Degree of Normal by Barbara Harken

​Author Barbara Harken introduces us to her novelized story, Degree of Normal:
At her mother’s funeral, Jocelyn makes a startling discovery―she has an aunt, her mother’s sister. Not only does this woman offer college-student Jocelyn much needed employment, but Aunt Paula holds the key to unlocking family secrets, secrets Jocelyn needs to confront.

With the help of her best friend Alex, Jocelyn begins a journey of knocking down inner walls she has erected from years of abuse. The question is―will those broken walls free her or bury her? And what about this new-found aunt, a restaurateur/artist who signs her paintings “Charlie”?

In this psychological novel, enter the world of trauma survival through dissociation and redemption through love and courage.

​This is quite an amazing book. The handling of PTSD and DID is sensitive and touching. While this is a novelized version of the author’s story, it rings with sincerity and relevance, without getting too graphic.
I greatly appreciate how Barbara keeps the POV clean, it saves a lot of confusion for the reader. The use of a journal to provide relevant background information is done very well.
I love how Jocelyn’s deeply buried story is slowly brought forth into the light. The process can be excruciating and very lengthy, occurring in stages.
I give Degree of Normal 4.7 stars.

​You can buy this book:
https://rdrpublishers.com/products/degree-of-normal
https://www.amazon.com/Degree-of-Normal
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Degree-Normal
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33510145-degree-of-normal
 
You can follow Barbara:
https://www.facebook.com/barbara.harken.9 

​psychology, multiple personalities, childhood abuse, healing, DID, inspirational 

Copyright © 2017 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction