Acting Normal
on Goodreads (20)
What’s inside...
At 18, Stephanie is struggling with her past as a once-successful commercial actress. After a suppressed memory of abuse resurfaces, she suffers a breakdown, losing her acting dreams. In Julia Hoban's novel, 'Acting Normal,' Stephanie attempts to 'act normal' at a new school, hiding her past and the trauma she endured. With the help of therapy and a new friend, Dahlia, Stephanie confronts her past, gains strength, and plans to pursue acting again. This novel joins others in addressing the impactful themes of molestation and repressed memories in young adults.
Age
12-18
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Acting Normal' show their feelings without saying them out loud?
What does 'normal' mean to you, and do you think it’s important for everyone to be the same?
Can you think of a time when you felt different, like the main character did? How did you handle it?
What do you think the characters learned by the end of the story?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, affirming that all interpretations are valid.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences. Discuss similarities and differences in reactions and emotions.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This can help them process the story and its themes more deeply.
Use the characters’ dilemmas to discuss broader life lessons, focusing on empathy, acceptance, and the value of being oneself.
Be open and attentive, giving your child the comfort to discuss tricky or confusing moments in the story without judgement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Acting Normal,' the protagonist encounters various characters with differing challenges and perspectives. Through these interactions, the importance of understanding and feeling what others are experiencing is demonstrated.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by being considerate and understanding towards their peers' feelings and viewpoints. This fosters a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how friendships can provide support and stability. The protagonist relies on friends during difficult times, showing the value of having trustworthy and caring relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to nurture friendships, be reliable friends, and find comfort in their social circles during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout 'Acting Normal,' the main character faces several setbacks but learns from them and persists. The narrative portrays resilience as a crucial trait for overcoming adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and understand that perseverance is key to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book features a cast of characters from varied backgrounds, illustrating the importance of respecting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson implores children to be open and respectful towards people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, enriching their social experiences and understanding.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: The protagonist's journey emphasizes the importance of being truthful, even when it's difficult. The positive outcomes from honest actions are illustrated in the story.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to always tell the truth and communicate openly, which will lead to trust and authenticity in their relationships.