Reviews

The Last Exit to Normal by Michael Harmon

paulp's review

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

napoleonwrasse's review

4.0

I really liked this. The characters have depth, imperfections and are vibrant, but still real. Harmon combined humor, real issues, and a great plot into this very well written book.

liketheday's review

2.0

I liked this book, for the most part, but I did not like its rather saccharine ending and some of the more unrealistic bits of the story. It's really just that age-old story of city kid goes to the country, learns some responsibility and hard work, and becomes a better person, but with an added gay dad twist, and it's good for what it is.
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readwithpassion's review

4.0

Ben turns to the wrong crowd when he finds out his father is gay. Three years later, at age 17, his father and his father's gay partner decide to move to Montana. This skateboarding city boy has to adjust to the country lifestyle. I liked this one a lot. It kept my interest and was very well written.

alexandradk3's review

3.0

Somewhat fun quick read. Recommended by our librarian. I wouldn't have picked it myself. Laughed out loud at some parts!

kauai's review

emotional inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

sharonskinner's review

4.0

A great opening followed by a good story.

upstatelibrarygal's review

5.0

Ben's character is complex and thus felt very real to me. His struggle with his family and his growing independence revolves around his father's announcement that he is gay. But the book isn't limited to being a story about a kid with a gay dad. There are other characters and facets to the story that make it even more complex - from bullies to abusive relations at home, Ben finds that his new life (and the lives of others) in a small town in Montana is anything but perfect or "normal".

christiek's review

4.0

I was beginning to loose faith in YA books. This book is a funny, interesting coming of age. The protagonist is endlessly making choices that show he is thoughtful and trying to be moral, but the outcomes so often make him look bad. It is pretty good portrayal of the space between a rock and a hard place. I like the resolution.

abigailbat's review

4.0

When Ben's father announces that he's gay, his mom takes off and his dad shoves Ben into all the therapy money can buy. After several years of abusing various drugs and getting into trouble, Ben's dad relocates the family (Ben, his dad, and his dad's husband Edward) to Rough Butte, Montana. They move in with Edward's mother, a no-nonsense country widow, and Ben has to toughed up quick. He also has to deal with the lingering issues he has with his dad.

An ambitious novel and one I really enjoyed. Ben and his family are complex and there are no easy answers. The people of Rough Butte are also complex. Some have a problem with Ben's dad and his husband, but others are more accepting.