Fifteen Seconds of Normal

by Alex Marestaing

[layawaydragon]

15 seconds of Normal is a cute romance between a girl who has tourette’s and a boy who was turned into a meme. I have some issues with it, but if you’re looking for a typical YA romance that’s more inclusive, it’s a great pick but not perfect.

➜I loved the mental health representation for tourettes and Kaeya’s anxiety and stress about it.
➜Did NOT appreciate the bullshit about chronic panic attacks
➜Did not like the typical dying kid teaching them a lesson
➜Cute romance
➜Could actually see that picture becoming a meme
➜Pretentious literary kids of course, but not on John Green’s level
➜Liked Thatcher’s instagram posts
➜The sanctuary & teacher are of the “yeah, right” improbable level. When first introduced, I eye rolled but it’s easy to accept it and roll right along.
➜Don’t remember what was the teacher’s deal was with her husband
➜Loved the writing and formatting
➜YAY for Thatcher and his mom. Good, healthy relationships between sons and mothers seems so damn rare in this way. Them eating ice cream together is my favorite scene, hands down.
➜YAY for Kaeya and her dad. He’s supportive, involved, and there but not the overbearing, sexist asshole most proclaim as a “good father” type.

I liked how Thatcher professed his feelings for her before the end, so it wasn’t a last minute hail mary pass.

I liked how Kaeya acknowledge his feelings and reacted.

While she does have calming moments with Thatcher and less ticks at times, a relationship isn’t a cure. Love is understanding, not a cure. Good job, 15 Seconds of Normal.

But...

The thing is, love shouldn’t be a requirement for understanding either. It’s not difficult to not be a dick. Which is why I wish Dream Dude acted differently. Plus, it’d give Kaeya the opportunity to realize certain things without getting crushed. Make it a “I got what I wanted and it wasn’t what I needed” type thing instead being crushed.

I think this is especially important for girls considering how on point Kaeya’s perception, and feelings, wrapped around Dream Dude. Dream Dudes don’t have to be an asshole to not be right for you. Dream Dudes can be nice and sweet and STILL not what you really want, after realizing Dream Dudes are built of your own making.

Dying Kid Gimmicks and Other Bullshit.

I think it’d be less gimmicky and predictable if they knew from the beginning about Sam’s condition. More understanding and helpful as a physical disability alongside mental ones.

Instead, we get “Sam’s got chronic panic attacks but seems so chill and tells us he’s faking it to work on his screenplay.” Like, really? REALLY? Why you do this? Why?

At least, Sam as an immigrant with losing his name and the American Dream™ felt authentic, respectful, and non-stereotypical. It’s too bad Sam didn’t get to flourish or get a romance interest either.

Rating: 3.5. Enjoyable, cute, sweet, anti-bullying and empathetic message but predictable with a gimmick and not perfect about representation either.