Overview

Love has rules. So does grief. And Stella Wilde’s about to break them all. Stella Wilde is secretly in love with the hottest guy in school, Isaac Calder. He seems to love her back, but there’s a problem – he already has a girlfriend, the gorgeous Grace Reyes.  When Isaac is killed in a car accident, the entire school is turned upside down with grief. And while Grace can mourn publicly, Stella has to hide her feelings to stop people from finding out about her and Isaac being more than friends.   But how long can Stella keep lying – to herself and everyone else? And when the truth finally comes out, how will it affect her newfound friendship with Grace? Completely Normal (and other lies) is a gripping contemporary YA novel that’s as witty and sarcastic as it is tender and moving. With its insightful explorations of love, grief, mental health and friendship, it’s perfect for fans of John Green, Krystal Sutherland and Sally Rooney. Winner of the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards: Griffith University Young Adult Book Award Winner of the 2023 CBCA Shadow Judging Award: Older Readers Winner of the 2023 Gab Williams Prize  A 2023 CBCA Honour Book Shortlisted for the 2024 South Australian Literary Awards: Young Adult Fiction Shortlisted for the 2023 NSW Premier's Literary Awards: Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature Shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Prize Shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize One of Readings' 100 Bestselling Kids & YA Books of 2023  

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9781760508746

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Reviews

'It's a rare book that makes me feel such a kismet connection; like I was fated to need it and read it at this point in time - so tender and true, honest and heartfelt as to pierce me now as an adult, while simultaneously making me yearn for my younger teenage self to have had this book too. James is that rare talent that captures the voice, grief, messiness, and hope of youth so beautifully - perfect for fans of all ages who also love Holly Bourne, Sally Rooney, Courtney Summers and Adam Silvera.' - Danielle Binks, author of The Monster of Her Age

‘It's a rare book that makes me feel such a kismet connection; like I was fated to need it and read it at this point in time – so tender and true, honest and heartfelt as to pierce me now as an adult, while simultaneously making me yearn for my younger teenage self to have had this book too. James is that rare talent that captures the voice, grief, messiness, and hope of youth so beautifully – perfect for fans of all ages who also love Holly Bourne, Sally Rooney, Courtney Summers and Adam Silvera.’ – Danielle Binks, author of The Monster of Her Age ‘The writing is fresh funny, smart and insightful. Themes of grief, mental health, fractured families, body image, consent and friendship are handled with honesty and sensitivity.’ – AussieKidsBooks.com ‘This debut YA novel ... is told from the perspective of Stella Wilde, an amusing, sardonic teenager who’s just starting to figure out who she is. After agreeing to go to one therapist appointment, Stella accidentally (and literally) runs into Isaac Calder, the hottest guy at school. This leads to an unexpected friendship – and more. There’s only one problem: Isaac’s girlfriend Grace, who’s gorgeous and kind and adored by everyone. Presented in James’ accessible and relatable style, the complex interplay between these characters explores tough topics, such as mental health, consent, first love and grief. Completely Normal (and Other Lies) is recommended for ages 13+.’ – Claire Atherfold, Readings ‘An authentic, sensitive story of love and grief in all types of relationships, and the power of true friendship.’ – CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers

Author Information

Biffy James holds a Masters degree in Creative Writing from RMIT, and has previously worked as a boarding school house mother. She writes realistic and contemporary fiction that captures the heartbreaking and hilarious day-to-day life of the modern teenager. Insta: @biffy_james  

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