An Unexpected Normal
Raising a Child with Special Needs
Coming Soon! February 2026
“This memoir, written in articulate, conversational prose and packed with comprehensive medical information that should be useful for fellow travelers, is at times an emotionally-challenging read. But readers will also share in the family’s joy when KiKi smiles or giggles, exhibits her determination to communicate while not able to speak, and expresses her obvious love for each member of her family.
Heartwarming, painful, and inspiring.”
—Kirkus Review
“An Unexpected Normal is a heartfelt memoir, and Angelini conveys her emotions with unflinching honesty, sharing moments of fear, guilt, and exhaustion alongside tenderness and pure love, allowing readers in on a deeply human level. . . she brings her family’s daily life vividly to the page. Beautiful, and very highly recommended.”
—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star Review
Faced with the possibility of losing their three-day-old second child when she contracts meningitis, Normann and Rita Angelini experience all five stages of grief. Terrified for their daughter, they bargain, plead, and beg for a miracle—and they get one, but it isn’t what they expected: though KiKi survives, her illness results in severe brain damage, and she is ultimately diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
In the aftermath of this diagnosis, denial and anger take over. Rita fights to keep her vision of who she thinks KiKi could be, and she channels her energy into searching for a procedure—some therapy—that would change KiKi’s outcome. In pursuit of a cure, the Angelini family treks across the United States and abroad—but somewhere along the way, acceptance of and joy in who KiKi is prevail over the idea of “fixing” her.
A memoir of unending hope, faith lost and rediscovered, and unconditional love, An Unexpected Normal offers other parents of children born with a disability hope that joy is always within reach—even in the most challenging of circumstances.
“An Unexpected Normal is a testimony to the importance of community, told with clarity and emotion by a warrior mother who never gives up.”
—Marianne Leone, actress and author of Jesse
PRE-ORDER IS AVAILABLE:
An Unexpected Normal
Essays Published in Anthologies
Eighty-three survivors of Hurricane Ian share their stories of suffering, persistence, and ingenuity. Telling their stories was one step toward recovery.
Rita’s short story, “It Wasn’t Coming Here” outlines the reason we stayed and the horror we experienced that fateful day as our neighborhood was destroyed by the storm.
Published Independently in July 2023
Meaningful Conflicts
Published April, 2023
This anthology sponsored by Off Campus Writers’ Workshop inspired authors to reach their writing goals. Forty-nine authors contributed to this silver award-winning collection of stories by Foreward Review in the Anthology category
Rita’s story, “Cool Mom,” delves into the complex relationship between a mother and a daughter who has a sibling with special needs.
How I Met my Mother
Published February, 2022
I’m one of 16 authors who have an essay in this wonderful short-story collection of unexpected beginnings and second chances. It’s full of feisty, courageous, funny, and magical stories of love.
Rita’s short story, “He’s a Keeper” delves further into Normann and my relationship though numerous breakups creating the strong foundation to handle raising a child with special needs.
Turning Points
Published May, 2021
This anthology celebrated the 75th anniversary of Off Campus Writers’ Workshop. Forty-three authors contributed to the collections of stories.
Rita’s story, “Screensaver,” is loosely based on my decision whether to stay in corporate America after the death of my daughter or find a deeper purpose in life.