Somewhat close to normal

the long version

"Set during the shroud 9/11 cast over the nation, Ebonye Gussine's debut novel showcases lifelong New York City residents who struggle for orientation in their irrevocably transformed world. For all, 9/11 sparks a time of forced beginnings, as each person learns to cope with loss as they face a society of newly intesified prejudice. An ensemble of native New Yorkers is unknowingly drawn together by the mysterious Gabriel, who haunts key moments of their lives as he struggles to reassemble his own fragmented existence"--P. [4] of cover.