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How to Be #1
How to Be a Normal Person
Gustavo Tiberius is not normal. He knows this. Everyone in his small town of Abby, Oregon, knows this. He reads encyclopedias every night before bed. He has a pet ferret called Harry S. Truman. He owns a video rental store that no one goes to. His closest friends are a lady named Lottie with drag queen hair and a trio of elderly Vespa riders known as the We Three Queens.
Gus is not normal. And he's fine with that. All he wants is to be left alone.
Until Casey, an asexual stoner hipster and the newest employee at Lottie’s Lattes, enters his life. For some reason, Casey thinks Gus is the greatest thing ever. And maybe Gus is starting to think the same thing about Casey, even if Casey is obsessive about Instagramming his food.
But Gus isn’t normal and Casey deserves someone who can be. Suddenly wanting to be that someone, Gus steps out of his comfort zone and plans to become the most normal person ever.
After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Gus is not normal. And he's fine with that. All he wants is to be left alone.
Until Casey, an asexual stoner hipster and the newest employee at Lottie’s Lattes, enters his life. For some reason, Casey thinks Gus is the greatest thing ever. And maybe Gus is starting to think the same thing about Casey, even if Casey is obsessive about Instagramming his food.
But Gus isn’t normal and Casey deserves someone who can be. Suddenly wanting to be that someone, Gus steps out of his comfort zone and plans to become the most normal person ever.
After all, what could possibly go wrong?
290 pages, ebook
First published October 16, 2015
359 people are currently reading
14402 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Klune
66books57.8kfollowersTJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,508 reviews
March 14, 2019
***Killer $0.99 deal right now at Amazon US! 3/14/19!***
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For my review of the audiobook from 2019, please click here.
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*4.5 stars*
Woah, where do I begin with this one?? An asexual stoner, a socially awkward video-store owner, and three lesbians/possibly sisters walk into a bar....
For those readers who are afraid that this book isn't a classic T.J. Klune book (aka, really, really funny with lots of feelz), never fear! T.J. still brought the laughs (I dare you not to crack a smile at stoner scrabble), and still brought lots of emotion. However, this is a more subdued . A little more... understated. I actually thought it was an awesomely refreshing change of pace, and though this book felt SO T.J., it also felt more mature in a lot of ways.
Gus was an interesting character. He is quiet, he likes routine, and he fiercely misses his deceased stoner dad. He also hates Michael Bay and pickles... a lot. Though Gus comes out of his shell throughout the course of the book, I really enjoyed how unique he was from other characters that I've seen.
Casey was... I mean, how could I not love a sexy (yes, asexuals can be sexy!), scruffy, hipster with a great sense of humor and an outgoing personality? He was fun and engaging, and I loved how persistent he was with Gus. I also have a weakness for a stoner, as my friends and I went through some... *cough cough*... phases in college. High logic always makes me smile.
Normally T.J. Klune does awesome side characters, but here he really outdid himself. I ADOREDDDDDDD the lesbian/possibly sisters trio of tough motorcycle ladies that made up Gus's crew. I swear, they made the book for me in a lot of ways! What I wouldn't do to have a couple of tough bitches like them by my side. All of them, even Casey's friends, brought something interesting and fun to the table.
In terms of the romance, it was there and it was adorable! Casey brought out the personality and spark in Gus, and Gus was a quiet, loving rock for Casey. I loved their flirtations and their easy banter. The romance was lovely, very slow burn, and, as the blurb suggests, verrrryyyyyy G rated. In fact, if you are looking for something more explicit than a couple of kisses and some hugs, look elsewhere. I completely bought the romance, though I struggled a bit, if I'm being honest, with the whole asexuality aspect.
It is hard for me, being so far on the other end of the asexuality spectrum, to imagine a relationship with someone with whom even physical affection is difficult. A lot of the way I show and perceive love with my SO is through pats on the butt, spontaneous make out sessions, and feeling physical closeness to my husband. I'm a very affectionate, sensual person. Gus always asked permission to even hug Casey, and I simply could not imagine myself in that kind of situation. Now, I recognize that this is 100% my own issue and, in fact, this kind of incompatibility is discussed in the book, but it made the chemistry in the story feel a little less potent for me, if I'm being perfectly honest.
However, that being said, I think that Casey and Gus were a great match. Gus understood and respected Casey's limits implicitly and vice versa. I also appreciated how the book educated us readers a little on the sexuality spectrum without feeling too didactic. It flowed naturally with the story.
I think if you are looking for an offbeat, well done, super funny, sweet romance, you've found your match with this story. Though it is relatively low angst and shows a more subdued style, it still leaves a big impact with characters you won't soon forget.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For my review of the audiobook from 2019, please click here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*4.5 stars*
Woah, where do I begin with this one?? An asexual stoner, a socially awkward video-store owner, and three lesbians/possibly sisters walk into a bar....
For those readers who are afraid that this book isn't a classic T.J. Klune book (aka, really, really funny with lots of feelz), never fear! T.J. still brought the laughs (I dare you not to crack a smile at stoner scrabble), and still brought lots of emotion. However, this is a more subdued . A little more... understated. I actually thought it was an awesomely refreshing change of pace, and though this book felt SO T.J., it also felt more mature in a lot of ways.
Gus was an interesting character. He is quiet, he likes routine, and he fiercely misses his deceased stoner dad. He also hates Michael Bay and pickles... a lot. Though Gus comes out of his shell throughout the course of the book, I really enjoyed how unique he was from other characters that I've seen.
Casey was... I mean, how could I not love a sexy (yes, asexuals can be sexy!), scruffy, hipster with a great sense of humor and an outgoing personality? He was fun and engaging, and I loved how persistent he was with Gus. I also have a weakness for a stoner, as my friends and I went through some... *cough cough*... phases in college. High logic always makes me smile.
Normally T.J. Klune does awesome side characters, but here he really outdid himself. I ADOREDDDDDDD the lesbian/possibly sisters trio of tough motorcycle ladies that made up Gus's crew. I swear, they made the book for me in a lot of ways! What I wouldn't do to have a couple of tough bitches like them by my side. All of them, even Casey's friends, brought something interesting and fun to the table.
In terms of the romance, it was there and it was adorable! Casey brought out the personality and spark in Gus, and Gus was a quiet, loving rock for Casey. I loved their flirtations and their easy banter. The romance was lovely, very slow burn, and, as the blurb suggests, verrrryyyyyy G rated. In fact, if you are looking for something more explicit than a couple of kisses and some hugs, look elsewhere. I completely bought the romance, though I struggled a bit, if I'm being honest, with the whole asexuality aspect.
It is hard for me, being so far on the other end of the asexuality spectrum, to imagine a relationship with someone with whom even physical affection is difficult. A lot of the way I show and perceive love with my SO is through pats on the butt, spontaneous make out sessions, and feeling physical closeness to my husband. I'm a very affectionate, sensual person. Gus always asked permission to even hug Casey, and I simply could not imagine myself in that kind of situation. Now, I recognize that this is 100% my own issue and, in fact, this kind of incompatibility is discussed in the book, but it made the chemistry in the story feel a little less potent for me, if I'm being perfectly honest.
However, that being said, I think that Casey and Gus were a great match. Gus understood and respected Casey's limits implicitly and vice versa. I also appreciated how the book educated us readers a little on the sexuality spectrum without feeling too didactic. It flowed naturally with the story.
I think if you are looking for an offbeat, well done, super funny, sweet romance, you've found your match with this story. Though it is relatively low angst and shows a more subdued style, it still leaves a big impact with characters you won't soon forget.
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April 15, 2016Updated 4/15/16: How to Be a Normal Person just released as an audiobook narrated by Derrick McClain!
Fun fact:
Authors, like parents, will sometimes tell you they could never choose a favorite. We love all our works equally and for different reasons.
Authors, like parents, can be liars.
There is ALWAYS a favorite.
Oh, I love the books I've put out, for the most part. For different reasons.
However, I do have a favorite.
How to be a Normal Person is my favorite.
It's the shortest of my full novels, at 90K words.
It's the first time you'll read a book of mine written in third person.
It's the first time a main character of mine doesn't LIKE to talk, and that doesn't change through the book.
It's also probably more of a subdued humor. Sure, there is still my brand of crack, but it's just a bump instead of a full crack rock. This book is rather quiet, I think, at least for me.
Fun fact:
Authors, like parents, will sometimes tell you they could never choose a favorite. We love all our works equally and for different reasons.
Authors, like parents, can be liars.
There is ALWAYS a favorite.
Oh, I love the books I've put out, for the most part. For different reasons.
However, I do have a favorite.
How to be a Normal Person is my favorite.
It's the shortest of my full novels, at 90K words.
It's the first time you'll read a book of mine written in third person.
It's the first time a main character of mine doesn't LIKE to talk, and that doesn't change through the book.
It's also probably more of a subdued humor. Sure, there is still my brand of crack, but it's just a bump instead of a full crack rock. This book is rather quiet, I think, at least for me.
March 4, 2020
Okay, I'm at a loss. How am I supposed to review TJ Klune's latest book, "How To Be a Normal Person"?
Yes, it was insanely good, but it was also a lot like it's main character, Gustavo Tiberius. That is to say, "weird and abnormal and strange," compared to my usual reads.
When I heard his next book was an asexual, stoner hipster comedy, my first and only real thought was, "Uhhh..." <-- Yes, eloquent, I know.
Then TJ gifted me with a galley copy of the book pre-release and I (lost my motherfucking mind for a bit, then) thanked him for trusting me with his latest baby.
My last TJ read, "The Lightning Struck Heart," was a full-on comedy of epic proportions. TLSH was incredibly over-the-top, in the best way possible, with in-your-face fun coming so fast, at times it was hard to breathe through all of the snort-inducing laughter.
But "How To Be a Normal Person?" It's a sneaky bastard of a book humor-wise. This one is definitely different than anything else that I've read before from TJ, which I also really enjoyed.
TJ can write the shit out of funny dialogue, without a doubt, but I continue to be amazed by the subtle differences in his comedic style.
The first few chapters were all about 29 y.o. Gus flexing his snark and distaste for the world, because his loving father passed away fairly recently and he hasn't yet regained his equilibrium.
MC #1, Gus, as I pictured him:
However, when 23 y.o. Casey, an asexual, stoner hipster, arrives in Gus' small hometown of Abby, Oregon, any equilibrium that Gus felt he had was immediately and unequivocally shot. He was completely unnerved. Done.
MC #2, Casey, as I pictured him:
But as much as Gus loathes Californians, and hipsters, and quite literally *everything*, -- especially Michael Bay -- Casey is an unstoppable force in Gus' very regimented existence.
And. It. Was. AWESOME.
The humor was low-key and well-timed, coming at you from several directions. Only more subtly this time around.
The 'We Three Queens,' a geriatric biker (Vespa) gang of possibly-sisters, possibly-polyamorous lesbians, who have been Gus' constant, since his father passed away. Well, let's just say that they were a funny trio of tough old broads, especially when Gus was taking himself too seriously -- which was pretty much always.
Then we have the 'Three Ironic Amigos,' Casey's friends from LA, one of whom he used to date, who are fucking crazy. And funny as hell. I actually liked them a bit more than the We Three Queens, if I'm being honest.
Oh, and I can't forget the tech support calls that the extremely-quirky Gus made to his Internet Service Provider. Fuck me. That was some pure comedy gold there, folks. “Mitzi, Mitzi, Mitzi.�
And once Gus actually has Internet access? Sweet Jesus, his trips to online self-help advice forums on everything from "How to be a Normal Person" to "How to Hide an Erection"?
God, I really couldn't stop laughing, as Gus tries, sometimes desperately, to be normal, initially so that Casey will like him, then later, much to Gus' amazement, also for himself.
And the 'feels?' Yep, we had plenty of those, too. Mostly between Gus and Casey, but also through several flashback scenes between Gus and his deceased father, which were very touching.
In the end, Gus finally realizes that it's okay, even good, to be a bit weird and abnormal and strange and the boys do get their happily ever after.
Do I generally prefer my reads to be a bit sexier? Sure, most people that I interact with on ŷ do.
But did I miss the sexiness this time out? Absolutely not. Because Gus gave the best hugs. ;- )
�Can I hug you first?� Gus choked out, unsure why he suddenly had a lump in his throat. Casey’s smile widened."How To Be a Normal Person" was both refreshing and different, with tons and tons of subtle humor, so I really can't recommend it enough.
�Yeah, man. I’d really like that. You’re starting to give me some of the best hugs of my life. I’ll never say no to a hug from you.�
4.5 *resting-bitch-face* stars this time around. : )
------------------------------------------------
UPDATE 2015-10-04: If you aren't intimately familiar with the "Gustavo Tiberius" freak out that Bear has back in TJ's "The Art of Breathing," oh my God, you *must* dig that book up and re-read that passage.
I just did and was snorting like a coke whore in a hospital dispensary. Too fucking funny. We *really* need more new Bear losing his shit stories.
------------------------------------------------
October 18, 2015
If you ask me where I stand with this book, my answer would be:
Yep, alone in an island with this one. I'm going to keep this real short because I don't want to break more hearts by justifying my one-star rating.
The story: Not normal guy meets hipster guy. Hipster guy thinks not normal guy is strange and weird and well, not normal. Not normal guy decides to try to be normal to woo hipster guy. In the end, not normal guy concludes that he can just be totally not normal and still get said hipster guy.
Oh, and the rest of the 290 pages? A poor attempt at using non sequitur as humor. I can't count the number of times I had to take a break (and by take a break, I really mean unintentionally falling asleep while reading) just so I can forcibly finish reading this. But I can count the number of times I laughed while reading this which is nada. Zero. Zilch.
The story was dragging and everything was over the top -- I can compare it to those Scary Movie parody films that no one really watches but producers continue to make. And while many would treat this as harmless fun and humor, I thought many times the book just crossed the line and felt crass and bordered on insensitive.
If there's one thing that I would agree on from this book, though, it's when Gus called on the crap of the "How to..." list which is also what I feel right now for the entire book:
"I don't think I'm the target demographic for this list," Gus said.
"I don't think the list knows what its target demographic is."
Guess I'm too normal to be able to appreciate this book. *Shrugs* I rest my case.
September 14, 2019
Thanks for the recommendation, Britt. Of course, I never check my recommendations and there are literally hundreds of them, but I noticed when I came to review this it said you had recommended it, so here we are. Thanks! :)
Okay, down to business. TJ Klune is fucking awesome. I need him in my brain more so I will read everything he has ever written. I might need to do some super-sleuthing and find some of his old school essays soon because I'm getting down to his last series soon.
Oh, I was going to stalk him until I saw this dog. I need to stalk this dog now. He's even more awesome than TJ Klune. Didn't know that was possible. Sorry, dude!
Why is he so awesome? His stories are hilarious!! But, also deep and touching and weird. A good kind of weird. Plus, he's magical. Did I ever think I needed a kinda love story about a misanthrope and a stoner asexual hipster? No. But, it turns out I was wrong. I really needed it.
Yes, that much.
Our hero is Gus, the misanthrope. He's grumpy all the time, but I like it. He's funny grumpy. His life is very very structured and he likes it that way. But his ordered world is completely screwed up when someone new moves to town: a stoner asexual hipster named Casey. Casey is the funniest, coolest guy ever. He has a man-bun and a beard. He's always stoned and says weird stoner stuff. And, he hates sex so he's asexual. You know, typical dude.
Okay. That explains a lot.
Gus has a bit of a crush on Casey - not that he'd ever admit it - so he is hurt when he overhears Casey saying that Gus is strange and not normal. Gus does what any normal person with hurt feelings would do - he goes to the internet. But, instead of railing on someone for theirstupidity beliefs like normal people do on the internet, he finds a website on "How to be a Normal Person." As you can imagine, hilarity ensues as Gus tries to follow these very helpful suggestions.
The asexuality thing was pretty new to me. Well, completely new. I guess everyone I know is a pervert. I'm okay with that. The thing I liked about it was the fact that there wasn't a "solving" of his asexuality. I didn't want that to happen because it would be too magic-peen hocus pocusish. So, is it a romance? Yeah, it is romantic even without sex. It's just different.
See? Not expected. But funny.
There were times in this book where I was hysterically laughing. But, there were also times when I almost cried. Gus had lost his father and we get flashbacks of their relationship that are very touching. And, for once, I wasn't mad at a book for making me have all the feelings and stuff. It was worth it.
Overall this was a really original book that is worth reading if you are stuck in a rut or need a smile.
Okay, down to business. TJ Klune is fucking awesome. I need him in my brain more so I will read everything he has ever written. I might need to do some super-sleuthing and find some of his old school essays soon because I'm getting down to his last series soon.
Oh, I was going to stalk him until I saw this dog. I need to stalk this dog now. He's even more awesome than TJ Klune. Didn't know that was possible. Sorry, dude!
Why is he so awesome? His stories are hilarious!! But, also deep and touching and weird. A good kind of weird. Plus, he's magical. Did I ever think I needed a kinda love story about a misanthrope and a stoner asexual hipster? No. But, it turns out I was wrong. I really needed it.
Yes, that much.
Our hero is Gus, the misanthrope. He's grumpy all the time, but I like it. He's funny grumpy. His life is very very structured and he likes it that way. But his ordered world is completely screwed up when someone new moves to town: a stoner asexual hipster named Casey. Casey is the funniest, coolest guy ever. He has a man-bun and a beard. He's always stoned and says weird stoner stuff. And, he hates sex so he's asexual. You know, typical dude.
Okay. That explains a lot.
Gus has a bit of a crush on Casey - not that he'd ever admit it - so he is hurt when he overhears Casey saying that Gus is strange and not normal. Gus does what any normal person with hurt feelings would do - he goes to the internet. But, instead of railing on someone for their
The asexuality thing was pretty new to me. Well, completely new. I guess everyone I know is a pervert. I'm okay with that. The thing I liked about it was the fact that there wasn't a "solving" of his asexuality. I didn't want that to happen because it would be too magic-peen hocus pocusish. So, is it a romance? Yeah, it is romantic even without sex. It's just different.
See? Not expected. But funny.
There were times in this book where I was hysterically laughing. But, there were also times when I almost cried. Gus had lost his father and we get flashbacks of their relationship that are very touching. And, for once, I wasn't mad at a book for making me have all the feelings and stuff. It was worth it.
Overall this was a really original book that is worth reading if you are stuck in a rut or need a smile.
October 12, 2020
Should have read this with an introvert !! *sighs*
If you are an introvert and my friend..I am warning you NOW!! RUN AWAY!! Or else I am gonna force you to buddy read the sequel to this book with me xD
No I am serious..I suggest you buddy read this with someone
It will be more enjoyable
Eg. If you are introvert..find an extrovert & read it with them and vice versa
Now the actual review
This hamster is really excited😍
So the story follows our MC Gus..who is..YOU GUESSED IT RIGHT!! He is an introvert!!!
But this poor introvert is surrounded by a bunch of extroverts
Yeah...these kind of people
What was funny was that I related to his extrovert friends more
His reactions to them made me go...
And then we have the Love interst ..who is also an EXTROVERT!!!
The perfect Grumpy and Sunshine Trope !!!
The love interst even calls Gus.."Grumpy Gus" Got the pun??!!
But we follow Gus as he tries to be "Normal"
My heart broke for him honestly ...
I just wanted to hug him & tell him that he PERFECT
In the end I ended up adopting him!! I mean sure he is older than me BUT there's mothers love and blah blah
I mean if he is my adopted son then I will be his biggest supporter!!
I shipped him with his love interst so hard!! They were so perfect !!
Also Casey (the love interst) was so sweet!!
I would love to have him as my son-in-law!!
And if anyone tried to break their ship..I will go mama bear on the offenders!!
I dont usually adopt book charctares but T.J.Klune just makes them so adorable!!
I was even thinking about getting Gus & Casey a mug!! (Totally stole this idea from the book HIM )
Totally random...but I tried searching for this mug..and there was only one set
Whereas there were so many for "His & Hers "
Something to think about
Update 1
I am going into this book blind...
The only thing I know is that the protagonist is GRUMPY!!!!!!
My ENFP self is practically shaking with excitement
I mean he has an albino ferret!!
* squeals *
Thats all I need to know!! Grumpy x Sunshine trope
When Mrin sees a Grumpy protagonist...
Totally random but HAD to post this...
☝I just can't...
If you are an introvert and my friend..I am warning you NOW!! RUN AWAY!! Or else I am gonna force you to buddy read the sequel to this book with me xD
No I am serious..I suggest you buddy read this with someone
It will be more enjoyable
Eg. If you are introvert..find an extrovert & read it with them and vice versa
Now the actual review
This hamster is really excited😍
So the story follows our MC Gus..who is..YOU GUESSED IT RIGHT!! He is an introvert!!!
But this poor introvert is surrounded by a bunch of extroverts
Yeah...these kind of people
What was funny was that I related to his extrovert friends more
His reactions to them made me go...
And then we have the Love interst ..who is also an EXTROVERT!!!
The perfect Grumpy and Sunshine Trope !!!
The love interst even calls Gus.."Grumpy Gus" Got the pun??!!
But we follow Gus as he tries to be "Normal"
My heart broke for him honestly ...
I just wanted to hug him & tell him that he PERFECT
In the end I ended up adopting him!! I mean sure he is older than me BUT there's mothers love and blah blah
I mean if he is my adopted son then I will be his biggest supporter!!
I shipped him with his love interst so hard!! They were so perfect !!
Also Casey (the love interst) was so sweet!!
I would love to have him as my son-in-law!!
And if anyone tried to break their ship..I will go mama bear on the offenders!!
I dont usually adopt book charctares but T.J.Klune just makes them so adorable!!
I was even thinking about getting Gus & Casey a mug!! (Totally stole this idea from the book HIM )
Totally random...but I tried searching for this mug..and there was only one set
Whereas there were so many for "His & Hers "
Something to think about
Update 1
I am going into this book blind...
The only thing I know is that the protagonist is GRUMPY!!!!!!
My ENFP self is practically shaking with excitement
I mean he has an albino ferret!!
* squeals *
Thats all I need to know!! Grumpy x Sunshine trope
When Mrin sees a Grumpy protagonist...
Totally random but HAD to post this...
☝I just can't...
November 7, 2016
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Derrick Maclain killed it in this narration. I wasn't sure if he could master the quirkiness of Gustavo, but he was SO GREAT. None of the charm was lost. Highly recommended!
*
Dear book...I love you.
THIS BOOOOOOOOOK!
I've almost forgotten what it felt like to love a book so much that you want to yell it from the mountaintops, talk about it ALL the time, and fumble through a review trying to put into words WHY it meant so much to you. It's been awhile since I've been in this position. But here I am...and I'm unsure what to say.
I've read some of TJ Klune's books, not all. But what I do notice when I read reviews of his books, people oftenseem to say, “If you like TJ Klune's writing, you’ll like this book�. I kinda laugh since, you know, TJ wrote each of those books…but I actually do understand what this means. TJ has a distinct voice and style. And it works for some and not for others, I guess.
So, I’ll start by saying, if you like TJ Klune, you’ll like this book. But I’ll also say, if you haven'tliked TJ Klune in the past, you’ll like this book. And will add, if you’ve never read TJ Klune, you’ll like the book. Because this book has his voice, has his style, but has it in a way that works so brilliantly that the book becomes more than just voice or style. It has signature zaniness in what seems like a very simple story...but underlying is this treasure of heart and depth, surprisingly layered and thoughtful, and wickedly smart in its wit.
How To Be A Normal Person is quirky and over-the-top, laugh-out-loud-over-and-over-again funny, and the pace is insane...zingers and badabingbadabooms thrown at you all over the place. But, it feels like a joy ride that leaves you exhilarated rather than a roller coaster that makes you sick by the end.
Gus is abnormal and weird and strange. After losing his father, he goes about living a simple and regimented life, running a video rental store. His best friends are a coffee shop owner w/ drag-queen hair, and a 3-woman gang/possibly sisters?/possibly lovers? of no-nonsense, of-a-certain-age ladies. And his heart is taken by an asexual stoner hipster named Casey. That, in a nutshell, is the insanity of this book.
But here's where the SPECIAL comes in: in an attempt to be good for Casey, to be HAPPY, Gus decides to try and be NORMAL. And he finds himself on the internet, researching how to go about this...as we all do. The "character" of the internet is hysterical and some of the best humor writing I've read in a long time.
Here's also where the SPECIAL comes in: memories of Gus's father, Pastor Tommy...who loved his son so completely and with such care...I'm tearing up just thinking back on those parts. What an endearing and committed bond they shared. (*pass the tissues*!)
Here's another part where the SPECIAL comes in: unlike so many of the books I read today, in this book EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER speaks the truth. They all tell it like it is. They don't bullshit or gloss it over. They all speak truth. And I f'*cking loved it...I didn't expect that to be so refreshing!
Here's just one more part where the SPECIAL comes in: all this talk about an asexual character, and the relationship with an asexual character. But it had so little to do with their relationship at all! It may have been an adjective for Casey, but it didn't define Casey. And it didn't define Casey and Gus. I loved that! It was a perfect display of acceptance that didn't feel political or preachy or teachy...but it just felt...normal. And if anything, it felt like a celebration of how normal it can be!
Gus is one of my favorite characters of all time. He suffers from verbal diarrhea. He is cranky. He is hurt, but healing. He is uncertain. He is determined. He is so special, I can't stand how much sometimes. He's just Gus. And I love him.
There's so much that's amazing about this book, but Gus...yeah, he made it for me.
Bravo, TJ Klune. I loved this book! *hugs Kindle tightly*
November 6, 2023
4/5
Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I laugh so hard while reading a book. I literally had tears in my eyes from it. I don't even know how to properly describe it, but it was so embarrassingly funny at times that I had to take a break to just laugh. I should have read this sooner because I needed it. Thank you TJ Klune.
Okay, but now seriously. This book was so wholesome and the characters so precious that I think it’s nearly impossible to not like them. Add to that TJ Klune's writing and I was pretty much in love with it from the very beginning. I know his writing style isn't for everyone, but I'm personally a huge fan of it.
I was also, in love with our main characters. Gustavo Tiberius, grumpy ferret owner, who has a video store that almost no one goes to, and Casey, the asexual stoner hipster with the biggest sunshine energy, who become famous after writing a series of extremely popular young adult postapocalyptic vampire/werewolf novels. Their banter, Gustavo’s grumpiness and Casey’s sweetness, made me laugh, "aww"-ed and smiled millions of times here.
How can I not love this stuborn grump?
The way Casey wanted to be friends with Gus from the start and trusted him, made me tear up a little bit.
They were so precious
and I need my own Casey in my life.
Let's not forget about the amazing side characters here, We Three Queens, the trio of elderly lesbians who were either sisters or in a polyamorous relationship. These ladies stole the show here. Lottie from Lottie’s Lattes, and Casey's friends, who I was skeptical of at first but I ended up liking them.
Unfortunately, I had one problem with this book. Comparing and making fun of sex workers.
The fact that it was written by a man is quite sad. That's why I'm taking half a star here. I took the second half star, because I was a little bored at times.
In overall, a great and fun read. I highly recommend!
Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I laugh so hard while reading a book. I literally had tears in my eyes from it. I don't even know how to properly describe it, but it was so embarrassingly funny at times that I had to take a break to just laugh. I should have read this sooner because I needed it. Thank you TJ Klune.
Okay, but now seriously. This book was so wholesome and the characters so precious that I think it’s nearly impossible to not like them. Add to that TJ Klune's writing and I was pretty much in love with it from the very beginning. I know his writing style isn't for everyone, but I'm personally a huge fan of it.
I was also, in love with our main characters. Gustavo Tiberius, grumpy ferret owner, who has a video store that almost no one goes to, and Casey, the asexual stoner hipster with the biggest sunshine energy, who become famous after writing a series of extremely popular young adult postapocalyptic vampire/werewolf novels. Their banter, Gustavo’s grumpiness and Casey’s sweetness, made me laugh, "aww"-ed and smiled millions of times here.
"You’ve got this whole� vibe about you.�
“I don’t have vibes,� Gus insisted, trying to not let out any vibes at all. “I’m vibe-less. I’m vibe-free. I’m so devoid of vibes, I’m like the anti-vibe.�
“Your lips,� Betty said. “You’ve got pouty lips.� Gus wished he’d never been born with lips at all."
How can I not love this stuborn grump?
“Because that’s what new friends do,� Casey said. “They learn about each other so they can grow as people both together and apart.�
“I like that,� Gus said. “Let’s grow apart.�
Casey laughed. “You’re funny. Ooh, organic yogurt. Gus, you said they didn’t have organic anything.�
The way Casey wanted to be friends with Gus from the start and trusted him, made me tear up a little bit.
"Gus respected Casey and didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. He never wanted Casey to be uncomfortable around him, and he didn’t know when that had started, only that it had. But Casey didn’t move away at all. In fact, he pulled Gus tighter. He leaned over and whispered in Gus’s ear, “Hi, Gus.�
They were so precious
“Oh, man,� Casey said, shaking his head. “This is going to be one of those stories we talk about when we’re reminiscing as old men, sitting in our rockers on the porch holding hands. Memories, man. It’s all about the memories.�
and I need my own Casey in my life.
Let's not forget about the amazing side characters here, We Three Queens, the trio of elderly lesbians who were either sisters or in a polyamorous relationship. These ladies stole the show here. Lottie from Lottie’s Lattes, and Casey's friends, who I was skeptical of at first but I ended up liking them.
Unfortunately, I had one problem with this book. Comparing and making fun of sex workers.
"He just hoped he didn’t look like a club whore."
“What’s the difference between a strawberry and a prostitute?���
Gus choked a bit. “I have no idea.� He could feel Casey smiling. “The strawberry isn’t as messy when you eat it.�
The fact that it was written by a man is quite sad. That's why I'm taking half a star here. I took the second half star, because I was a little bored at times.
In overall, a great and fun read. I highly recommend!
January 17, 2019
For my original review of the ebook from 2015, please click here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2015 ebook rating: 4.5 stars
2019 audiobook rating: 5 stars
Wow, more books should be written about asexual stoners, amirite?
I really enjoyed when I read it ~3.5 years ago, but I loved it on reread. First of all, just smashed the narration out of the park, which made it an absolute joy to listen to. I wasn't sure about his narration in the first hour, but it seemed like Derrick got better and better as he went along as he got a feel for the characters, and by the end... whew, he was on fire.
It is interesting reading this now after reading a good number of books with asexual/demisexual/gray-asexual characters versus when I first read it years ago. I think I get asexuality a whole lot more, and I spent a lot less time pondering what it meant for Gus and Casey's relationship and more time just enjoying the romance. The book felt really romantic to me this time around, and I treasured and cooed over each kiss and touch. It was slow, slow burn and very satisfying. I loved it.
I also was blown away by the killer writing. Man, for me, funny writing is where shines. I had forgotten how awesome T.J.'s writing was in this book. Even though this wasn't as over-the-top as he can get, this book was smartly funny... just so freaking funny. I laughed out loud while shopping at the grocery store at 10 pm tonight (not even because of book-related-munchies, I swear!), and got the strangest looks from the nighttime shoppers. Dude, *they* were the ones missing out.
Sweet, funny, emotional, and with a great narration- this audiobook has got it all! It was awesome in ebook and even better in audio. Glow-up, baby.
goodreads|||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2015 ebook rating: 4.5 stars
2019 audiobook rating: 5 stars
Wow, more books should be written about asexual stoners, amirite?
I really enjoyed when I read it ~3.5 years ago, but I loved it on reread. First of all, just smashed the narration out of the park, which made it an absolute joy to listen to. I wasn't sure about his narration in the first hour, but it seemed like Derrick got better and better as he went along as he got a feel for the characters, and by the end... whew, he was on fire.
It is interesting reading this now after reading a good number of books with asexual/demisexual/gray-asexual characters versus when I first read it years ago. I think I get asexuality a whole lot more, and I spent a lot less time pondering what it meant for Gus and Casey's relationship and more time just enjoying the romance. The book felt really romantic to me this time around, and I treasured and cooed over each kiss and touch. It was slow, slow burn and very satisfying. I loved it.
I also was blown away by the killer writing. Man, for me, funny writing is where shines. I had forgotten how awesome T.J.'s writing was in this book. Even though this wasn't as over-the-top as he can get, this book was smartly funny... just so freaking funny. I laughed out loud while shopping at the grocery store at 10 pm tonight (not even because of book-related-munchies, I swear!), and got the strangest looks from the nighttime shoppers. Dude, *they* were the ones missing out.
Sweet, funny, emotional, and with a great narration- this audiobook has got it all! It was awesome in ebook and even better in audio. Glow-up, baby.
goodreads|||
April 11, 2020
4 Stars!!
As always, I’m late to the Klune party, but I enjoyed this no less than everyone else.
I just have to say that I totally connected with Gus. He’s my kindred spirit, my spirit animal, my brother from another mother. Seriously, I could relate to this guy so much - introverted grumpy reserved - so very very droll, and I loved pretty much everything about his neurotic self.
Make no mistake, Casey’s no slouch either! His stoner persona imbued a Keanu-esque vibe that I fell hard for, and he was all things happiness and easy going.
Not as extreme as some of Klune’s other comedies, but it still had kooky friends, the theme of family, and always the requisite laughter, feels, and tears .
I don’t know why I doubt Klune’s talent every time I start a new series or book of his (blasphemy, I know), but I’m happy to say he hasn’t let me down yet!
As always, I’m late to the Klune party, but I enjoyed this no less than everyone else.
I just have to say that I totally connected with Gus. He’s my kindred spirit, my spirit animal, my brother from another mother. Seriously, I could relate to this guy so much - introverted grumpy reserved - so very very droll, and I loved pretty much everything about his neurotic self.
Make no mistake, Casey’s no slouch either! His stoner persona imbued a Keanu-esque vibe that I fell hard for, and he was all things happiness and easy going.
Not as extreme as some of Klune’s other comedies, but it still had kooky friends, the theme of family, and always the requisite laughter, feels, and tears .
I don’t know why I doubt Klune’s talent every time I start a new series or book of his (blasphemy, I know), but I’m happy to say he hasn’t let me down yet!
September 27, 2020
Clearly a funny book but also quite repetitive and as much as I enjoyed the antics of Gustavo Tiberius and the "We Three Queens" (what a name, lol); ultimately, I skimmed a lot because Klune's attempt at funny wes desperate and excessive.
Too much of a good thing, ya know.
May 4, 2019
ETA 4/15/2016. Now available on Audio!!!
ALL THE STARS FOR THIS. ALL OF THEM.
This. This was...awesome and fantastic and wonderful and heartwarming and touching and sad and funny and just...I want to fangirl all over this so hard. But in a totally not gross way.
Gustavo Tiberius is not normal. After his father, Pastor Tommy dies, Gus settles into his daily routine. It's very much a wash, rinse, repeat kind of life until the day he and his ferret, Harry S. Truman, walk into Lottie's Lattes and he meets Casey Richards, a stoner hipster who turns his world upside down.
Gus is immediately both repelled and fascinated by Casey...but more time spent with Casey makes Gus want something he's never really thought to want before: he decides he wants to be "normal" so he can be with Casey. What follows is both touching and hilarious as Gus sets about trying to be the best normal person he can be with some interesting results.
This story about a man who accepts everyone, even if he's snarky about it, gave me so many feels. I got a total heart boner. Seriously, this story good touched me all over my heart.
There are three things I expect from a TJ Klune story: 1. To laugh. Oh, how I laughed. I laughed a lot. 2. To have wookiee-cry-face at some point. Yep, that happened too. The laughs and the feels in this are more muted than in other TJ stories, but no less magnificent. And 3. To learn something. Which I did. I learned a little more about acceptance, asexuality, and being true to yourself.
I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH. Buy this book. Now. Go. Seriously. Go get this book right now!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at .
Read: 09/29/2015, 12/29/2015, 04/16/2016
ALL THE STARS FOR THIS. ALL OF THEM.
This. This was...awesome and fantastic and wonderful and heartwarming and touching and sad and funny and just...I want to fangirl all over this so hard. But in a totally not gross way.
Gustavo Tiberius is not normal. After his father, Pastor Tommy dies, Gus settles into his daily routine. It's very much a wash, rinse, repeat kind of life until the day he and his ferret, Harry S. Truman, walk into Lottie's Lattes and he meets Casey Richards, a stoner hipster who turns his world upside down.
Gus is immediately both repelled and fascinated by Casey...but more time spent with Casey makes Gus want something he's never really thought to want before: he decides he wants to be "normal" so he can be with Casey. What follows is both touching and hilarious as Gus sets about trying to be the best normal person he can be with some interesting results.
This story about a man who accepts everyone, even if he's snarky about it, gave me so many feels. I got a total heart boner. Seriously, this story good touched me all over my heart.
There are three things I expect from a TJ Klune story: 1. To laugh. Oh, how I laughed. I laughed a lot. 2. To have wookiee-cry-face at some point. Yep, that happened too. The laughs and the feels in this are more muted than in other TJ stories, but no less magnificent. And 3. To learn something. Which I did. I learned a little more about acceptance, asexuality, and being true to yourself.
I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH. Buy this book. Now. Go. Seriously. Go get this book right now!
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at .
Read: 09/29/2015, 12/29/2015, 04/16/2016
October 6, 2015
I don't even know how to start. This book made my heart and spirit so incredibly happy. How To Be A Normal Person is about Gustavo Tiberius. He is snarky and bitchy and contains one of the biggest hearts. You see as much as he acts like he gets annoyed by everyone and everything he accepts everyone as they are. One day everything is thrown out of wack when a stoner hipster named Casey comes to town.
This book is everything we've come to love and expect from Klune:
*It's a character driven story
*Snarky humor
*Amazing dialogue
*Loveable characters- main and secondary. Seriously some of the best characters I've read in a story.
*Major feels
*Romance--->that first kiss � Just everything!
*A story that makes us reflect and teaches us.
My heart felt so full and at times even overwhelmed with emotion while I was reading it. This book is about discovering yourself, self-love, accepting others, it's about family and friendships. It's amazing and I can't recommend enough. This is a 5 Star read and a best of 2015.
P.S. Dear Hollywood honchos:
This book needs to be made into a movie!!!
*ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
*This review has been cross-posed at Gay Book Reviews:
September 7, 2016
3.5*
This was an OTT, crazy, nonsensical clean-romance book. The Eyebrows of Judgment say YES!
The first time I tasted one of Klune’s humorous books I DNFed it. I feared the same would happen with his one. This author can make me laugh (hard) and can make me ansty (a lot), too.
I felt I had landed in an alien place.
Well, the cover should have told me something.
I mean, it was bizarre as hell. Surrealist. Childish, even.
Like a Wes Anderson movie.
Yes, I thought many scenes were forced, it not impossible. But suspending disbelief here is natural, it took me no effort to get into the story and enjoy it fully.
I love the fact Casey is asexual. I mean, I think this is the first asexual love story I’ve ever loved. For real. I think that’s what makes this story interesting, as the author has to look other ways for the characters to get close to each other. And he aced! There is no sex. Nothing. But there are loads of kisses and hugs, and it was all so fulfilling and� damn, SO CUTE!
Gus is not the average person. He behaves as if he was angry at the world. He doesn’t take change easily. He doesn’t take humor easily. He doesn’t take Michael Bay’s existence easily. He doesn’t take ANYTHING easily. Maybe he gets a seat in the parking of the Personality Disordered.
Gus has an almost pathological need for a rigid schedule, and everything that gets out of the invisible lines he has stablished makes him believe the world is coming to an end... or that the whole world is against him. He’s been an island his whole life, but at least he used to have his father close, once upon a time. Now there is no one there to keep him “connected� to the outside world, unless you count the video renting shop, and he is too damn inflexible to ever get out of his shell, no matter how inocuous the challenge or the change.
Suddenly there is someone new in the café, someone who should have never been there in the first place.
Casey.
How does he dare?
The world is coming to an end.
Gus doesn’t know how to deal with him. Casey is too handsome for words. Too pushy. Too damn adorable.
Gus’s mind shortcircuits.
Casey is an outgoing hipster obsessed with selfies, Instragram and marihuana.
He’s so damn irritating!
Gus can’t think straight.
And everything is turned upside down.
It’s Casey’s fault.
But somehow, Casey’s opinion begins to matter. Gus doesn’t ponder this, he just assumes he’s not normal. But he wants to be. So, step by step, he goes a bit further in his mission to acomplish his goal: be normal, be happy, be what Casey needs.
He finds out he’s just what Casey needs. And that Casey is what Gus needs.
This novel was so funny and entertaining, and I’m glad to see that Klune’s humorous facet is not forbidden territory after all. Despite, my failure with Tell Me It’s Real, I’m glad I gave him a new chance. I’m glad I pushed myself to finally read this.
Eyebrows of Judgment rule!
*
FULL REVIEW TO COME
BR with my twin monster Josy!
This was an OTT, crazy, nonsensical clean-romance book. The Eyebrows of Judgment say YES!
“God, you are abnormal and weird and strange and that's awesome.�
The first time I tasted one of Klune’s humorous books I DNFed it. I feared the same would happen with his one. This author can make me laugh (hard) and can make me ansty (a lot), too.
I felt I had landed in an alien place.
Well, the cover should have told me something.
I mean, it was bizarre as hell. Surrealist. Childish, even.
Like a Wes Anderson movie.
Yes, I thought many scenes were forced, it not impossible. But suspending disbelief here is natural, it took me no effort to get into the story and enjoy it fully.
I love the fact Casey is asexual. I mean, I think this is the first asexual love story I’ve ever loved. For real. I think that’s what makes this story interesting, as the author has to look other ways for the characters to get close to each other. And he aced! There is no sex. Nothing. But there are loads of kisses and hugs, and it was all so fulfilling and� damn, SO CUTE!
Gus is not the average person. He behaves as if he was angry at the world. He doesn’t take change easily. He doesn’t take humor easily. He doesn’t take Michael Bay’s existence easily. He doesn’t take ANYTHING easily. Maybe he gets a seat in the parking of the Personality Disordered.
Gus has an almost pathological need for a rigid schedule, and everything that gets out of the invisible lines he has stablished makes him believe the world is coming to an end... or that the whole world is against him. He’s been an island his whole life, but at least he used to have his father close, once upon a time. Now there is no one there to keep him “connected� to the outside world, unless you count the video renting shop, and he is too damn inflexible to ever get out of his shell, no matter how inocuous the challenge or the change.
Suddenly there is someone new in the café, someone who should have never been there in the first place.
Casey.
How does he dare?
The world is coming to an end.
Gus doesn’t know how to deal with him. Casey is too handsome for words. Too pushy. Too damn adorable.
Gus’s mind shortcircuits.
Casey is an outgoing hipster obsessed with selfies, Instragram and marihuana.
He’s so damn irritating!
Gus can’t think straight.
And everything is turned upside down.
It’s Casey’s fault.
But somehow, Casey’s opinion begins to matter. Gus doesn’t ponder this, he just assumes he’s not normal. But he wants to be. So, step by step, he goes a bit further in his mission to acomplish his goal: be normal, be happy, be what Casey needs.
He finds out he’s just what Casey needs. And that Casey is what Gus needs.
This novel was so funny and entertaining, and I’m glad to see that Klune’s humorous facet is not forbidden territory after all. Despite, my failure with Tell Me It’s Real, I’m glad I gave him a new chance. I’m glad I pushed myself to finally read this.
Eyebrows of Judgment rule!
*
FULL REVIEW TO COME
BR with my twin monster Josy!
January 4, 2021
4.5 Stars
Klune’s stories define what it means to me to experience pure entertainment through my reading. His stories have it all, mixing side-splitting humour with quirky yet heartwarming examples of family, friendship and love, all held together with next-level writing skills and well-paced storytelling that will likely leave you smiling for days.
Following an atypical romance between small-town grump Gustavo Tiberius and new-to-town asexual hipster Casey, is in the same vein as stories like and , featuring that same quality level of fun, frivolity and heart-melting romance, while mixing together a full-cast of truly outrageous (but damn lovable) characters who will leave an unforgettable impression on your heart.
I have no doubt that fans of one (or more) of Klune’s contemporary series will be a fan of this series too. And if you’re needing a good belly laugh (or thirty), this is just the story to brighten your mood!
Klune’s stories define what it means to me to experience pure entertainment through my reading. His stories have it all, mixing side-splitting humour with quirky yet heartwarming examples of family, friendship and love, all held together with next-level writing skills and well-paced storytelling that will likely leave you smiling for days.
Following an atypical romance between small-town grump Gustavo Tiberius and new-to-town asexual hipster Casey, is in the same vein as stories like and , featuring that same quality level of fun, frivolity and heart-melting romance, while mixing together a full-cast of truly outrageous (but damn lovable) characters who will leave an unforgettable impression on your heart.
I have no doubt that fans of one (or more) of Klune’s contemporary series will be a fan of this series too. And if you’re needing a good belly laugh (or thirty), this is just the story to brighten your mood!
January 29, 2019
T.J. Klune's is the book that brought me into the wonderful world of gay romance and it's books like How to Be a Normal Person that make me glad I haven't strayed. This book has so much of the heart, humor and love that I expect from T.J. without being over the top. For me this was classic T.J. Klune and I ate it up.
Gustavo Tiberius (if it sounds familiar it was the name of the star of one of Bear's rants in ) is a creature of habit, with resting bitch face and an outward disdain for most things he comes across. He won't admit to being lonely, but he has been ever since the death of his father and best friend Pastor Tommy. I could relate to Gus's need to find comfort in routine and avoiding people who tell him to smile. Gus has friends who care (though he won't admit to it) and accept him for the person he is, even if it may be a bit weird or quirky.
Casey Richards is an asexual hipster stoner who has moved to town and is working in his aunt's alliteratively named coffee shop, where Gus gets his coffee every morning. Their first meeting had me laughing to the point of tears and has Gus reeling. Casey is immediately taken with Gus, as you can tell from his Instagram post, and Gus is thrown off his orderly path.
As Casey quickly worms his way into Gus's life and heart, Gus begins to try to become "normal" so that he will be what he perceives is worthy of Casey, and hilarity, sweetness and love ensue. Gus finds a wiki-type article on the internet to guide him (but first he has to get the internet and recover from his accidental fall into the pornado that is Tumblr) and embarks on his journey into so-called normalcy, not understanding that Casey likes Gus for who he is, judgmental eyebrows and all. While the internet may be his launch pad, it is really Gus's memories of his stoner father's words that help light the way, as well as the advice of the women who have taken it upon themselves to care for him (whether he admits he wants it or not) and a possibly prescient Inspirational Quote of the Day calendar.
I couldn't have loved Gus and Casey more. They fit together so well and while there may not be sex, there was intimacy, love, romance and respect. For Gus, Casey is Casey. For Casey, Gus is just Gus. Labels don't matter as they build a relationship that works for them.
All the secondary characters, the We Three Queens, Lottie and Casey's hipster friends from L.A. dubbed by Gus the Three Ironic Amigos, had distinct personalities and their own quirks as only T.J. Klune can write.
This was a wonderful, slow burn, funny and sweet romantic comedy. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you may get a contact high, but I doubt you'll regret reading it. #JustGoReadIt
Gustavo Tiberius (if it sounds familiar it was the name of the star of one of Bear's rants in ) is a creature of habit, with resting bitch face and an outward disdain for most things he comes across. He won't admit to being lonely, but he has been ever since the death of his father and best friend Pastor Tommy. I could relate to Gus's need to find comfort in routine and avoiding people who tell him to smile. Gus has friends who care (though he won't admit to it) and accept him for the person he is, even if it may be a bit weird or quirky.
Casey Richards is an asexual hipster stoner who has moved to town and is working in his aunt's alliteratively named coffee shop, where Gus gets his coffee every morning. Their first meeting had me laughing to the point of tears and has Gus reeling. Casey is immediately taken with Gus, as you can tell from his Instagram post, and Gus is thrown off his orderly path.
As Casey quickly worms his way into Gus's life and heart, Gus begins to try to become "normal" so that he will be what he perceives is worthy of Casey, and hilarity, sweetness and love ensue. Gus finds a wiki-type article on the internet to guide him (but first he has to get the internet and recover from his accidental fall into the pornado that is Tumblr) and embarks on his journey into so-called normalcy, not understanding that Casey likes Gus for who he is, judgmental eyebrows and all. While the internet may be his launch pad, it is really Gus's memories of his stoner father's words that help light the way, as well as the advice of the women who have taken it upon themselves to care for him (whether he admits he wants it or not) and a possibly prescient Inspirational Quote of the Day calendar.
I couldn't have loved Gus and Casey more. They fit together so well and while there may not be sex, there was intimacy, love, romance and respect. For Gus, Casey is Casey. For Casey, Gus is just Gus. Labels don't matter as they build a relationship that works for them.
All the secondary characters, the We Three Queens, Lottie and Casey's hipster friends from L.A. dubbed by Gus the Three Ironic Amigos, had distinct personalities and their own quirks as only T.J. Klune can write.
This was a wonderful, slow burn, funny and sweet romantic comedy. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you may get a contact high, but I doubt you'll regret reading it. #JustGoReadIt
February 16, 2019
Reread Feb 2019
Not that I loved the characters less, or that I don’t adore TJ anymore, but I was clearly not in the right frame of mind for this. Wanted to remind myself of everyone before I embark on How to be a Moviestar, but will postpone reading book 2 for a wee while now.
Original review:
Wow, TJ. This was bl***y amazing.
What kind of genius mind can come up with characters like Gus and Casey?
And makes them real and lovable and wonderful, and oh so huggable. (Triple sigh)
And have you snort with laughter and wipe your eyes because you're so moved, sometimes separately and sometimes at the same time?
And then creates the most amazing secondary characters on top of that? I loved them all, although I'm slightly upset that now I will never ever find the answer to the last question in the book. Such a tease, Mr. Klune!
What kind of genius writer manages to write a novel that is deeply thought-provoking and light-hearted at the same time?
And tears down our preconceived ideas about what being normal means and what love looks like whilst providing plenty of 'laugh-out-loud' moments?
And turns you into a gooey ball of empathy for the MCs?
And makes you understand what the heck a hipster is? I was educated (ok, maybe I should have known, but I learnt a lot more, and I googled, *G* - honestly!)
But most of all... I loved the basic message of this book:
That it is ok to be who you are and who you love.
That "you do you" and that "you are exactly the way you're supposed to be".
And I can add nothing to this. Whatsoever.
Beautiful book. Brilliant writing. Fantastic story.
TJ Klune is one of the most awesome authors of our age.
Read it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Not that I loved the characters less, or that I don’t adore TJ anymore, but I was clearly not in the right frame of mind for this. Wanted to remind myself of everyone before I embark on How to be a Moviestar, but will postpone reading book 2 for a wee while now.
Original review:
Wow, TJ. This was bl***y amazing.
What kind of genius mind can come up with characters like Gus and Casey?
And makes them real and lovable and wonderful, and oh so huggable. (Triple sigh)
And have you snort with laughter and wipe your eyes because you're so moved, sometimes separately and sometimes at the same time?
And then creates the most amazing secondary characters on top of that? I loved them all, although I'm slightly upset that now I will never ever find the answer to the last question in the book. Such a tease, Mr. Klune!
What kind of genius writer manages to write a novel that is deeply thought-provoking and light-hearted at the same time?
And tears down our preconceived ideas about what being normal means and what love looks like whilst providing plenty of 'laugh-out-loud' moments?
And turns you into a gooey ball of empathy for the MCs?
And makes you understand what the heck a hipster is? I was educated (ok, maybe I should have known, but I learnt a lot more, and I googled, *G* - honestly!)
But most of all... I loved the basic message of this book:
That it is ok to be who you are and who you love.
That "you do you" and that "you are exactly the way you're supposed to be".
And I can add nothing to this. Whatsoever.
Beautiful book. Brilliant writing. Fantastic story.
TJ Klune is one of the most awesome authors of our age.
Read it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
February 16, 2017
I went into this one completely blind. I hadn’t read a review. I didn’t even read the blurb. A good friend had recommended it to me and I decided to give it a go.
This is only my second book by TJ Klune and I’m finding that I really enjoy his writing. I look forward to reading more from him. The other book that I read and LOVED was WOLFSONG. If you are a fan of TJK then I am sure you have read it and if not, do yourself a favor and read it. You are missing out on a wonderful story. IMHO!
What I liked most about How to be a Normal Person was the humor. I don’t know if it was just perfect timing that I decided to read this one but I needed a book that was light, funny and had a sweet romance. This book gave me all of that and it left my heart feeling full.
All the characters were fantastic. Gus and Casey were both sweet and sexy and I loved the slow burn of their romance. And Lottie and the We Three Queens: Bertha, Bernice and Betty provided for some uncharacteristic entertainment. Some seriously funny moments happened when these ladies were on the page.
This is a story that got me thinking about people, our differences, what matters and what doesn’t. I was enlightened by the differences in sexuality that were touched on in the story. Initially I was sad for Casey. Being asexual surely left you missing out on such an important part of feeling loved or loving someone right? While it might be a perceived limitation, loving someone is done is so many ways. Gus and Casey’s relationship showed me that. �
If you are looking for something that is a little different and G rated I highly recommend this book to you. Thanks Lisazj1 for recommendation. xo
August 5, 2023
Rep: Gay mc, gay and ace li, demisexual sc, lesbian(?) Sc
For a book that I've read countless times, I've never given it a proper review or rating but I think it's high time I talk about it.
This book is for me ice cream on a sunny day, its hot chocolate on rainy and cold days. Its comfort basically.
It's my go to book whenever I'm in a reading slump so bad that nothing else makes sense.
Why?
Well, it's funny and cute and queer and sometimes that's just all you need.
The book follows our very introverted friend Gus who is the funniest person to ever be written. His internal dialogues will have you cracking up so much and his overall grumpiness makes your heart go all chummy.
He has a definite pattern to life, wake up, wish for a normal day and do mundane normal people activities. However, all this is disturbed when a new hipster comes into his small town.
Not only is this guy disturbing the peace of his town, he's also finding his way into Gus's heart at the same time.
Gus is dealing with a potential love interest and its wrecking him.
Why? Well, he's introverted and some people might describe him as strange even.
What happens when he decides to change himself and be 'more normal' just so this hipster can like him?
That's what this book explores. It's chaotic, it's funny and it's queer and I just love it
Now, you might be wondering, why give a book you love so much 3 stars?
Well, here's the thing. My rating system is determined by plot, character and the overall writing and well, let's just say I have certain issues with the writing and sometimes when you love a book so much that you've read it almost 4 times, you start to make out more mistakes and plot holes.
Do I think this is a good book? Yes I do
Do I recommend it? Yes I strongly do
Do I think it could be better? Yes!
If you're looking for a cute, fluffy, funny queer book for when you're in a slump or you just want to relax then I highly recommend that you read this.
LMAOOOOOOOOO
I still love this book, I might read it again. Yes, it'll be the fourth time. No, it's not too much. Yes, its healthy.
EDIT 2:
Decided to read this again, sometimes, I forget how funny this book is 😭😂😂
A simple hello could lead to a million things. “Yeah,� Gus said. “Like herpes or getting fisted.�
Gus is an introverted, adorable and totally not normal lil dude. I love him!
I've read this before, but I love this quote.
“Never, ever let anyone tell you that who you are is wrong.
It's okay to be gay. Or straight. Or bisexual.
It's also okay to be asexual, demisexual, pansexual, or aromantic.
You do you, and if anyone gives you grief for that, remember one thing:
You are exactly the way you're supposed to be.�
EDIT: I'm reading this again because I love it s o much
For a book that I've read countless times, I've never given it a proper review or rating but I think it's high time I talk about it.
This book is for me ice cream on a sunny day, its hot chocolate on rainy and cold days. Its comfort basically.
It's my go to book whenever I'm in a reading slump so bad that nothing else makes sense.
Why?
Well, it's funny and cute and queer and sometimes that's just all you need.
The book follows our very introverted friend Gus who is the funniest person to ever be written. His internal dialogues will have you cracking up so much and his overall grumpiness makes your heart go all chummy.
He has a definite pattern to life, wake up, wish for a normal day and do mundane normal people activities. However, all this is disturbed when a new hipster comes into his small town.
Not only is this guy disturbing the peace of his town, he's also finding his way into Gus's heart at the same time.
Gus is dealing with a potential love interest and its wrecking him.
Why? Well, he's introverted and some people might describe him as strange even.
What happens when he decides to change himself and be 'more normal' just so this hipster can like him?
That's what this book explores. It's chaotic, it's funny and it's queer and I just love it
Now, you might be wondering, why give a book you love so much 3 stars?
Well, here's the thing. My rating system is determined by plot, character and the overall writing and well, let's just say I have certain issues with the writing and sometimes when you love a book so much that you've read it almost 4 times, you start to make out more mistakes and plot holes.
Do I think this is a good book? Yes I do
Do I recommend it? Yes I strongly do
Do I think it could be better? Yes!
If you're looking for a cute, fluffy, funny queer book for when you're in a slump or you just want to relax then I highly recommend that you read this.
LMAOOOOOOOOO
I still love this book, I might read it again. Yes, it'll be the fourth time. No, it's not too much. Yes, its healthy.
EDIT 2:
Decided to read this again, sometimes, I forget how funny this book is 😭😂😂
A simple hello could lead to a million things. “Yeah,� Gus said. “Like herpes or getting fisted.�
Gus is an introverted, adorable and totally not normal lil dude. I love him!
I've read this before, but I love this quote.
“Never, ever let anyone tell you that who you are is wrong.
It's okay to be gay. Or straight. Or bisexual.
It's also okay to be asexual, demisexual, pansexual, or aromantic.
You do you, and if anyone gives you grief for that, remember one thing:
You are exactly the way you're supposed to be.�
EDIT: I'm reading this again because I love it s o much
April 27, 2025
3,5 stars rounded up because I loved the ace rep.
Hmmm what to say about this book.
I'll just jot down random thoughts because this one isn't easy to review for me.
For the longest time I wasn't really sure if the author loved his characters or was ridiculing them. The main and secondary characters felt very stereotype-y.
With time I understood that the author cared deeply for Gus and Casey and just wanted them to find happiness.
Gus's story was at times extremely funny and often heartbreaking.
Besides the way Casey's asexuality was treated, Gus standing up for himself against Casey's friend Xander was the best part in the book.
Hmmm what to say about this book.
I'll just jot down random thoughts because this one isn't easy to review for me.
For the longest time I wasn't really sure if the author loved his characters or was ridiculing them. The main and secondary characters felt very stereotype-y.
With time I understood that the author cared deeply for Gus and Casey and just wanted them to find happiness.
Gus's story was at times extremely funny and often heartbreaking.
Besides the way Casey's asexuality was treated, Gus standing up for himself against Casey's friend Xander was the best part in the book.
June 7, 2017
***5+ stars because of pure awesomeness***
I probably never laughed so much and so hard about a book in my whole life.
This was my first BR and there is no better way to start with it than reading this book with my lovely superhero buddies Batgirl, Wonder Woman and Supergirl, aka Karen, Josy and Christelle!
It just doubled the fun. No, sorry, I should say it quadrupled the fun!!!
How to Be a Normal Person was my second book by TJ Klune and at first I was reluctant to read it. I somehow doubted it would be my thing. Boy, was I wrong! Note to self: read more of his books!!! TJ Klune’s writing style is simply unique and his sometimes OTT humor might not be for everyone, but as for me I’m in a very happy place now and I’m still grinning, even though I finished this book yesterday.
I loved every single character!
Adorable, socially awkward Gus, who knows each and every Oscar winner and nominee by heart, who sometimes speaks in alliterations, who wears Yasser Arapants, who owns a video rental store and a presidential ferret with merit named Harry S. Truman. Whose daily routine is interrupted when he meets the asexual stoner hipster Casey, someone for whom he is determined to find out how to be a normal person. Gus made me laugh so hard with his comments and his attitude, but there were also some situations where he just grabbed my heart and squeezed it. He even made me tear up a bit, either because he was so sweet, or because I felt for him.
Loveable Casey, said asexual stoner hipster, with his Cauliflower PTSD (believe me, once you had a worm on your plate while eating this –like me when I was a child- you can totally relate to that! *shudders*), who likes Gus just the way he is.
Not to mention all the side characters like the We Three Queens (three elderly ladies on Vespas who might be sisters or living in a polygamous lesbian relationship (who knows?)), Pastor Tommy (Gus’s father), who –although dead and only living in Gus’s memory- also made me choke up with his unconfined love for Gus, Harry S. Truman who made me as an animal lover laugh with his antics and all the others who would make my review endless if I was going to mention all of them.
I can’t and I won’t tell anything about the story itself. For one, my English is too limited to explain anything that happened without sounding even more irrational than I already do and on the other hand, trust me when I say, this book is even more fun to read when you don’t really know what you are getting into.
What I loved the most about this story was that it � all humor aside � delivers a message:
A heartfelt Thank you goes to my reading buddies for reading this with me and and to TJ Klune for giving me this exceptional reading experience. Okay, this sounds a bit like an acceptance speech at the Academy Awards ceremony and I should better stop now. ;-)
I probably never laughed so much and so hard about a book in my whole life.
This was my first BR and there is no better way to start with it than reading this book with my lovely superhero buddies Batgirl, Wonder Woman and Supergirl, aka Karen, Josy and Christelle!
It just doubled the fun. No, sorry, I should say it quadrupled the fun!!!
How to Be a Normal Person was my second book by TJ Klune and at first I was reluctant to read it. I somehow doubted it would be my thing. Boy, was I wrong! Note to self: read more of his books!!! TJ Klune’s writing style is simply unique and his sometimes OTT humor might not be for everyone, but as for me I’m in a very happy place now and I’m still grinning, even though I finished this book yesterday.
I loved every single character!
Adorable, socially awkward Gus, who knows each and every Oscar winner and nominee by heart, who sometimes speaks in alliterations, who wears Yasser Arapants, who owns a video rental store and a presidential ferret with merit named Harry S. Truman. Whose daily routine is interrupted when he meets the asexual stoner hipster Casey, someone for whom he is determined to find out how to be a normal person. Gus made me laugh so hard with his comments and his attitude, but there were also some situations where he just grabbed my heart and squeezed it. He even made me tear up a bit, either because he was so sweet, or because I felt for him.
Loveable Casey, said asexual stoner hipster, with his Cauliflower PTSD (believe me, once you had a worm on your plate while eating this –like me when I was a child- you can totally relate to that! *shudders*), who likes Gus just the way he is.
Not to mention all the side characters like the We Three Queens (three elderly ladies on Vespas who might be sisters or living in a polygamous lesbian relationship (who knows?)), Pastor Tommy (Gus’s father), who –although dead and only living in Gus’s memory- also made me choke up with his unconfined love for Gus, Harry S. Truman who made me as an animal lover laugh with his antics and all the others who would make my review endless if I was going to mention all of them.
I can’t and I won’t tell anything about the story itself. For one, my English is too limited to explain anything that happened without sounding even more irrational than I already do and on the other hand, trust me when I say, this book is even more fun to read when you don’t really know what you are getting into.
What I loved the most about this story was that it � all humor aside � delivers a message:
Be yourself, no matter what
Be proud of yourself against all odds
Accept others the way they are, strange, weird or otherwise
A heartfelt Thank you goes to my reading buddies for reading this with me and and to TJ Klune for giving me this exceptional reading experience. Okay, this sounds a bit like an acceptance speech at the Academy Awards ceremony and I should better stop now. ;-)
August 23, 2016
4 Hearts!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, not being able to add quotes from an audiobook sucks. This book was full of amazing one liners and tons of quality banter! Not to mention characters that will stick with you long after you’ve finished listening.
Because this is an audiobook review I’m not going to delve too much into the storyline. I mainly want to talk about the incredible narration of Derrick McClain. At first I wasn’t to sure of the story. It's definitely not what you’d call fast paced, and the first chapter or so is just an introduction to Gus and his routine. Due to the more sedate nature of the introduction I wasn’t to sure of McClain to begin with. He definitely wasn’t bad, but he didn’t grab my attention either. However, by the end of the book I knew I wouldn’t ever be able to read this book because any voice in my head wouldn’t come close to emulating the true voices of Gus and Casey, which was of course McClain doing.
I think sometimes that's where really amazing narration can be set apart of good narration, that quality that draws you into the story and makes these characters real in a way that can’t happen in your imagination. You can hear these men falling in love. They're right there telling you how they feel. It really is incredible. McClain made this story excellent for me, I would've enjoyed it if I'd read it, but not to the extent I did listening to it.
Needless to say, I LOVED his voices for Gus and Casey, they were completely different but complimented each other perfectly, much like the characters.
These characters are definitely what made this book! Gus is so quirky in that deadpan way. I have a soft spot for grumpy characters and Grumpy Gus was definitely my favourite so far. Then there's Casey, sweet stoner Casey. He was just lovely! But these two together were even lovelier!!
I think the downside to this book was it's a bit too long considering nothing happens. I also don't think I found this book as laugh out loud funny as a lot of other people. I was certainly still smiling throughout the whole book and will never hear phrases like ‘what the hell?� or ‘Oh my God!� again without hearing Gus.
This book is definitely on the slower side and it was nice to listen to on and off over the course of a week, but I’d definitely recommend it! McClain gets 5 hearts for making me fall so in love with Gus and Casey.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, not being able to add quotes from an audiobook sucks. This book was full of amazing one liners and tons of quality banter! Not to mention characters that will stick with you long after you’ve finished listening.
Because this is an audiobook review I’m not going to delve too much into the storyline. I mainly want to talk about the incredible narration of Derrick McClain. At first I wasn’t to sure of the story. It's definitely not what you’d call fast paced, and the first chapter or so is just an introduction to Gus and his routine. Due to the more sedate nature of the introduction I wasn’t to sure of McClain to begin with. He definitely wasn’t bad, but he didn’t grab my attention either. However, by the end of the book I knew I wouldn’t ever be able to read this book because any voice in my head wouldn’t come close to emulating the true voices of Gus and Casey, which was of course McClain doing.
I think sometimes that's where really amazing narration can be set apart of good narration, that quality that draws you into the story and makes these characters real in a way that can’t happen in your imagination. You can hear these men falling in love. They're right there telling you how they feel. It really is incredible. McClain made this story excellent for me, I would've enjoyed it if I'd read it, but not to the extent I did listening to it.
Needless to say, I LOVED his voices for Gus and Casey, they were completely different but complimented each other perfectly, much like the characters.
These characters are definitely what made this book! Gus is so quirky in that deadpan way. I have a soft spot for grumpy characters and Grumpy Gus was definitely my favourite so far. Then there's Casey, sweet stoner Casey. He was just lovely! But these two together were even lovelier!!
I think the downside to this book was it's a bit too long considering nothing happens. I also don't think I found this book as laugh out loud funny as a lot of other people. I was certainly still smiling throughout the whole book and will never hear phrases like ‘what the hell?� or ‘Oh my God!� again without hearing Gus.
This book is definitely on the slower side and it was nice to listen to on and off over the course of a week, but I’d definitely recommend it! McClain gets 5 hearts for making me fall so in love with Gus and Casey.
February 24, 2022
I am DNF-ing at 30%.
Thank you, Kira, for giving me the courage to come out. Here we go: TJ Klune, unfortunately, is not for me. His writing style simply does not agree with me.
Issue N.1
The title "How to Be a Normal Person". NORMAL! .
TJK, please, define normal for us. I implore you.
Issue N.2
Although there are funny bits in this book, it leaves me horrified.
Gus, obviously, has issues, where "socially awkward" just doesn't cut it. It sounds more like he has "...significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests." Which is a disorder. Nothing to be laughed at. The way Gus is treated, makes me want to scream. I hate the witches ...I mean the Queens (I especially despise Lottie), who push and mock and do things to spite. But strangely, I think Casey is actually pretty good for Gus. Or at least he's stoned enough most of the time not to be like any other jerk.
There was a couple of ha-ha's moments, but really? - not funny :(
Thank you, Kira, for giving me the courage to come out. Here we go: TJ Klune, unfortunately, is not for me. His writing style simply does not agree with me.
Issue N.1
The title "How to Be a Normal Person". NORMAL! .
TJK, please, define normal for us. I implore you.
Issue N.2
Although there are funny bits in this book, it leaves me horrified.
Gus, obviously, has issues, where "socially awkward" just doesn't cut it. It sounds more like he has "...significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests." Which is a disorder. Nothing to be laughed at. The way Gus is treated, makes me want to scream. I hate the witches ...I mean the Queens (I especially despise Lottie), who push and mock and do things to spite. But strangely, I think Casey is actually pretty good for Gus. Or at least he's stoned enough most of the time not to be like any other jerk.
There was a couple of ha-ha's moments, but really? - not funny :(
August 5, 2016
I've been waiting on this book for a while. I eat up anything from TJ. I adore his writing!
So imagine my surprise when I found out one of the MC's was an asexual stoner hipster...
And then I get the ARC??!! Happy dance time!! I was NOT disappointed.
This is the tale of Gustavo Tiberius (Ring any bells? BOATK3) and Casey Richards. Gustavo's only living relative, Pastor Tommy, his dad, passed away a few years ago. He owns several buildings in a smallish town and works in a video rental store. He lives in a pseudo-Groundhog Day. Rinse. Repeat. Every day. And he likes it that way.
Gus wakes up at the same time. He does push ups. He reads the inspirational quotes forced upon him by the We Three Queens (the maybe sisters/maybe lesbian best friends who've adopted him). He showers, eats an apple, and takes his pet ferret outside. He gets coffee across the street and opens the video store. Gus is stuck in quite the rut! And he's quite the bitter little pill. But he's lovable. He cares for his friends in this small town, and they love him and see past his quirks and scowls and bitterness.
Gus's little orderly world is thrown off its axis when Casey moves to town. Casey with his beard and his chest hair and his comebacks. He pushes all of Gus's buttons and just digs his way in.
This is Gus and Casey's story. I love the classic TJ snark and banter. I love the little romantic moments that come out of nowhere, but make the reader swoon - Stoner Scrabble!!!! And I am happy to say that I did not have wookie cry face, although there were some amazingly touching moments.
TJ has shared with his fans that this is his baby, his favorite. And not long after he had his recent "coming out" as asexual himself. I can't imagine the bravery it takes to continually come out. And most recently with a word that most have heard but very few really understand. That's what I appreciated most about . I felt like I got a glimpse into TJ's life, and I was thoroughly educated on asexual, aromantic, demisexual, and other terms that people use to identify with.
And I am happy to say that while I immensely appreciate learning new things, TJ is still TJ. Casey was still Casey. And Gus had one hell of a scene with Casey's ex where he demonstrated just how much others who demand labels can go fuck themselves! Labels are only important to those who identify with them and IF they choose to share that label with others. I was fist bumping the hell out of Gus in that moment!
For the die hard Klune fans, this is lower angst than you're used to, and obviously lower steam (did you NOT catch the asexual in the blurb?). So no wookie cry face, and not totally over the top with the humor as TLSH.
This was the perfect blend of TJ. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.
ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review and also posted at .
So imagine my surprise when I found out one of the MC's was an asexual stoner hipster...
And then I get the ARC??!! Happy dance time!! I was NOT disappointed.
This is the tale of Gustavo Tiberius (Ring any bells? BOATK3) and Casey Richards. Gustavo's only living relative, Pastor Tommy, his dad, passed away a few years ago. He owns several buildings in a smallish town and works in a video rental store. He lives in a pseudo-Groundhog Day. Rinse. Repeat. Every day. And he likes it that way.
Gus wakes up at the same time. He does push ups. He reads the inspirational quotes forced upon him by the We Three Queens (the maybe sisters/maybe lesbian best friends who've adopted him). He showers, eats an apple, and takes his pet ferret outside. He gets coffee across the street and opens the video store. Gus is stuck in quite the rut! And he's quite the bitter little pill. But he's lovable. He cares for his friends in this small town, and they love him and see past his quirks and scowls and bitterness.
Gus's little orderly world is thrown off its axis when Casey moves to town. Casey with his beard and his chest hair and his comebacks. He pushes all of Gus's buttons and just digs his way in.
This is Gus and Casey's story. I love the classic TJ snark and banter. I love the little romantic moments that come out of nowhere, but make the reader swoon - Stoner Scrabble!!!! And I am happy to say that I did not have wookie cry face, although there were some amazingly touching moments.
TJ has shared with his fans that this is his baby, his favorite. And not long after he had his recent "coming out" as asexual himself. I can't imagine the bravery it takes to continually come out. And most recently with a word that most have heard but very few really understand. That's what I appreciated most about . I felt like I got a glimpse into TJ's life, and I was thoroughly educated on asexual, aromantic, demisexual, and other terms that people use to identify with.
And I am happy to say that while I immensely appreciate learning new things, TJ is still TJ. Casey was still Casey. And Gus had one hell of a scene with Casey's ex where he demonstrated just how much others who demand labels can go fuck themselves! Labels are only important to those who identify with them and IF they choose to share that label with others. I was fist bumping the hell out of Gus in that moment!
For the die hard Klune fans, this is lower angst than you're used to, and obviously lower steam (did you NOT catch the asexual in the blurb?). So no wookie cry face, and not totally over the top with the humor as TLSH.
This was the perfect blend of TJ. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.
ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review and also posted at .
August 20, 2017
Reread - Aug 20 .... still adorable, hilarious and brilliant ... Gus & Casey are perfect - pure awesomeness that had me laughing even when I stopped reading ....
This was without doubt one of the funniest books I have read this year. I adored Gus & his ferret with merit and his blossoming friendship and relationship with Casey the asexual hipster stoner. The supporting cast of biker ladies - We Three Queens and Lottie made this even more funny. This was an M/M with no sex and yet the romance was just as intense ! Loved loved loved this book❤️
This was without doubt one of the funniest books I have read this year. I adored Gus & his ferret with merit and his blossoming friendship and relationship with Casey the asexual hipster stoner. The supporting cast of biker ladies - We Three Queens and Lottie made this even more funny. This was an M/M with no sex and yet the romance was just as intense ! Loved loved loved this book❤️
July 11, 2021
This is my 3rd or 4th listen and it still makes me laugh out loud in public!
Top delights:
Gus (grumpy Gus)
Harry S. Truman (#theferretwithmerit)
The We Three Queens (lesbian Vespa scooter gang)
Casey (the asexual hipster)
Pastor Tommy (Gus� dead stoner dad)
The narration is perfection 😍
This is one of my happy, comfort books.
Top delights:
Gus (grumpy Gus)
Harry S. Truman (#theferretwithmerit)
The We Three Queens (lesbian Vespa scooter gang)
Casey (the asexual hipster)
Pastor Tommy (Gus� dead stoner dad)
The narration is perfection 😍
This is one of my happy, comfort books.
May 2, 2023
4.5 Stars - This book brought me so much joy! I hadn't intended for this to by my first foray into the mind of T.J. Klune, but the words "asexual stoner hipster" made the decision for me and I can't say I'm mad about it. I've only read ace rep done this well in one other book and even that one stuck the person in a poly relationship so there would be sex scenes between the other two MC's. To say I appreciated the love sans sex in this book would be underselling how much it actually meant to me. I know asexuality isn't the sexiest of the sexualities, but it can still make for a really sweet love story, as it did in this one.
I adored every character in this book so much (except maybe Xander, even if his intentions were good). I don't know why Gus thought he needed to be "normal" when no one else around him was, oh my god. I mean, like, what the hell. His failed attempts to use the advice he found on the internet made me laugh so hard. And sweet hipster Casey was completely ridiculous and too good for this world, with his Share Space and his Stoner Scrabble and his relentless pursuit of Grumpy Gus. I love quirky characters and this book was overflowing with them. Plus there was a ferret! How can you not love a story with a ferret in it?
At times the conversational shenanigans went kind of long and felt a bit indulgent, but it didn't bother me too much. I'm not sure that I could read several books like this in a row, but I had a ton of fun reading this one.
I adored every character in this book so much (except maybe Xander, even if his intentions were good). I don't know why Gus thought he needed to be "normal" when no one else around him was, oh my god. I mean, like, what the hell. His failed attempts to use the advice he found on the internet made me laugh so hard. And sweet hipster Casey was completely ridiculous and too good for this world, with his Share Space and his Stoner Scrabble and his relentless pursuit of Grumpy Gus. I love quirky characters and this book was overflowing with them. Plus there was a ferret! How can you not love a story with a ferret in it?
At times the conversational shenanigans went kind of long and felt a bit indulgent, but it didn't bother me too much. I'm not sure that I could read several books like this in a row, but I had a ton of fun reading this one.
September 18, 2015
Pre-review:
OMFG!!! This was EPIC! I'll review when I have some words, but right now I only urge you all to preorder and read the fuck out of this when it's available. Don't fucking wait. This may be the best book Tj has ever written. It's absolutely fabulous. Love the humor, love the snark, love the sweet moments. Love everything about it.
Full review with all the feelz to come in October. But seriously, go pre-order soon as soon as you can. It's fab!
OMFG!!! This was EPIC! I'll review when I have some words, but right now I only urge you all to preorder and read the fuck out of this when it's available. Don't fucking wait. This may be the best book Tj has ever written. It's absolutely fabulous. Love the humor, love the snark, love the sweet moments. Love everything about it.
Full review with all the feelz to come in October. But seriously, go pre-order soon as soon as you can. It's fab!
November 14, 2016
'How to be an Normal Person' and falling in love. Oh yeah also another AWESOMESACE Buddy Read with Supergirl otherwise knows as Christelle, Wonder Woman also referred to as Josy and our newest buddy read bestie Hawkgirl more commonly known as Simone and me occasionally recognized as Batgirl or Karen.
Of all our Buddy Reads 'How to be a Normal Person' was by far the funniest and the most touching. I'm giving this one 5 stars because that's all that I have available. There are so many wonderful reviews about this story out there and I'm not sure that I truly have anything different to say than what's already been said. 'How to be a Normal Person' is an unusual story about some pretty unusual people and about falling in love. It was at times funny and irreverent, graced with moments of tenderness and unexpected touches of heartache.
According to the blurb Gustavo Tiberius is not normal and he knows it. Casey is an asexual, stoner, hipster and this is the story of how two people who shouldn't have worked as a couple...hell, shouldn't have even wanted to be a couple did just that they became a couple. They found each other and fell in love.
There were no hot and sweaty sex scenes...even the kisses were PG-13...seriously closed mouths, no tongue, no passionate moaning and groaning...just sweet, gentle, chaste kisses and hugs...amazingly wonderful, wonderful hugs...because Casey gives the best hugs and there was Stoner Scrabble, a ferret name Harry S. Truman, the We Three Queens...3 elderly Vespa riding women, Lottie of the drag queen hair and Casey's hipster friends from California (god help the world if these 3 ever get together in real life...we're all doomed) and other unique characters too numerous to mention.
I loved Gus and Casey together. I loved how Gus tried so hard to be a better person 'a normal person' because this is what he thought Casey deserved and in the end it came down to the fact that what Gus thought Casey deserved wasn't what Casey wanted. Casey wanted Gus just as he was. He didn't want Gus to be anything more or less than what he already was Gus...just Gus as he was. For Casey he was perfect.
I could honestly go on and on about this book but really, I'd only be spoiling the fun for those of you who haven't read it...seriously, check it out, read it, get to know Gus, Casey and all their friends. This is a story that says it's ok to be you and it's ok to love how you love.
Of all our Buddy Reads 'How to be a Normal Person' was by far the funniest and the most touching. I'm giving this one 5 stars because that's all that I have available. There are so many wonderful reviews about this story out there and I'm not sure that I truly have anything different to say than what's already been said. 'How to be a Normal Person' is an unusual story about some pretty unusual people and about falling in love. It was at times funny and irreverent, graced with moments of tenderness and unexpected touches of heartache.
According to the blurb Gustavo Tiberius is not normal and he knows it. Casey is an asexual, stoner, hipster and this is the story of how two people who shouldn't have worked as a couple...hell, shouldn't have even wanted to be a couple did just that they became a couple. They found each other and fell in love.
There were no hot and sweaty sex scenes...even the kisses were PG-13...seriously closed mouths, no tongue, no passionate moaning and groaning...just sweet, gentle, chaste kisses and hugs...amazingly wonderful, wonderful hugs...because Casey gives the best hugs and there was Stoner Scrabble, a ferret name Harry S. Truman, the We Three Queens...3 elderly Vespa riding women, Lottie of the drag queen hair and Casey's hipster friends from California (god help the world if these 3 ever get together in real life...we're all doomed) and other unique characters too numerous to mention.
I loved Gus and Casey together. I loved how Gus tried so hard to be a better person 'a normal person' because this is what he thought Casey deserved and in the end it came down to the fact that what Gus thought Casey deserved wasn't what Casey wanted. Casey wanted Gus just as he was. He didn't want Gus to be anything more or less than what he already was Gus...just Gus as he was. For Casey he was perfect.
I could honestly go on and on about this book but really, I'd only be spoiling the fun for those of you who haven't read it...seriously, check it out, read it, get to know Gus, Casey and all their friends. This is a story that says it's ok to be you and it's ok to love how you love.
August 8, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Basically, this is a book about a lovable, quirky guy who uses the internet for the first time in his life in the hope of getting there answers to his questions .... questions like “How to be a normal person?�.
That’s it. 😂
Hilarious, cute, OTT� as we know it from TJ. Unfortunately this didn’t click with me.
Basically, this is a book about a lovable, quirky guy who uses the internet for the first time in his life in the hope of getting there answers to his questions .... questions like “How to be a normal person?�.
That’s it. 😂
Hilarious, cute, OTT� as we know it from TJ. Unfortunately this didn’t click with me.
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