[Review] Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens

Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publishing Date: February 25, 2014
336 Pages
Format: paperback, ARC

Synopsis 

Alexi Littrell hasn't told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hiders in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does.

When Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in "the Kool-Aid Kid," who has secrets of his own. As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally face the truth.

A searing, poignant book, Faking Normal is the extraordinary debut novel from an exciting new author - Courtney C. Stevens.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Wow. That word pretty much sums up my thoughts on this book! I absolutely loved it. It was so raw and original! I can't believe this is the debut novel for Ms. Stevens, but I cannot wait until she publishes something else! I can only imagine how moving the next story will be.

Lex is your typical girl who struggles to find her place in high school. She doesn't have a lot of friends and after what happened to her over the summer, she struggles even more to remain close to these friends without revealing her secret. I haven't read too many books about self harm, but this was very well done. Lex scratches the back of her neck so bad that its completely raw. She has to wear her hair down, or wear a scarf to school, so that no one will notice. She even hides out in her closet and won't throw her laundry in with the rest of the family's because of the blood around the necks.

Bodee is an interesting guy. He's a social outcast without any friends. He has a terrible story that makes me hurt for him and his struggles. Then he goes to live with the Littrell's and has a new friend, Lex. They help each other fight their demons, and Bodee can tell something is wrong with Lex before she's willing to admit to anything. I love the relationship that they form throughout the story. It's not perfect; they have their ups and downs, and push each other too much. But they also listen and help each other heal.

Definitely worth your while to get a copy of this book! Just loved it (: