North of Normal

North of Normal was and has been my favourite book since I read it a few years back and it's my number one go to book to recommend to anyone looking for a book recommendation. When I heard that it was going to be made into a film, I was ecstatic, when I found out it was being filmed in my hometown, I was over the moon with excitement. The movie followed the book well, the book I was able to paint the pictures of what was happening in my head, the movie brought those photos to life. It showed the struggles and the triumphs, the good and the bad, and I hope that it gets released to the general theatres for more people to be able to enjoy this beautiful movie. It will now be my go to book and movie. Hopefully they'll be able to make Nearly Normal the sequel one day too on film.

Interesting lifestyle piece exploring the mother/young daughter dynamics in a chaotic alternative lifestyle.

Lack of a stable home and upbringing as Cea's mother moves frequently with the various men in her life.

The 'acting' was superb but especially regarding the two young Cea's. So compelling and then watching the older Cea getting her confidence and courage as she comes of age and begins to move on. Where are my tissues? Highly recommended.

I suspect there is much more that could be explored around this story but in my opinion it accomplishes likely what it set out to explore. A young girl and how well she copes in a nomadic lifestyle, much of it in the great outdoors but constantly on the move.

Watching Cea's book and life story be turned into a movie was such an amazing experience. It was so well done, the cast was so great for the roles they played and you really got a sense of what she had to live through and how her life was. It was emotional and breathtaking and overall a beautiful story. Cea and her crew were able to capture that amazing sense of realness, watching the movie really pulled on my heartstrings but in the way you want as the audience. This movie was overall amazing. I had a wonderful experience watching it. I definitely recommend it after reading the book so you can really look at the two and match the face to character from reading about the character to than seeing them on the big screen, which was some thing I enjoyed.

Wonderful adaptation! As a huge fan of Cea's books I have been eagerly awaiting the movie release. I was very impressed with North of Normal on screen. Incredible cinematography, brilliant casting and acting, great screenplay. It was magical to see Cea's story of strength, resilience and survival come to life. As in her books I was deeply moved by the relationship between Cea and her mother in the film. This very complicated connection was portrayed beautifully by all the actors. Cea's unwavering love and loyalty shone through. Great portrayal of Cea's relationship with her grandfather too. Highly recommend.

North of Normal will have you crying and laughing. Actually, the book & the movie will have you experiencing ALL emotions. Cea had a remarkable upbringing with tragedy & triumphs. You will swear the acting you are watching in the movie was playing out in real life before your eyes. You will want to hug every Cea and protect her. Everyone around you in the theatre will fade away. And that's what a great movie experience is all about. All of the actors did a fantastic job. From the moment the movie started, other than the laughter in spots, a hush fell across the packed theatre until the very end. After the movie, I had a couple conversations with people about the movie and the books. One in particular was with an older gentleman (before & after the movie) who loved the first book, but didn't know there was a second book. He was quite excited to go and purchase Nearly Normal & delve into that one. The only unfortunate part about the movie is there is never enough time to cover the entire book...Or maybe there is...do I hear sequel or maybe even threequel?! (LOL Is that a word?). My wish is for everyone near and far, big city or small town, is to get the chance to see this well written, directed and portrayed movie in person on the big screen. Love to every "Cea" in the world. <3.