Official Review: I Thought I was Normal by RB Wright

[Mouricia Allen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I Thought I was Normal" by RB Wright.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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I Thought I Was Normal by R.B. Wright is a fictional novel about the life of the character only known as Bob. It shows highlights of various events that took place throughout the course of his life. It zooms in on his inability to cope with negative outcomes. This behavior continued throughout his youth and into adulthood; where he finally decided to see a psychiatrist. The book is written in the 3rd person and the story is often told through his memories.

I loved the format of the book. Each chapter spoke about a different time in Bob's life or touched on a different issue. However, I did not like the overuse of the 3rd person referencing of Bob.

Being confused and feeling hopeless and helpless can be a very deadly combination. I felt sorry for Bob because all he wanted was to find a place where he belonged and where he could be at peace. However true peace seemed to be very elusive for him. That was until he finally met Dr. Scott.

Although I was quite understanding regarding him being a little slow, I was sometimes annoyed at his overall naivete. I was even more annoyed by his insistence to dwell on all the negative points in his life. There isn't much action in the story, and most of the plot was just Bob's inner thoughts; it sometimes got a little tiresome to read.

This book brings to question the issue of mental health. There are many people who are constantly suffering and doing so in silence. Many times individuals try to reach out to others, and they don't get the help they were searching for. Sometimes you see people commit suicide and other persons are asking, 'why didn't they reach out?', maybe they did and got no help. This book has also driven home the fact that many people reach out to God when they feel they have no other choice.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it was a pretty good read. I gained a different perspective and learned many things from reading this book. I would recommend this book to people who are struggling internally with past demons. Or even just people who are looking for an inspirational read. It shows that sometimes we need to learn to forgive ourselves because that is most times, the only way to move forward.

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I Thought I was Normal
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Like Mouricia25's review? Post a comment saying so!

[JR Mercier]

I don't think I'll be reading but I love that it deals with mental illness and what it's like struggling with yourself. Loved your review.

[kandscreeley]

I think we need more books that help people to understand mental illness. That's one of those things that is very hard to understand unless you've been there. So, it sounds like this is a worthwhile read! Thanks so much.

[Samantha Simoneau]

"Sometimes you see people commit suicide and other persons are asking, 'why didn't they reach out?', maybe they did and got no help."

Unfortunately, this is too often true. When I read Stepping Up, by Donalyn Powell, I was surprised and disheartened to learn from the statistics in the last chapter that most people who commit or attempt suicide exhibit clear signs or even talk about it beforehand, and no one takes notice. Great review, by the way.

[Mouricia Allen]

I don't think I'll be reading but I love that it deals with mental illness and what it's like struggling with yourself. Loved your review.

Thank you for reading.

[Mouricia Allen]

I think we need more books that help people to understand mental illness. That's one of those things that is very hard to understand unless you've been there. So, it sounds like this is a worthwhile read! Thanks so much.

That's so true. Thanks for reading.

[Mouricia Allen]

"Sometimes you see people commit suicide and other persons are asking, 'why didn't they reach out?', maybe they did and got no help."

Unfortunately, this is too often true. When I read Stepping Up, by Donalyn Powell, I was surprised and disheartened to learn from the statistics in the last chapter that most people who commit or attempt suicide exhibit clear signs or even talk about it beforehand, and no one takes notice. Great review, by the way.

It is indeed really sad. Thank you for reading.

[Mindy Conahye]

I enjoyed reading your review on this book. It actually sounds like one I would enjoy reading. The third person aspect would be something I would get annoyed by with reading it, but at the same time you pointed out a lot of good parts to the book. Thank you for sharing your insight.

[Paiges-reads]

The title intrigued me and made me curious to read your review, because 'I thought I was normal' is such a provocative idea. There could be so many avenues you could go down with that title, and I wanted to know which the author took. Mental illness is getting talked about more today than it used to, but not enough that people generally know how to either understand it in themselves or other people - as that seems to be the point in the book. Bob thinks he's normal, that everyone goes through what he has gone through, when really it isn't the norm and getting help makes him feel better. I love books that help change peoples perspectives to be more open and inclusive, so I may have to add this one to my list. Thanks for the review!

[daniya__shah3]

The title had me in the first go. I think I would like to read about Bob's story.

[Cecilia_L]

The title really grabs your attention. Your great review piqued my interest!

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Well I haven't read the book, but I have been depressed before and even when I made a conscious effort not to, it was easy to focus on the negatives. So perhaps the author was being realistic by depicting Bob as someone who focuses on the negatives. I understand why that would become draining to read after a while though.

Thank you for the review.

[Dahmy 10]

It sounds nice, I love books that talk about the Mind and could get along even when it touches on mental illness; your review is quite expository enough, thanks for the enlightenment.

Would love to know how Bob sorted himself out!

[Jackie Holycross]

I just love the title. Books about overcoming depression are greatly needed.

[Marissa Michael]

The title alone attracts my attention. If you ask me, I'm definitely not normal and won't become one because normal is boring. What is 'normal' anyway? Life's short to be normal.

I'm certain I will be equally annoyed at the naivete of the character but on the other hand it will helps us to be more aware of the signs of people who suffer this internal illness. Thank you for your recommendation. Good review!