Book Review: ‘Normal People’ a reflection of real-life trials

Making the transition from teenager to young adulthood is possibly one of the most difficult and hugely transforming moments in our lives, especially when leaving one familiar sphere (high school, hometown) for another (college, work, new city). Things change … for better or for worse.

In her novel “Normal People,” Sally Rooney takes this transition period and studies how an individual and their relationships with others can change.

We follow two people, Connell and Marianne, who grow up in the same small town and go to the same high school but run in different social circles. Connell is the popular and intelligent nice guy who could do no wrong, and Marianne, the rich-girl loner who just puts people off for some reason. Soon after one simple meeting, a spark is struck between them — one with lasting effects that follows them into their college lives.

Through Connell and Marianne, we watch how two people thrive in their new environments and destruct because of them. Their relationship with each other progresses and then regresses as the issues they face within themselves hinder their relation to each other.

“Normal People” isn’t a simple love story where you’ll know how it ends. It’s a reflection of real life — how easy it is to miscommunicate, to question yourself and at times begin to hate yourself. It’s about transformation and how life can never be set in stone.

Adults: “The Return” by Rachel Harrison; “Conjure Women: A Novel” by Afia Atakora; “Tranquility Falls” by Davis Bunn

Teens: “Nightshade” by Anthony Horowitz; “Rules for Being a Girl” by Candace Bushnell; “The Edge of Anything” by Nora Carpenter

Juvenile: “UnTwisted: A Twinchantment Novel” by Elise Allen; “Tyrannosaurus Wrecks” by Stuart Gibbs; “Nina Soni, Sister Fixer” by Kashmira Sheth

Picture Books: “The Bear’s Garden” by Marcie Colleen; “This is a Dog” by Ross Collins; “Fresh Princess: Style Rules!” by Denene Millner

Entertainment DVD: “The Photograph,” “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Bloodshot”

TV Series DVD: “Ray Donovan Season 7,” “Atlanta Robbin’ Season 2,” “The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 6”

Audiobook CD: “Before I Called You Mine” by Nicole Deese; “Braver: A Wombat’s Tale” by Suzanne Selfors; “The Chill: A Novel” by Scott Carson

Downloadable audiobooks: “Things in Jars” by Jess Kidd; “Darling Rose Gold” by Stephanie Wrobel; “The Second Hostage” by Jeffery Deaver

E-books: “I’m Your Huckleberry: A Memoir” by Val Kilmer; “Robert B. Parker’s Grudge Match” by Mike Lupica; “Joy at Work” by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein

Hoopla Music: “Dissimulation” by Ksi; “Jordan Davis” by Jordan Davis; “Tell Me What to Do” by Jordan Klassen

Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) locations are closed until further notice to help combat the spread of COVID-19. During VBPL’s closure, please visit our digital library at www.VBgov.com/digital-library.