Something like Normal summary

The Struggle to Reintegrate

In Something like Normal by Trish Doller, we meet Travis, a young Marine who has just returned home from a tour in Afghanistan. He's struggling to reintegrate into civilian life with the weight of his experiences and the loss of his best friend, Charlie, haunting him. His family is also falling apart, with his parents' marriage on the rocks and his younger brother acting out.

Travis finds solace in his old friends, but they don't quite understand the person he has become. He also finds himself unable to connect with his girlfriend, Paige, who has moved on during his absence. As he tries to make sense of his new reality, he grapples with anger, guilt, and the feeling of being left behind.

An Unexpected Reunion

Amidst this turmoil, Travis runs into Harper, a girl he had a crush on in high school. Harper's life hasn't been easy either; her father died in a car accident, and she's been left to take care of her alcoholic mother. Despite their shared history, Travis is hesitant to form a deeper connection, afraid that his PTSD and emotional baggage will be too much for her to handle.

However, Harper's straightforward and no-nonsense attitude intrigues Travis, and they begin spending time together. Through their interactions, Travis starts to open up, sharing his experiences and feelings with someone who doesn't judge him. Harper, in turn, finds solace in Travis' presence, someone who understands her struggles in a way no one else does.

Confronting the Past

As Travis and Harper grow closer, they also confront their past. Travis grapples with the guilt of surviving when Charlie didn't, while Harper deals with her father's death and her mother's neglect. They support each other through their respective traumas, finding comfort in shared vulnerability and understanding.

Travis' relationship with Paige also comes to a head when he realizes that he's been clinging to the past, trying to recapture something that no longer exists. He learns to let go and embrace the changes in his life, including his growing feelings for Harper.

Finding Hope in Each Other

In the end, Something like Normal is a story of healing and hope. Travis and Harper find strength in each other, accepting their pasts and looking towards the future. Travis begins to see a life beyond his PTSD and guilt, while Harper finds the courage to break free from her toxic home environment.

The book ends with Travis making peace with his past and embracing his new reality, with Harper by his side. They both realize that while their lives may never be "normal" again, they can find something like it in each other's company and support.