How to Be a Normal Person

Gustavo Tiberius lives a structured life in a small Oregon town, working at his late father's video store and maintaining precise daily routines. His predictable existence changes when Casey Richards, an asexual stoner hipster, moves to town and begins visiting the store. The men form an unlikely connection despite their contrasting personalities - Gus being grumpy and set in his ways while Casey approaches life with enthusiasm and openness. Their developing relationship is witnessed by the town's small cast of characters, including three elderly marijuana-smoking women who frequent Gus's store. Through research and determination, Gus embarks on a project to become what he believes is a "normal person" in order to better connect with Casey and the world around him. The process involves internet searches, self-help books, and increasingly complex social situations. The story explores themes of self-acceptance, the meaning of "normal," and how genuine human connections can challenge our preconceptions about ourselves and others. Through humor and heart, it presents the idea that there may be no such thing as normal after all.

Readers celebrate this book's portrayal of neurodivergent characters, with many finding the story relatable and authentic. The slow-burn romance and humor resonate with fans, who frequently mention laughing out loud. Many appreciate how the book normalizes different ways of being "normal" without turning characters' traits into punchlines. Readers highlight the found family elements, cozy atmosphere, and positive asexual representation. Several note the audiobook narrator Michael Lesley enhances the experience. Main criticisms focus on: - Repetitive jokes that wear thin - Plot pacing that drags in places - Some find the writing style too quirky Ratings: Goodreads: 4.41/5 (26,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) BookBub: 4.6/5 (400+ ratings) Sample review: "The characters feel like real people you'd want to befriend. Their awkwardness and struggles are endearing rather than played for laughs." - Goodreads reviewer

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Two men from different worlds navigate their unexpected romance while dealing with social expectations and personal growth.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune A social worker discovers love and family when he investigates an orphanage of magical children.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall Two British men enter a fake relationship for public image and find themselves confronting real feelings.

A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers The crew of a spaceship forms deep connections while facing the challenges of life in space.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun A producer and a reality dating show contestant develop an unexpected connection behind the scenes of a television production.

🌟 T.J. Klune wrote this novel while working as a claims examiner for an insurance company, often drafting scenes during his lunch breaks. 🌟 The book's protagonist, Gustavo Tiberius, is named after both a Roman emperor and the Star Trek character James Tiberius Kirk. 🌟 The story takes place in the small town of Abby, Oregon - a fictional location that appears in several of Klune's other works, creating an interconnected universe. 🌟 The novel challenges traditional romance tropes by featuring an asexual main character, helping to increase representation of the ace community in contemporary fiction. 🌟 Many of the quirky video store scenes were inspired by Klune's own experiences as a frequent visitor to local video rental stores before they largely disappeared in the digital age.