as his primary focus, with any personal relationships always taking a back seat to Noah’s care. And, he is more than willing to do this. Noah is Will’s ‘normal’.
Through this story we learn that ‘normal’ is subjective and not static; it can evolve or devolve due to internal and external influences.
Of the Chase Connor’s novels I’ve read so far, they have one thing in common; they never fail to make me smile and have satisfying endings.
February 4, 2022
I finished reading this a few days ago and have been taking some time to figure out what to say about it.
First off, I really like it.
Secondly, it's not really like anything else I've read. It has multiple POVs, one of them being that of Noah, a teenage boy/young man with Asperger's (a diagnostic term he prefers to "on the spectrum"). I and quite a few people in my life are on the spectrum, although we move through the world more easily than he does. The book opens with him having a meltdown because he's been given a pear with his breakfast rather than his usual orange.
The depiction of Noah's experience of the world is impeccable -- his anxiety, his intolerance of many many textures and other sensations, his extreme literalism, the degree to which neurotypical ways are a mystery to him all ring true to me from both the people I know and from my reading the writings of autistic adults.
The ways that certain people in Noah's life, especially his brother Will, really "get" him and work hard and lovingly to control the conditions he experiences so he can maintain his equilibrium are just beautiful. It's the purest form of caring.
I won't go into the romance plot because I don't want to give spoilers on that. I will say that it's not as foregrounded as in most genre romances; the relationship at the center of the book is really the one between the brothers.
This book is unusual and special and I recommend it highly.
First off, I really like it.
Secondly, it's not really like anything else I've read. It has multiple POVs, one of them being that of Noah, a teenage boy/young man with Asperger's (a diagnostic term he prefers to "on the spectrum"). I and quite a few people in my life are on the spectrum, although we move through the world more easily than he does. The book opens with him having a meltdown because he's been given a pear with his breakfast rather than his usual orange.
The depiction of Noah's experience of the world is impeccable -- his anxiety, his intolerance of many many textures and other sensations, his extreme literalism, the degree to which neurotypical ways are a mystery to him all ring true to me from both the people I know and from my reading the writings of autistic adults.
The ways that certain people in Noah's life, especially his brother Will, really "get" him and work hard and lovingly to control the conditions he experiences so he can maintain his equilibrium are just beautiful. It's the purest form of caring.
I won't go into the romance plot because I don't want to give spoilers on that. I will say that it's not as foregrounded as in most genre romances; the relationship at the center of the book is really the one between the brothers.
This book is unusual and special and I recommend it highly.
June 12, 2023
Not your typical love story but very lovely
I was wondering when I saw there was an autistic character how the writer would handle it. As an autistic person I was hoping for accuracy. The only thing I object to strongly is neurotypical people are not on the spectrum. You are autistic or you aren’t. Although I’m not crazy about the term Asperger’s, I know some people who have it prefer it so that is not as big of a deal. Will and Noah had a very special relationship and it was amazing Noah had a few people who were good to him. It’s a lovely book.
I was wondering when I saw there was an autistic character how the writer would handle it. As an autistic person I was hoping for accuracy. The only thing I object to strongly is neurotypical people are not on the spectrum. You are autistic or you aren’t. Although I’m not crazy about the term Asperger’s, I know some people who have it prefer it so that is not as big of a deal. Will and Noah had a very special relationship and it was amazing Noah had a few people who were good to him. It’s a lovely book.
May 14, 2020
5+++ stars
“I don’t know why people don’t like me, Will.”
“I love you, Noah.”
“Because I’m your brother.”
“Because you’re you, Noah,”
“In this I see God.”
I ugly cried from how precious this book is.
“I don’t know why people don’t like me, Will.”
“I love you, Noah.”
“Because I’m your brother.”
“Because you’re you, Noah,”
“In this I see God.”
I ugly cried from how precious this book is.
June 22, 2019
This story is written with such sensitivity and care. I have limited experience with people with Asperger's, certainty with someone on the severe side of the spectrum, but I felt like I had an inside, exclusive glimpse into the life of someone with Asperger's. Not only that, but I also got an intimate look into how a caregiver's everyday life is affected. The sacrifices Will makes, without a second thought as to how his own life might be limited, are simultaneously heartbreaking and admirable.
It's interesting to see each character interpret the same events: from Noah's POV as someone who doesn't understand the little nuisances neurotypical people take for granted; from Will's POV as the selfless brother who puts his own needs aside to accommodate Noah's normal; from Manny's POV, first as an outsider, then as a part of Will and Noah's team.
This wasn't an easy read. Connor's storytelling is raw and blunt. Nothing is sugarcoated, and I truly appreciate those qualities in a story.
It's interesting to see each character interpret the same events: from Noah's POV as someone who doesn't understand the little nuisances neurotypical people take for granted; from Will's POV as the selfless brother who puts his own needs aside to accommodate Noah's normal; from Manny's POV, first as an outsider, then as a part of Will and Noah's team.
This wasn't an easy read. Connor's storytelling is raw and blunt. Nothing is sugarcoated, and I truly appreciate those qualities in a story.
May 26, 2022
Chase Connor has quickly become a favorite author to me. This was a beautiful story of a young man seeking to ensure a fulfilling life for his brother where he can be free to be himself and live in a place of family, hope, and courage . I just loved this read.
May 1, 2020
This book deserves so much more than the measly amount of ratings it's received at the time of this review (which sits at 85 with a 4.58 star rating). The love Will has for his brother is beautiful and I've cried more than once while reading this book because of the sheer happiness I felt for the characters.
I work with kids with special needs for a living and the relationship between Will and Noah is one I've seen many times in real life. I've seen mostly low functioning forms of autism and one case of down syndrome, and even though I don't have experience with Asperger's syndrome (that Noah has), I have experience with higher functioning autism and Noah is fairly accurate to how many kids on that end of the spectrum behave. I loved the communication between Will and Noah about how Noah felt and if he was okay with what they were doing, and I wish more communication happened like that. Siblings don't tend to be as vocally communicative as Will and Noah, but I've seen instances where the sibling of an autistic child will read the body language of their sibling and instantly be right there trying to calm them down or attempting to put into words what the other can't. No one knows them better than their sibling.
Will is loving, patient, and self-sacrificing—even when he doesn't think he's giving up anything. He loves his brother but he's as trapped by routine as Noah, if not more so. While Noah is prepared to do things that make him anxious and push the boundaries of his own diagnosis, Will is stuck with the belief that he can't expect more from Noah than what Noah already is. As supportive and accepting as Will is, I'm not surprised that he's unwilling to push Noah to do better. It's a realistic way of thinking for a lot of parents of children with autism, who would rather coddle the child at all costs to avoid causing meltdowns, but it's detrimental to the child at the same time. I loved seeing Will's growth as much as I loved seeing Noah's, because it was directly linked to Noah and how Will often subconsciously tried to control every aspect of the world around them to avoid any meltdowns.
Overall, from the standpoint of a neurotypical living and interacting with someone on the spectrum, this book is accurate and does a good job at showing how day-to-day life is for someone like Noah and the people closest to him. I can't say how accurate it is from Noah's point of view because I don't have Asperger's and haven't been around anyone who does, but I enjoyed his POV nonetheless and thought it was fairly realistic to what I believe someone like him would think like. It's an intriguing outlook and I wish there were more books with protagonists on the spectrum. This is going on my favourites bookshelf.
I work with kids with special needs for a living and the relationship between Will and Noah is one I've seen many times in real life. I've seen mostly low functioning forms of autism and one case of down syndrome, and even though I don't have experience with Asperger's syndrome (that Noah has), I have experience with higher functioning autism and Noah is fairly accurate to how many kids on that end of the spectrum behave. I loved the communication between Will and Noah about how Noah felt and if he was okay with what they were doing, and I wish more communication happened like that. Siblings don't tend to be as vocally communicative as Will and Noah, but I've seen instances where the sibling of an autistic child will read the body language of their sibling and instantly be right there trying to calm them down or attempting to put into words what the other can't. No one knows them better than their sibling.
Will is loving, patient, and self-sacrificing—even when he doesn't think he's giving up anything. He loves his brother but he's as trapped by routine as Noah, if not more so. While Noah is prepared to do things that make him anxious and push the boundaries of his own diagnosis, Will is stuck with the belief that he can't expect more from Noah than what Noah already is. As supportive and accepting as Will is, I'm not surprised that he's unwilling to push Noah to do better. It's a realistic way of thinking for a lot of parents of children with autism, who would rather coddle the child at all costs to avoid causing meltdowns, but it's detrimental to the child at the same time. I loved seeing Will's growth as much as I loved seeing Noah's, because it was directly linked to Noah and how Will often subconsciously tried to control every aspect of the world around them to avoid any meltdowns.
Overall, from the standpoint of a neurotypical living and interacting with someone on the spectrum, this book is accurate and does a good job at showing how day-to-day life is for someone like Noah and the people closest to him. I can't say how accurate it is from Noah's point of view because I don't have Asperger's and haven't been around anyone who does, but I enjoyed his POV nonetheless and thought it was fairly realistic to what I believe someone like him would think like. It's an intriguing outlook and I wish there were more books with protagonists on the spectrum. This is going on my favourites bookshelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2021
4.5/5 Everything about my brother is normal. but nothing in this world works at the same speed of normal as him. He’s either too late or too early. And then things become not normal.
This wonderful novel is yet another reason that I keep coming back to Chase Connor books. He has done such a wonderful job bringing both sides of the story to readers, focusing in detail and repetition what one version of severe AS can look like for Noah and for his brother and caregiver Will. There is the constant and welcome reminder that not being neurotypical down not make someone “abnormal” and Chase does a great job of showing us what “normal” means to this family.
He loves me in one of the purest ways. in the only way he knows how. He tells the truth. He says what he means. He means what he says. he communicates in a way that you don’t have to detect sarcasm or irony or lies. Noah is my normal. I’ve never wanted any other kind of normal.
I cannot imagine not liking Will. He is a very real and incredibly emotional young man who has taken on one hell of a responsibility. He knows it, but can’t imagine doing anything differently, and loves his brother so fiercely that it often brought tears to my eyes. He had long since given up on a life separate from full time caring for his soon to be adult brother, so the pages in which he meets with Dr Mengel for the first time to discuss possible treatments for improvements to Noah’s quality of life are simply heart wrenching. I reread this section a few times, and it still got me each time to see this young man want nothing but the very best for his brother, despite believing it would be impossible to ever be loved back in return.
He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. he suffered from people who are cruel.
Will’s straightforward and unapologetic way of caring for Noah and ensuring the world does conform to his needs whenever he can is breathtaking. Such selflessness and love.
But my brothers understand me. And i understand them. Even if I don’t talk the same way that they do. I think that love might be understanding. Because I never have to explain myself to my brothers.
Watching the three main characters (Will’s eventual partner) form a family unit in their own version of “normal” is an absolute treat and I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to better understand one possible version of the dynamics of having and loving someone with AS.
This wonderful novel is yet another reason that I keep coming back to Chase Connor books. He has done such a wonderful job bringing both sides of the story to readers, focusing in detail and repetition what one version of severe AS can look like for Noah and for his brother and caregiver Will. There is the constant and welcome reminder that not being neurotypical down not make someone “abnormal” and Chase does a great job of showing us what “normal” means to this family.
He loves me in one of the purest ways. in the only way he knows how. He tells the truth. He says what he means. He means what he says. he communicates in a way that you don’t have to detect sarcasm or irony or lies. Noah is my normal. I’ve never wanted any other kind of normal.
I cannot imagine not liking Will. He is a very real and incredibly emotional young man who has taken on one hell of a responsibility. He knows it, but can’t imagine doing anything differently, and loves his brother so fiercely that it often brought tears to my eyes. He had long since given up on a life separate from full time caring for his soon to be adult brother, so the pages in which he meets with Dr Mengel for the first time to discuss possible treatments for improvements to Noah’s quality of life are simply heart wrenching. I reread this section a few times, and it still got me each time to see this young man want nothing but the very best for his brother, despite believing it would be impossible to ever be loved back in return.
He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. he suffered from people who are cruel.
Will’s straightforward and unapologetic way of caring for Noah and ensuring the world does conform to his needs whenever he can is breathtaking. Such selflessness and love.
But my brothers understand me. And i understand them. Even if I don’t talk the same way that they do. I think that love might be understanding. Because I never have to explain myself to my brothers.
Watching the three main characters (Will’s eventual partner) form a family unit in their own version of “normal” is an absolute treat and I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to better understand one possible version of the dynamics of having and loving someone with AS.
April 12, 2023
I took a little while to really think about what I wanted to say before writing this review.
This is a book about two different relationships. Most of the story focuses on the relationship between Noah and Will, two brothers. The story of these two is absolutely beautiful. Noah is described as having “severe AS” but he prefers to call it Asperger’s because that’s what they called it when he was first diagnosed. He takes words at their literal meaning, struggles heavily with touch, and depends on strict structure. Will is Noah’s biggest supporter and goes above and beyond to protect Will and make sure that all remains “normal” in Noah’s world because anything abnormal can trigger a meltdown. I genuinely don’t have the words to express how deeply the love between these two touched me. It was absolutely stunning and impactful.
Quotes by Will:
“He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. He suffers from people who are cruel.”
“Noah is filled with a tremendous amount of normal. He is everything that people are supposed to be.”
“I love Noah more than anything. More than myself. Just as he is. But he doesn’t understand that and he never will. And he will never love me back. Not in the same way.”
Quotes by Noah:
“I don’t like being hugged much. But I let my brother hug me. His hugs don’t make my skin itch and crawl.”
“My brother is the best brother in the world. I’ll be his brother forever.”
“That she wished I wasn’t there and that my sister was instead. My brother is my favorite person. I wish my mom could be with her favorite person as much as I am with my brother.”
“I don’t know why people don’t like me, Will”
Then we have the romantic relationship between Manny and Will. Many is sweet and kind and so good to both Will and Noah. Will and Manny have a lot in common. They regularly quote books to each other. For some reason the scenes of that happening really just didn’t feel natural or like it fit to me. Even though Manny is such a great guy, I honestly could have done without the romantic side story. Which is saying A LOT because I LIVE for romance. The main benefit of the focus on this relationship was getting to see Will and Noah from an outsiders point of view.
Overall I give this book 4⭐️
If it had just been the story of Will and Noah, it’d be a 5⭐️ book hands down.
A guide to my rating scale:
5 ⭐️ - Books that I love and they really impacted me (ie: made me cry, kept me laughing from beginning to end, set the standard for my book boyfriend, etc). These are the books that I usually end up wanting a physical copy of, or I read over and over again.
4⭐️ - Books that I fully enjoyed and would read again
3⭐️ - These books were ok, but I probably wouldn’t read again
2⭐️ - Books that were meh. I finished it, but only because I forced myself to.
1⭐️ - I don’t think I’ve ever given this rating, but this is reserved for problematic books.
This is a book about two different relationships. Most of the story focuses on the relationship between Noah and Will, two brothers. The story of these two is absolutely beautiful. Noah is described as having “severe AS” but he prefers to call it Asperger’s because that’s what they called it when he was first diagnosed. He takes words at their literal meaning, struggles heavily with touch, and depends on strict structure. Will is Noah’s biggest supporter and goes above and beyond to protect Will and make sure that all remains “normal” in Noah’s world because anything abnormal can trigger a meltdown. I genuinely don’t have the words to express how deeply the love between these two touched me. It was absolutely stunning and impactful.
Quotes by Will:
“He doesn’t suffer from Asperger Syndrome. He suffers from a world that refuses to conform to his needs. He suffers from neurotypical people who don’t take time to try and understand him. He suffers from people who are cruel.”
“Noah is filled with a tremendous amount of normal. He is everything that people are supposed to be.”
“I love Noah more than anything. More than myself. Just as he is. But he doesn’t understand that and he never will. And he will never love me back. Not in the same way.”
Quotes by Noah:
“I don’t like being hugged much. But I let my brother hug me. His hugs don’t make my skin itch and crawl.”
“My brother is the best brother in the world. I’ll be his brother forever.”
“That she wished I wasn’t there and that my sister was instead. My brother is my favorite person. I wish my mom could be with her favorite person as much as I am with my brother.”
“I don’t know why people don’t like me, Will”
Then we have the romantic relationship between Manny and Will. Many is sweet and kind and so good to both Will and Noah. Will and Manny have a lot in common. They regularly quote books to each other. For some reason the scenes of that happening really just didn’t feel natural or like it fit to me. Even though Manny is such a great guy, I honestly could have done without the romantic side story. Which is saying A LOT because I LIVE for romance. The main benefit of the focus on this relationship was getting to see Will and Noah from an outsiders point of view.
Overall I give this book 4⭐️
If it had just been the story of Will and Noah, it’d be a 5⭐️ book hands down.
A guide to my rating scale:
5 ⭐️ - Books that I love and they really impacted me (ie: made me cry, kept me laughing from beginning to end, set the standard for my book boyfriend, etc). These are the books that I usually end up wanting a physical copy of, or I read over and over again.
4⭐️ - Books that I fully enjoyed and would read again
3⭐️ - These books were ok, but I probably wouldn’t read again
2⭐️ - Books that were meh. I finished it, but only because I forced myself to.
1⭐️ - I don’t think I’ve ever given this rating, but this is reserved for problematic books.
January 12, 2021
A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF NORMAL STAARS!!!
"In this I see God"
I don't even know where to start..
This book is pure magic. It's a story about truest form of love and friendship, about sacrifice, about real life and struggles along the way.
It's very well written and executed, the subject and the whole book is serious but funny and it just sucks you in from the first line.
It's written in 1st person from 3 POV.
Every character is perfect.
“I love Noah more than anything. More than myself. Just as he is. But he doesn’t understand that and he never will. And he will never love me back. Not in the same way. Not in a way that he understands. He’ll never look me in the eyes and tell me that he loves me. That’s Noah in a nutshell. That’s my normal.
When you fall in love with what you think this is all about—you’re falling in love with a fairytale. And most importantly, you’re falling in love with a package deal. You’ll never possess me like two lovers possess each other. And bit by bit, day after day, month after month, year after year, you will grow to hate me more and more. It’ll make you bitter. I’ll never be your boyfriend first. I’ll be Noah’s brother before anything else. Forever. And I will never feel sorry or guilty about that. No matter who asks it of me.”
There is nothing I can say that would do this book justice.
So I dont think I will go into details all I can say is you wont regret if you give it a chance.
"My heart was full. I loved Noah like he was my own brother. And I was irrevocably in love with Will. Like he wasn’t just my friend. And that would end up destroying me."
"A lifetime of understanding was conveyed in the slightest of touches. And understanding was love. Maybe that’s what normal is supposed to be? Having patience and kindness to understand each other. Taking time to let another human being realize that they are loved. To let a brother know that he will never be alone. That he is wanted. To prove that none of us are ever alone. And normal is love."
"In this I see God"
I don't even know where to start..
This book is pure magic. It's a story about truest form of love and friendship, about sacrifice, about real life and struggles along the way.
It's very well written and executed, the subject and the whole book is serious but funny and it just sucks you in from the first line.
It's written in 1st person from 3 POV.
Every character is perfect.
“I love Noah more than anything. More than myself. Just as he is. But he doesn’t understand that and he never will. And he will never love me back. Not in the same way. Not in a way that he understands. He’ll never look me in the eyes and tell me that he loves me. That’s Noah in a nutshell. That’s my normal.
When you fall in love with what you think this is all about—you’re falling in love with a fairytale. And most importantly, you’re falling in love with a package deal. You’ll never possess me like two lovers possess each other. And bit by bit, day after day, month after month, year after year, you will grow to hate me more and more. It’ll make you bitter. I’ll never be your boyfriend first. I’ll be Noah’s brother before anything else. Forever. And I will never feel sorry or guilty about that. No matter who asks it of me.”
There is nothing I can say that would do this book justice.
So I dont think I will go into details all I can say is you wont regret if you give it a chance.
"My heart was full. I loved Noah like he was my own brother. And I was irrevocably in love with Will. Like he wasn’t just my friend. And that would end up destroying me."
"A lifetime of understanding was conveyed in the slightest of touches. And understanding was love. Maybe that’s what normal is supposed to be? Having patience and kindness to understand each other. Taking time to let another human being realize that they are loved. To let a brother know that he will never be alone. That he is wanted. To prove that none of us are ever alone. And normal is love."
November 14, 2020
Chase Connor has written a lot of superb novels, but so far, A Tremendous Amount of Normal is easily my favorite. Connor has an easy-flowing style that is just at the right side of lighthearted and enjoyable read, funny, but with tearjerking moments.
A Tremendous Amount of Normal follows the day to day life of Noah and his older brother Will.
Noah is normal. Will tells him so. But kids at school call him a retard. A lot of people call Will a fag.
Together, the brothers create their path in life and reshape what the word ‘normal’ means.
There is school for Noah and college for Will, and then there is Mom, who never finishes cleaning the house.
The chapters are divided into Noah’s, Will’s—and later—Manny’s perspective, and we see how each character interprets their daily life differently.
All characters are incredibly loveable, but there is something special about Noah. He experiences the world in his very own way, and it is a delight to get a glimpse into the inside of his mind. Though a quick-witted and smart young man, his Asperger’s uniquely interprets his surroundings. Sometimes this is done in good humor, but at other times heartbreakingly naive, though it never undermines the character’s perceptive nature.
Mr. Connor did a great job, writing a fully fleshed-out character on the Autistic spectrum. Noah’s interactions are done realistically, offering a great introspective of what living with this diagnosis may be like. There is also no shying away from genuine, but perhaps more difficult subjects, such as Noah’s sexual desires, sense of attractions, and relationship goals.
What I liked best was that I could love his character simply the way it was. There are no ‘trying to fix broken pieces’ or unrealistic attempts to ‘improve’ the existing, often challenging’ situation between the brothers. Love does not need fixing or improving. It’s just there. Free for all who are willing to open their hearts to it.
Despite the occasional heartbreak, I would call the novel a lighthearted and tremendously enjoyable read. I was unable to get the book out of my hand and finished it in one session.
A Tremendous Amount of Normal follows the day to day life of Noah and his older brother Will.
Noah is normal. Will tells him so. But kids at school call him a retard. A lot of people call Will a fag.
Together, the brothers create their path in life and reshape what the word ‘normal’ means.
There is school for Noah and college for Will, and then there is Mom, who never finishes cleaning the house.
The chapters are divided into Noah’s, Will’s—and later—Manny’s perspective, and we see how each character interprets their daily life differently.
All characters are incredibly loveable, but there is something special about Noah. He experiences the world in his very own way, and it is a delight to get a glimpse into the inside of his mind. Though a quick-witted and smart young man, his Asperger’s uniquely interprets his surroundings. Sometimes this is done in good humor, but at other times heartbreakingly naive, though it never undermines the character’s perceptive nature.
Mr. Connor did a great job, writing a fully fleshed-out character on the Autistic spectrum. Noah’s interactions are done realistically, offering a great introspective of what living with this diagnosis may be like. There is also no shying away from genuine, but perhaps more difficult subjects, such as Noah’s sexual desires, sense of attractions, and relationship goals.
What I liked best was that I could love his character simply the way it was. There are no ‘trying to fix broken pieces’ or unrealistic attempts to ‘improve’ the existing, often challenging’ situation between the brothers. Love does not need fixing or improving. It’s just there. Free for all who are willing to open their hearts to it.
Despite the occasional heartbreak, I would call the novel a lighthearted and tremendously enjoyable read. I was unable to get the book out of my hand and finished it in one session.
September 18, 2019
DNF@40%
This book switches among first person narratives of Noah (who has Asperger Syndrome), Will (Noah’s brother and primary caretaker) and Manny (Will’s friend from college).
The sections that Noah narrated made me feel like I was inside his head. Noah was a such a sweet, guileless, GOOD person who I felt like I knew - the author did a good job of helping you see the world through the mind of someone with Asperger’s.
Will’s character felt underdeveloped - he seemed less like a real person and more like a narrator who’s there to explain Noah with step by step accounts of how he interacts with his brother differently (though he does curse which is a plus ;-) Will also gave some repetitive explanations (he explains multiple times that Noah has to first touch his fingers, then rock, then he inflicts potential self harm).
Manny’s narrative (which I only caught a few paragraphs of before I called it quits) also had some illogical aspects. Within an ~hour of meeting Noah and Will, Manny goes to a restaurant with them and observes Will with his brother. While observing the two, Manny says to the reader, “Will put a tremendous amount of energy into making Noah’s version of normal continue from one moment to the next.”
Up until this point, the phrase “Noah’s version of normal” was used very frequently by Will, who has a lifetime of context with his brother for that phrase to have meaning to him. Manny, on the other hand, has literally just met these people and is immediately using the phrase. We’re left to assume that Manny must be a mind reader and suddenly thinks like Will without having to actually talk to him.
Noah’s sections were thought provoking - makes me realize that everyone really does have their own version normal (and in many ways I preferred Noah’s version of normal), but I couldn’t make it past the other issues to finish the book.
This book switches among first person narratives of Noah (who has Asperger Syndrome), Will (Noah’s brother and primary caretaker) and Manny (Will’s friend from college).
The sections that Noah narrated made me feel like I was inside his head. Noah was a such a sweet, guileless, GOOD person who I felt like I knew - the author did a good job of helping you see the world through the mind of someone with Asperger’s.
Will’s character felt underdeveloped - he seemed less like a real person and more like a narrator who’s there to explain Noah with step by step accounts of how he interacts with his brother differently (though he does curse which is a plus ;-) Will also gave some repetitive explanations (he explains multiple times that Noah has to first touch his fingers, then rock, then he inflicts potential self harm).
Manny’s narrative (which I only caught a few paragraphs of before I called it quits) also had some illogical aspects. Within an ~hour of meeting Noah and Will, Manny goes to a restaurant with them and observes Will with his brother. While observing the two, Manny says to the reader, “Will put a tremendous amount of energy into making Noah’s version of normal continue from one moment to the next.”
Up until this point, the phrase “Noah’s version of normal” was used very frequently by Will, who has a lifetime of context with his brother for that phrase to have meaning to him. Manny, on the other hand, has literally just met these people and is immediately using the phrase. We’re left to assume that Manny must be a mind reader and suddenly thinks like Will without having to actually talk to him.
Noah’s sections were thought provoking - makes me realize that everyone really does have their own version normal (and in many ways I preferred Noah’s version of normal), but I couldn’t make it past the other issues to finish the book.
May 16, 2023
I would give this one 4-4.5 stars. I loved so much about it.
A Tremendous Amount of Normal is told from three people’s perspective. There’s Noah, Will and Manny; Noah and Will are brothers and Manny joins their lives and becomes Noah’s boyfriend. Noah suffers from severe Asperger’s Syndrome and Will, due to unstable parental conditions, is his primary caregiver. Their relationship was so special & I just loved how Will took care of Noah even though he was only a few years older than him and trying to finish his college degree. Manny is a fellow student that when working on a project with Will is fortunate to observe how Will and Noah interact. He sees the uniqueness and beauty in their relationship and their lives and wants to be a part of it.
I felt a lot reading this one…mostly inadequate. I don’t think I would have had the patience that Will did. I felt anger towards the mother and sister. I felt sad for Noah not because of his diagnosis but because of how he was treated and how some people (educators) weren’t supportive or helpful. I loved the people on his team, that understood him and wanted to help him with his normal. Really the only thing I didn’t like about the book was how it written, but at the same time it had to be written this way for impact. And it was very impactful. I wanted to know what became of Noah, Will and Manny...I hope they made it and that Noah found his person.
A Tremendous Amount of Normal is told from three people’s perspective. There’s Noah, Will and Manny; Noah and Will are brothers and Manny joins their lives and becomes Noah’s boyfriend. Noah suffers from severe Asperger’s Syndrome and Will, due to unstable parental conditions, is his primary caregiver. Their relationship was so special & I just loved how Will took care of Noah even though he was only a few years older than him and trying to finish his college degree. Manny is a fellow student that when working on a project with Will is fortunate to observe how Will and Noah interact. He sees the uniqueness and beauty in their relationship and their lives and wants to be a part of it.
I felt a lot reading this one…mostly inadequate. I don’t think I would have had the patience that Will did. I felt anger towards the mother and sister. I felt sad for Noah not because of his diagnosis but because of how he was treated and how some people (educators) weren’t supportive or helpful. I loved the people on his team, that understood him and wanted to help him with his normal. Really the only thing I didn’t like about the book was how it written, but at the same time it had to be written this way for impact. And it was very impactful. I wanted to know what became of Noah, Will and Manny...I hope they made it and that Noah found his person.
January 9, 2021
My face is still wet from the tears which fell as I read the last quarter of this beautiful book.
Connor has crafted a masterpiece which channels the duty, desires and the divine which run through the lives of all who live for others as the brother’s in this story do for one another.
This was the first of Connor’s books which I have taken the time to read and from the moment I picked it up, until the moment I finished it (in one sitting, and most of my day) I was struck by an empathy I had not expected to find within a novel.
As a carer and guardian for an adult brother this novel resonated with my soul and pulled at my heart strings, giving me a sense of understanding and awareness of the hardships and reward which come from the life of a carer whose first priority at any given moment is to another person.
I have nothing but praise for this novel, would highly recommend it and my only critique is in my own desire for the happy ending that Connor created in such a believable and relatable way.
I would give this more stars if I had the option to do so, but instead give my thanks to Connor for writing such a truly profound novel.
DS Coremans
www.fodibyli.com
#FoDiByLi
Connor has crafted a masterpiece which channels the duty, desires and the divine which run through the lives of all who live for others as the brother’s in this story do for one another.
This was the first of Connor’s books which I have taken the time to read and from the moment I picked it up, until the moment I finished it (in one sitting, and most of my day) I was struck by an empathy I had not expected to find within a novel.
As a carer and guardian for an adult brother this novel resonated with my soul and pulled at my heart strings, giving me a sense of understanding and awareness of the hardships and reward which come from the life of a carer whose first priority at any given moment is to another person.
I have nothing but praise for this novel, would highly recommend it and my only critique is in my own desire for the happy ending that Connor created in such a believable and relatable way.
I would give this more stars if I had the option to do so, but instead give my thanks to Connor for writing such a truly profound novel.
DS Coremans
www.fodibyli.com
#FoDiByLi
February 10, 2021
Wonderful - if close to home
Most books that feature people with autism are intensely frustrating. They read like checklists garnered at second hand by people who can go on a little special needs safari, look at those on the spectrum through sensitivity reader binoculars, then return to their neurotypical worlds, congratulating themselves on their inclusivity.
This book isn’t one of them. It made me question so much about the autist in my life, and I’m grateful for that. It is written with great skill and compassion. The plot unfolds beautifully, with less character-smiting than I’m used to from this author. I didn’t like the female family members being so awful, but that’s a personal choice. I adored the central romance, and the way it is seen through the central POV characters.
Even if you don’t have a person with autism close by in your life, if you’re looking for a sweet love story, this is a gorgeous and deeply satisfying book.
Most books that feature people with autism are intensely frustrating. They read like checklists garnered at second hand by people who can go on a little special needs safari, look at those on the spectrum through sensitivity reader binoculars, then return to their neurotypical worlds, congratulating themselves on their inclusivity.
This book isn’t one of them. It made me question so much about the autist in my life, and I’m grateful for that. It is written with great skill and compassion. The plot unfolds beautifully, with less character-smiting than I’m used to from this author. I didn’t like the female family members being so awful, but that’s a personal choice. I adored the central romance, and the way it is seen through the central POV characters.
Even if you don’t have a person with autism close by in your life, if you’re looking for a sweet love story, this is a gorgeous and deeply satisfying book.
February 10, 2019
A Tremendous Amount of Normal is probably the most heartwarming story I’ve read so far this year. It’s the perfect hybrid of family drama and romance. I loved seeing the world through Noah’s eyes! Sometimes it was funny, other times heartbreaking but always beautifully written.
While the majority of the story focuses on Noah and the way he interacts with the world and how his brother Will maintains his normal, I think Will’s arc was my favourite. It’s very subtle but watching him grow from someone who very obviously denies himself a lot to having the things he deserved was a lot of fun and kept me reading later than I should’ve been.
Amongst all the optimism the book maintained a sense of realism throughout which I really appreciated and just made the whole thing really enjoyable.
While the majority of the story focuses on Noah and the way he interacts with the world and how his brother Will maintains his normal, I think Will’s arc was my favourite. It’s very subtle but watching him grow from someone who very obviously denies himself a lot to having the things he deserved was a lot of fun and kept me reading later than I should’ve been.
Amongst all the optimism the book maintained a sense of realism throughout which I really appreciated and just made the whole thing really enjoyable.
December 26, 2019
Not even sure what to say.
I did enjoy the book but I am not sure that everyone will. It is a story about two brothers and a dysfunctional family. One boy is very intelligent and the care giver for his younger brother who has AS. I don’t know enough about AS to know how well the author told story. I found it interesting and since I have know a couple of people who were diagnosed with AS it gave me a little insight into what be going on in their lives. I would have to assume there are levels of seriousness with AS be neither of the two people I know are as dysfunctional as the young boy in this story. I am sure if you read this story you will enjoy getting to know all the characters.
I did enjoy the book but I am not sure that everyone will. It is a story about two brothers and a dysfunctional family. One boy is very intelligent and the care giver for his younger brother who has AS. I don’t know enough about AS to know how well the author told story. I found it interesting and since I have know a couple of people who were diagnosed with AS it gave me a little insight into what be going on in their lives. I would have to assume there are levels of seriousness with AS be neither of the two people I know are as dysfunctional as the young boy in this story. I am sure if you read this story you will enjoy getting to know all the characters.
May 12, 2022
An Amazing Amount of Normal
Mental health disorders are on the rise around the world. This book takes the most heartwarming and sensitive look at a neurotypical brother giving his all to make his Asperger‘s Syndrome brother’s life feel normal.
Studies have shown that gay people tend to be more intelligent, more emotionally intelligent, more compassionate, and less aggressive than their straight peers. This story demonstrates that gay people are here for the survival of the family—to take on the roles that too many others neglect.
The story is sensitive and a must read for everyone. Yes, there are gay characters but there is no sex or anything that could be considered inappropriate to a high school reader. This book should be on every library shelf.
Mental health disorders are on the rise around the world. This book takes the most heartwarming and sensitive look at a neurotypical brother giving his all to make his Asperger‘s Syndrome brother’s life feel normal.
Studies have shown that gay people tend to be more intelligent, more emotionally intelligent, more compassionate, and less aggressive than their straight peers. This story demonstrates that gay people are here for the survival of the family—to take on the roles that too many others neglect.
The story is sensitive and a must read for everyone. Yes, there are gay characters but there is no sex or anything that could be considered inappropriate to a high school reader. This book should be on every library shelf.
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