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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
This book has one of the most original opening lines I've read. To my surprise, the book was funny as promised. It deals with rather serious topics: love, loss, and grief. Henderson treats these topics with the seriousness they deserve and still avoids being overly mawkish or treacly. I thoroughly enjoyed the wit of the narrators.
Until James. Then the plot jumps the shark, loses its balance, and plunges into the sea of mawkishness and improbability.
Until James. Then the plot jumps the shark, loses its balance, and plunges into the sea of mawkishness and improbability.
Stop everything and read this book. Laughed out loud on a plane. Cried the next few mins later. Just wow.
Annoyed at vulnerability of mother
Awed at the level / bond of friendship.
Raw feelings at various parts in the book.
Annoyed at vulnerability of mother
Awed at the level / bond of friendship.
Raw feelings at various parts in the book.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Excellent story of a 12 year olds boys determination to get to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival after losing his best friend. Takes a while to get going but once the adventure begins, you get hooked.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I loved this! It all starts when Norman's best friend dies. Their 5-year plan to perform as a comedy duo at the Edinburgh Fringe when they're 15 seems doomed. But with the help of his mom, Sadie, and an elderly coworker of Sadie's, Leonard, the Fringe - 3 years early - is going to happen. The ensuing trip to Edinburgh is full of adventure and love.
(I listed to the audio of this book. It was sometimes difficult to understand the narrator.)
(I listed to the audio of this book. It was sometimes difficult to understand the narrator.)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Norman and his mum Sadie love each other well. In this story we get the perspective of both as they reconcile the past with the present. Sadie is introspective about how to help her son and about her fears, realistic about the ups and downs of motherhood. Norman is studying comedy and grieving his best friend Jax. The cast of characters they encounter on their journey brought encouragement and found family, plus loads of love and laughter.
Julietta Henderson is a fabulous storyteller. Her characters and plot were intriguing and her execution was fabulous. Details like famous comedians, diverse characters, advice, and the 5-year plan helped counter the grief, sadness, and longing that are major themes. I teared up at times and I laughed out loud many times. Many times while reading I had goosebumps.
I really loved this novel. I listened to it on audio and that was good for the comedic timing and listening to different perspectives. There were a few issues with the audio - the volume track and times when the narrator’s character voices and choices pulled me out of the story. I did order a paperback because there were so many wonderful lines I wanted to read again and remember. I highly recommend this book for its depth and quality. May we all learn about love, family, and hope from Norman and his friends. And may we live with the truth of “one never knows”.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Aw so cute