Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People by Sally Rooney dug deep into my soul. From the moment you start the book, you form an opinion of the characters. This opinion may change throughout the span of the novel, but what doesn’t change is the author’s ability to get a reader invested in her characters’ lives. Throughout reading, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. At times, I enjoyed the book, and at times, I didn’t. However, I don’t believe Sally Rooney’s goal was to give us a book that we would simply enjoy. I believe her goal was to make us think. And think, I did.

I read this book months ago, and yet I can’t stop pondering what I was meant to feel from it. The best books are the ones that leave you considering your life choices long after you’re done with them. Rooney did a wonderful job of painting a picture of the beginning of these characters’ lives and their tumultuous relationship. There were times when I rooted for the main characters, and times when I didn’t. I believe the point was to show not a beautiful love story with a happy ending, but a story of coming of age in a world where everybody has their own opinions of you, and trying to find happiness despite that.

I recommend this book for those who don’t want a picture-perfect read, but one that uproots their perspective and affects their own lives. All in all, Normal People is a book that I will be thinking about for many more months to come.