Next to Normal
Next to Normal
Book Brief
112
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Suburban America • Contemporary
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey follows Diana, a suburban mother living with bipolar disorder and depression, as she navigates the challenges of mental health treatment and its effects on her family dynamics, including her husband Dan and their overachieving daughter Natalie, while also reflecting on the haunting presence of her deceased son. Trigger topics include suicide and psychiatric hospitalization.
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Challenging
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
3,427 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey powerfully tackles mental illness and familial strife with nuanced characters and emotional depth. Critics praise its raw portrayal of mental health and gripping score. However, some feel its intense subject matter may be overwhelming for certain audiences. Overall, it’s a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
Who Should Read Next to Normal?
Readers who appreciate emotionally charged, character-driven dramas like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Ordinary People by Judith Guest will find Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey deeply engaging. This musical addresses themes of mental illness, family dynamics, and personal resilience, resonating with fans of introspective and poignant narratives.
3,427 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Next to Normal was awarded the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, making it one of the few musicals to receive this prestigious award.
The musical features an unusual combination of a rock score with a deeply emotional storyline, often noted for its depiction of mental health issues.
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Next to Normal originally premiered Off-Broadway before making its way to Broadway, where it gained critical acclaim for its innovative approach to musical theater.
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112
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Suburban America • Contemporary
2008
Adult
18+ years
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