Title: Anything But Ordinary
Author: Lara Avery
First published September 11, 2012
326 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781423163862 (ISBN10: 1423163869)
Rating: 3.58
Overview
Anything But Ordinary by Lara Avery is a touching tale of love and inspiration, reminding us to cherish every moment. Bryce’s life takes an unexpected turn when a diving accident lands her in a coma for five years.
When she wakes up, her world has completely changed. Her little sister is now a teenager, her boyfriend and best friend have graduated, and her dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal seem impossible.
Despite this, Bryce discovers that she has inexplicable knowledge of events that have yet to happen. As she adjusts to her new reality, Bryce learns to appreciate life’s small moments and discovers that there is beauty in the unexpected.
This poignant story will leave readers feeling inspired to make their own lives extraordinary.
Editoral Review
Lara Avery’s Anything But Ordinary is a beautiful and heartwarming coming-of-age novel that will leave readers feeling hopeful and inspired. First published in 2012, the novel is a blend of contemporary and magical realism, featuring themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of self-acceptance.
With skillful prose and a cast of deeply lovable characters, Avery takes readers on a journey that explores the complexities of life and the beauty of ordinary moments. Anything But Ordinary is the story of a girl named Bryce who has a rare medical condition that causes her memory to reset every four hours.
Desperate to cling to the people and experiences that matter most to her, Bryce has created an intricate system of notes, drawings, and photographs that allow her to piece together her life. When she meets a boy named Tommy, however, Bryce’s carefully crafted world is turned upside down.
Together, the two embark on a journey of self-discovery that challenges them to confront their fears, embrace their true selves, and take risks they never thought possible. At its core, Anything But Ordinary is a love story – not just between Bryce and Tommy, but between Bryce and herself.
Avery’s writing is infused with a deep sense of compassion and sensitivity, and she handles Bryce’s condition with remarkable care and understanding. Readers will find themselves drawn into Bryce’s world, rooting for her as she navigates the challenges of her condition and the dizzying emotions of adolescence.
But Anything But Ordinary is more than just a love story – it’s a celebration of life’s everyday moments, the small joys that make up our lives. Avery’s descriptions of Bryce’s notes and drawings are vivid and evocative, imbued with a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around us.
And while the novel deals with weighty themes like loss and mortality, it ultimately leaves us with a sense of hope and acceptance of our own limitations. One of the book’s strengths is its characterization.
Both Bryce and Tommy are wonderfully complex and multi-dimensional, with their own fears, hopes, and flaws. Their relationship is a slow burn, built on mutual trust and understanding, and readers will find themselves invested in their journey.
The novel’s pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing readers to savor each moment and emotion. If there is one weakness in Anything But Ordinary, it is perhaps in the magical realism elements.
While Avery handles Bryce’s condition with sensitivity, there are elements of the story that feel a bit contrived, and some readers may find themselves struggling to suspend their disbelief. However, the novel’s strengths far outweigh this minor flaw.
In conclusion, Anything But Ordinary is a beautifully written, heartfelt novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Avery’s ability to capture the love and beauty of the everyday is truly remarkable, and her characters are sure to leave a lasting impression.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a thoughtful, uplifting read that celebrates the human spirit. 4.5/5 stars.
