Redefining Normal

How Two Foster Kids Beat the Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love

By: Alexis Black, Justin Black

Narrated by: Justin Black, Alexis Black

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

Growing up, they didn’t believe they had a future. Together, they are building forever.

Alexis Black persevered through her mother’s death and her father’s imprisonment. And after escaping a long and abusive relationship, the college junior promised her foster parents not to date for at least a year. But when she meets an incoming freshman on the first day of their scholarship program, she feels the world melt away, as though it were only the two of them in the room.

Justin Black lived in the poorest section of Detroit before his parents surrendered him to the foster care system at the age of nine. But when he grabs the chance for better opportunities by pursuing higher education, he can’t help but be drawn to a beautiful third-year student.

At first, their past traumas - and their age difference - conspired to complicate their attraction. But the joy each took in the other and eventually conquered those obstacles, and these two survivors journeyed together toward healing.

In a stark and wholehearted true story that shares how two individuals on separate paths found each other, Alexis and Justin merge their course into one full of hope and purpose. And hand-in-hand, with a desire to help others, they learned to reject the abusive patterns of their past, thereby intentionally breaking the cycle of generational violence and unhealthy behaviors.

Written in an engaging novelistic style, the authors put forward a thoughtful exchange of ideas and personal experiences illustrating how anybody, no matter their backgrounds, can have a life of self-empowerment and joy.

Broken down into four sections that cover crucial topics such as “Worthiness” and “Mental Health,” this compelling narrative will help any who are learning to love themselves and want to end the line of toxic relationships.If you like honest tales of triumph, refreshing transparency, and resilient faith in God, then you’ll adore Justin and Alexis’ inspirational story.

©2020 Justin Black, Alexis Black (P)2021 Justin Black, Alexis Black

SO MOVING!!!

The story was well-written, inspiring and very informative! As a previous foster youth, thank you SO much for writing this! WELL DONE GUYS!

Startling yet uplifting

This was a hard read because they have had an hard life. The hope they share in Jesus and the change that comes with him.

I found myself so proud of both people that now want to give back.

Praying blessings for you both.

Redefines the Meaning of Modern Day Hero

This book is raw authenticity and inspiration. It exposes us to the reality of the scores of kids living among us.

A must read !

this was a great insight into foster care lived experiences ... It was wonderful to be able to hear from two different experiences and a male and a female voice. a story of Triumph, Resilience and Love ❤

raw, honest, hard and encouraging

These two have been through a tremendous amount of trauma. I have no idea how they survived. Hearing it broke and open my heart in ways that are indescribable.

When they say trigger warnings, they are serious. This book is RAW. I had to stop multiple times mid-story to be able to move forward. The desire to survive and thrive in these two is remarkable.

This is a read that all foster and adoptive parents should read this, because these kids come from things we probably never have experience. This book also talks about how to be there for children who don't know how to accept love.