My Thoughts

I didn’t know anything about WAITING FOR NORMAL going into it, except that it was on the cusp of being a middle grade / YA novel. It is definitely not my typical read because I don’t really like reading realistic fiction very much. (I want to escape from the trouble in the world when I’m reading not be reminded of it.) However, I’m glad I gave this one a chance. It gave me a good look, maybe not completely realistic, into what it’s like to live in a broken family with a mother diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder who isn’t on medication and doesn’t want to help herself.

I felt bad for Addie during the whole book. And, I’ll admit that I cried a few times. I just kept wishing she could have a more stable life, and a more watchful, caring mother. I’m glad she had the good people she did in her life. And, I’m glad she didn’t end up in the system like so many children in her situation do. I’m also glad she was as resilient and resourceful as she was.

On the flip side, I also felt bad for Addie’s mom. Mental illness is hard to live with. And, if someone suffering from mental illness takes medication, unlike Addie’s mom, it may help but it’s not a cure. I wish Denise had had more support around her as well. I know she needed to want to help herself, but when your mind isn’t quite right, you don’t know how to help yourself or that you even need help. This was my biggest hang up with WAITING FOR NORMAL. Sure, the story is about Addie and how Denise’s illness affected Addie and those around her. I think, however, it would’ve been more powerful had there been support for Denise as well, instead of just showing the ugly side of mental illness. Maybe that would’ve made it even more unrealistic and that’s why the author chose not to go there.