Relatively Normal

De: Whitney Dineen

Narrado por: Madeline Mrozek

Catriona Masterton's fiancé, Ethan, is normal.

He plans trips six months in advance and arrives at the airport a minimum of three hours early. He purchases life insurance, luggage insurance, and always opts for the extended warranty. He's responsible, reliable, and would make any woman a wonderful life partner.

In other words, he's the exact opposite of the Masterton clan.

Cat's mother has a kitchen-gadget fetish, a father whose best friends are taxidermied field mice, and a super-stoner man-child brother who lives - where else? - in the basement. Then there's Nan, her proud Scottish grandmother with a proclivity for profanity and mischief.

What on earth will Catriona's normal fiancé think when he comes home with her to meet her parents? What will he think when he discovers his soon-to-be in-laws invited Cat's ex to join them for a holiday dinner?

Find out in a laugh-out-loud journey of self-discovery, familial pandemonium, and love. A must-listen for fans of a true romantic comedy!

©2018 Whitney Dineen (P)2019 Whitney Dineen

OK

This book seemed a bit too juvenile for me. The heroine just doesn't face much in the way of real challenges. We should all have her "problems." Her family was hilarious though. The narrator has an easy to listen to voice.

Romance

It started of slow for me but once the book progressed it got interesting. I did wonder where it would go since I usually can guess but not so in this case.

Not sure about this one

This book hurt my heart a bit. I am on the autism spectrum, although not quite as bad as Ethan. I felt like this book hit close to home and we, Aspies, are always on the losing end. I assume Ethan’s dad was on the same spectrum and I do not think he was treated fairly in this book.
I guess we all read to get away from our daily drudgery. Except in this case, the drudgery came to find me and was painted in such a fashion that I did not find flattering. Ethan being called Rainman by those who are supposed to be his friends hurt. Makes me wonder if that is how the normal folks talk about us. I think my husband found what he was looking for in me, even though I am not normal like him. But this book hurt.

I do realize that Cat had to have a way to find her way back to Sam. And that he was a better fit for her in the end. I just got my feelings hurt. Sam is sweet and tries to make up for old hurts.
I got a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Love in the big city and out!

Nothing like going back to where family is! Staying in place is not what this one's all about and in true Dineen fashion, she made it funny & entertaining as usual! Another great one Whitney & what a way to put a twist on the "Rona"!!

Relatively.....AWESOME!!

Relatively Normal by Whitney Dineen, narrated by Madeline Mrozek is a funny, family-oriented, feel-good Rom-Com about finding oneself and living the life you were meant to live. It is filled with relatable situations, hilarious moments, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. This isn't a book I would normally choose, as I tend to stick to the mystery genre, but because Madeline Mrozek is my favorite narrator, this one moved to the top of my list!! This is the first time I've listened to a book written by Whitney Dineen; I plan to check out other books she has written, and if they are anything like this one, I know my credit will be well-spent.

To prevent giving anything away, I'll let you read the plot synopsis of Relatively Normal on your own, rather than giving a recap. Just know that it is awesome! I found myself many times reflecting on my own life and decisions I've made. It let me see that everything in life happens for a reason, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time, and things always turns out how they are supposed to in the end. I think this would make a great book club read not only because it keeps you laughing, but also because of the potential discussions (serious, light, or humorous) that could take place. The chapters are short (which I love), the characters are well-developed, and the twists that Dineen has thrown in are unexpectedly delightful!

Madeline Mrozek's performance as narrator is excellent, as always. She has a gift of knowing how to immediately pull the listener in. Her inviting tone and friendly voice make me feel right at home, allowing me to soak up some "me-time," while listening to characters I feel like I've known my entire life. There is never a question about which character is speaking because she has special voices for each of them, and effortlessly (or so it seems) stays in charcater the entire story, without fail. It doesn't matter if Mrozek's next audiobook narration happens to be a dictionary, encyclopedia, mystery, or biography, I'll be first in line to buy it, as listening to her perform is an experience within itself.

Without hesitation, I give Relatively Normal by Whitney Dineen, narrated by Madeline Mrozek 5 out of 5 stars, across the board. It will make you laugh one moment, while wishing you could offer a shoulder to cry on in the next. Whether you feel like running to hide or running into a big, giant hug, you will find the story and characters highly relatable. While the storyline focuses on the love-life of Cat, the main character, it's important to know that this isn't a romance. It is a book about relationships, though..... relationships with those we love. Like the characters (and myself), you will find yourself reflecting on how your own decsions have made you the person you are today. It reminds us who is truly important and allows us to think about our own happiness. I recommend this to those who enjoy audiobooks about relationships - family, friends, love - as well as the important theme of staying true to ourselves.

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-) Happy listening!