Henry Monroe
803

                What do you think about when you hear the word nerd? A strait A student? No friends? Playing RPGs (roleplaying games) until 4am? Well, Perry, a 15 year old boy, fits all of that and is probably the first person that comes in your head when you think of a nerd. The book The Other Normals by Ned Vizzini is about Perry and his dramatic struggles of high school and family. He lives in a dysfunctional family, with two divorced parents and a stoner and rocker brother. He is also a social outcast, playing C&C (a nerdy roleplaying game), and going to math contest. Does Perry deserve this, not at all, I believe that this book was made to show everyone that all people should be treaded with the same amount of respect even if they have there differences.

                  One example of this is on page 2 Perry's mom said: "Perry? Oh, Perry's doing fine, you know. He's a late bloomer." This proves my point because Perry is anything but a late bloomer, but as he says, his mom never takes the time to even notice him. His brother also makes him feel worse, for example on page 1 he says: "Are you ready to go to your stupid store?" and on page 19 "Only pussies drink schnapps." This is just two of many examples of his brother shooting down anything Perry says. I know from personal experience that when you look up to someone like your brother, and he shoots you down, it makes you feel unwanted and not acknowledged.

                In conclusion I think this book is great for teens that feel shot down and unwanted. This book lets you know that there are people that have common interests, such as Perry's C&C friends. This also shows kids that if they have a very rude or out of control family, there is always hope and their words aren't true just because they have more power.