Oddly Normal: One Family's Struggle to Help Their Teenage Son Come to Terms with His Sexuality

Library Journal03/01/2014
New York Times correspondent Schwartz's memoir begins with his son Joe's suicide attempt after coming out at school. He traces his son's development as a "different" child and relates how he made sure Joe got the help he needed. A bonus: Joe's own charmingly illustrated story. (LJ 6/15/12)




The New York Times Book Review…a deeply affecting account of Joe's learning to embrace his sexuality, as well as his parents' efforts to shield him from homophobia and help him endure a school system that continues to marginalize (and even pathologize) kids who need special understanding…the star of the book is Joe. It's impossible not to fall in love with a kid who, even amid his torment, displays such droll humor and fierce intelligence.