Reviews

“Martin Bartloff’s debut novel Torn from Normal is a riveting tale that captivates readers of all ages. Set on the eastern seaboard of the United States, the book’s main character, Andy Riley, takes you on a journey that will forever embed him into your heart. A series of heart-wrenching events sadly tear Andy away from all he has ever known. He finally finds the solace he intensely longs for when he befriends another boy and his father; characters who will also endear you as you travel with them through the course of a summer. As you read, you will find that the book ingeniously draws you into its pages and refuses to let you go until you have turned the very last page; and even then you will find yourself still thinking about Andy and the friends he grew to love.”

~Suzanne Schott M. Ed.

“There aren’t many guys out there writing YA books, and those that do tend to favor humorous stories. Martin Bartloff isn’t one of those guys. Torn From Normal is a book that shows how bleak the world can look to a young boy with no resources, and that resonates with the tragedy of what might have been. While not exactly a light read, it’s a good reminder that childhood is not necessarily idyllic, and not everyone has their best times during youth. You may need a box of tissues close by, but it’s worth the read.”

~Ophelia Julien, author of Hunting Spirits

“I read this book and just bawled my eyes out. The story is so timely and so close to my heart. I have a teenage son and to think of what might happen if he were to go through the tragedies Andy faces in this book really shook me up. The writing is sensitive and develops the relationships between the fathers and sons in such a subtle way, it adds depth to an already deeply moving story. Yeah, don’t forget the hanky!”

~J.R. Turner, author of DFF: Dead Friends Forever

You can find other reviews at:

Marian Allen’s WEBLAHG

Book Suite Reviews

Serendipitous Readings

Ryan Field

Teens Read Too