By Donna Sellers

Bob and I changed the title to the book several times until finally ending with the current title which fits not only the story told, but also the way we have chosen to lead our lives. “Perfect,” we said.

Upon deeper reflection about the story, I came to realize that each one of the female characters represented a different part of me and were easy characters with whom to identify (the Butcher Ladies were the exception). H. Effie Hugh reminded me of how I often put the importance of work and achievement ahead of a relationship. Dayly Love reminded me of my past desire to connect with someone who was capable of understanding me but also able to challenge my repetitious patterns from the past that no longer served me.

I liked how Dayly and Effie were able to stand up and say what they felt to the male therapists. They were both interested in pursuing new romances as they realized a deeper, committed relationship was more important to them than just having daily orgasms. They both realized, “Something is missing” and took action to change that. I loved their active pursuit of the men they wanted in their life as well as their decision to consult an expert, Dr. Myrx Va Por, on ways to create the future they each wanted.

Although many of the male characters in the book are exaggerated and sometimes absurd, they did remind me of men I have known who struggled because they were so sure they had all the answers to life. I often gave up my power to men without realizing it, getting pulled into a few side trips. However, I always assumed there was something to be learned from each experience in life.

I found the self-destructive, neurotic  therapist, Newton Rotic, to be be hilarious as he tries to adapt to the challenges of his first day at the Center.  Bringing in visionary Danly Morrso who introduces cannabis and insight into the story when nothing else could possibly change Newton, was brilliant:  “do you want to be an ant or a grasshopper?” One lesson his story holds for me—no matter how bad things are, there is always hope for something better just waiting for you.

An Absence Of Normal reminds me of the years I spent as a therapist touching the inner lives of so many. It was good to laugh about something I once took so seriously. I also identified with the title of the story as I never did the normal thing either. I was always interested in going beyond the normal and hence trained in many alternative therapies, experienced unusual men in my life and finally married a man who has always been successful and happy to be living in an absence of normal and has helped many clients to imagine their way to a new normal.