Reviewed by Jessyca Garcia for Readers' Favorite

Act Normal: Memoir of a Stumbling Block by Kristy Burmeister was an eye-opening read. When Kristy begins getting stalked by a member of her church, she turns to the other members in hopes of getting help. You would think that being the pastor’s daughter would help her situation. Instead of helping, the congregation members turn their backs on her. The betrayal from her church is what starts Kristy on the path of leading a troubled life. She lives in fear and cannot escape the situations she gets herself into.

Act Normal: Memoir of a Stumbling Block made me realize what could happen if people keep blaming the victim. Kristy was a good girl. She devoted her life to the church and followed the rules that she was supposed to follow. With no one to really support her, she began making the wrong choices in her life. It takes a village to raise a child and this village shunned one for being a victim. This story is not just about the church turning its back on Kristy; it is also about other events that happened in her life that got her to where she is now.

I was able to relate to Kristy on some levels because I too have been in similar situations as her. I really liked how Kristy told her story. She used her sarcastic and unique sense of humor throughout the whole book. I am glad that Kristy was finally able to find some peace in her life. The one thing I wished that was included in this story is what happened to the original stalker. I am curious if he stalked other girls too. Overall, I really liked this story and I think it could help other victims.