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Completely Normal (and Other Lies)

By Biffy James
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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,145 ratings, 162 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James follows the life of a young protagonist navigating the complexities of high school and the pressure to appear perfect. As they deal with friendship drama, family expectations, and personal insecurities, the story touches on themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the realisation that no one is entirely "normal." Set against a vibrant backdrop of teen life, the book captures the essence of growing up with humour and heart.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories about self-discovery and navigating the complexities of adolescence. It's perfect for readers who appreciate characters grappling with identity, friendship, and the challenges of high school life. The narrative offers a relatable journey filled with humour, heart, and the pursuit of understanding what it truly means to be "normal."

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Love has rules. So does grief. And Stella Wilde’s about to break them all.

Stella Wilde is secretly in love with the hottest guy in school, Isaac Calder. He seems to love her back, but there’s a problem – he already has a girlfriend, the gorgeous Grace Reyes.

When Isaac is killed in a car accident, the entire school is turned upside down with grief. And while Grace can mourn publicly, Stella has to hide her feelings to stop people from finding out about her and Isaac being more than friends.

But how long can Stella keep lying – to herself and everyone else? And when the truth finally comes out, how will it affect her newfound friendship with Grace?

Completely Normal (and Other Lies) is a gripping contemporary YA novel that’s as witty and sarcastic as it is tender and moving. With its insightful explorations of love, grief, mental health, and friendship, it’s perfect for fans of John Green, Krystal Sutherland, and Sally Rooney.

  • Winner of the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards: Griffith University Young Adult Book Award
  • Winner of the 2023 CBCA Shadow Judging Award: Older Readers
  • Winner of the 2023 Gab Williams Prize
  • A 2023 CBCA Honour Book
  • Shortlisted for the 2024 South Australian Literary Awards: Young Adult Fiction
  • Shortlisted for the 2023 NSW Premier's Literary Awards: Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature
  • Shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Prize
  • Shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize
  • One of Readings' 100 Bestselling Kids & YA Books of 2023

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James is celebrated for its honest and heartfelt exploration of youth, capturing the essence of teenage emotions and challenges. The novel addresses complex themes like grief, mental health, and friendship with care, nuance, and humour, appealing to fans of Sally Rooney and Adam Silvera. The protagonist, Stella Wilde, navigates her teenage years with wit and sardonic charm, while the dynamics of her relationships unravel against the backdrop of family struggles and first love. Praised for its relatability and emotional depth, it is recommended for young adults and touches on significant life issues in a thoughtful manner.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760508746

Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 July 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing

Edition: First Edition, Paperback

Illustration: Text Only

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 304

Collections

Biffy James Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Fiction New Zealand and Australia Published Young Adult

About the Author

Biffy James holds a Masters degree in Creative Writing from RMIT, and has previously worked as a boarding school house mother. She writes realistic and contemporary fiction that captures the heartbreaking and hilarious day-to-day life of the modern teenager.
Insta: @biffy_james
 

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