I don’t have much to say about this book other than it’s just not the type of story that’s meant for me. It was a quick read and there were a few good lines, but nothing about it clicked for me. Marianna and I don’t even remember what the other guys name was and I literally just finished the book (was it Caleb? no that doesn’t sound right) anyways they were supposed to be two kindred spirits who just can’t stop self sabotaging to actually develop a stable relationship with each other. I think you’re supposed to be rooting for them to be together (I think? it’s unclear tbh) but I just did not feel their connection… They felt so awkward and stiff and I didn’t understand the hold they had on each other.

And this book was just so damn bleak. I get real romance can be messy but damn there was just no sunshine to be found in here. And A Little Life is one of my favorite books so I can take unrelenting sadness and angst, but even a little life let you come up for air with small moments of joy that Normal People didn’t provide. It was almost a draining sort of read.

I’m somewhat curious to watch the show despite me not loving the book because I hear so many people enjoyed watching it. Maybe I’ll like the story better in show format, idk.

*Edit: okay so her name is actually Marianne and his name is Connell. Close enough, lol. I swear I’m a good reader, but this book just makes you feel so disconnected and detached that I’m not surprised I forgot both of their names immediately after finishing it