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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman is the delightful, tender, and enriching tale of friendship, resilience, and achieving your goals.
Norman is 12 years old and has to attend the funeral of his best friend, Jax. They had plans to become the next Morecambe and Wise at the Edinburgh Fringe, but now there’s a much quieter Jax-shaped hole in Norman’s little heart. But his naturally fretful mum, Sadie, decides her son will perform at the Fringe. So with the help of a friend;y senior named Leonard, they embark on a road trip to Scotland, with many adventures and new faces along the way.
The point of view alternates between Norman and Sadie, and I love the relationship between them. It’s truly one of the most heart-warming aspects of the book, and their journey is one I’m sure I’ll remember. Sadie thinks she’s failing as a mother, while Norman feels he isn’t as funny or brave without Jax. And the development of the two characters, along with pearls of wisdom from Leonard, make this a deeply moving but gratifying read.
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman brings out the importance of love and friendship in the face of grief and anxiety. Henderson’s writing flows beautifully, and is so easy to read and enjoy. The plot has a nice balance of humour, charm, and depth to make a well-rounded reading experience. I was surprised by just how riveting this narrative is, with its comical ups, touching downs, and exciting secondary characters. This is the type of story that makes you smile and inspires endurance. Norman’s expressions will do doubt pull at your heart strings. A great debut!
Norman is 12 years old and has to attend the funeral of his best friend, Jax. They had plans to become the next Morecambe and Wise at the Edinburgh Fringe, but now there’s a much quieter Jax-shaped hole in Norman’s little heart. But his naturally fretful mum, Sadie, decides her son will perform at the Fringe. So with the help of a friend;y senior named Leonard, they embark on a road trip to Scotland, with many adventures and new faces along the way.
The point of view alternates between Norman and Sadie, and I love the relationship between them. It’s truly one of the most heart-warming aspects of the book, and their journey is one I’m sure I’ll remember. Sadie thinks she’s failing as a mother, while Norman feels he isn’t as funny or brave without Jax. And the development of the two characters, along with pearls of wisdom from Leonard, make this a deeply moving but gratifying read.
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman brings out the importance of love and friendship in the face of grief and anxiety. Henderson’s writing flows beautifully, and is so easy to read and enjoy. The plot has a nice balance of humour, charm, and depth to make a well-rounded reading experience. I was surprised by just how riveting this narrative is, with its comical ups, touching downs, and exciting secondary characters. This is the type of story that makes you smile and inspires endurance. Norman’s expressions will do doubt pull at your heart strings. A great debut!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Norman and Jax are a legendary comedy duo (or at least Normans mum tells them). They have a five year plan to perform at the Edinburugh Fringe Featival by the time theyre fifteen. But then Jax dies before they even turn twelve.
Normans mum Sadie kniws she wont win Mother of the Year anytime soon and she relly diesnt know (or care) who Normans father is. Sadies heart is broken whennshe discovers her grieving sons revised plan which includes 'find dad' and 'get to the Edinburugh Fringe to perform in memory of Jax'.
If performing in the Festival and meeting his dad are the two things that will help Norman through this devestating time, then Sadie is going to make them happen.
Norman, Sadie and her octogenarian work friend Leonard set off of the road trip of a lifetime, a pilgrimage to Edinburugh, to honour Jax and to track down a few could-be-fathers along the way.
This was an amazing, beautiful and teary debut from the author. I was crying both tears of despair, happiness and second hand embarrassment at many points in this book and i thoroughly loved it.
The characters are so real and vibrant. They suffer everyday problems and are relatable both in feelings and actions. Norman is truly the shining star of this adorable book and there is no way you cant fall in love with this kooky twelve year old and his huge heart.
In three words: Enchanting, inspiring, heart-warming.
Normans mum Sadie kniws she wont win Mother of the Year anytime soon and she relly diesnt know (or care) who Normans father is. Sadies heart is broken whennshe discovers her grieving sons revised plan which includes 'find dad' and 'get to the Edinburugh Fringe to perform in memory of Jax'.
If performing in the Festival and meeting his dad are the two things that will help Norman through this devestating time, then Sadie is going to make them happen.
Norman, Sadie and her octogenarian work friend Leonard set off of the road trip of a lifetime, a pilgrimage to Edinburugh, to honour Jax and to track down a few could-be-fathers along the way.
This was an amazing, beautiful and teary debut from the author. I was crying both tears of despair, happiness and second hand embarrassment at many points in this book and i thoroughly loved it.
The characters are so real and vibrant. They suffer everyday problems and are relatable both in feelings and actions. Norman is truly the shining star of this adorable book and there is no way you cant fall in love with this kooky twelve year old and his huge heart.
In three words: Enchanting, inspiring, heart-warming.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Norman und sein bester Freund Jax sind das perfekte Comdey-Duo - Norman, dessen Stärke seine Würde ist und sich die Witze pberlegt und Jax mit seiner direkten, witzigen Art, der die Gags auch tatsächlich umsetzen kann. Doch dann stirbt Jax unerwartet und der 12-jährige Norman bleibt allein mit dem Traum, beim Edinborough Fringe aufzutreten zurück. Dennoch gibt er nicht auf, und gemeinsam mit seiner Mutter und deren 70-jährigen Arbeitskollegen begiebt er sich mit einer Box voll Witzen auf einen Roadtrip von der Spitze Cornwalls bis nach Schottland hinauf, wobei sie auf dem Weg auch noch alle möglichen Väter von Norman abklappern (was manchmal ein wenig an Mamma Mia erinnert)
Das Buch ist abwechselnd aus den Perspektiven von Norman und seiner Mutter Sadie geschrieben, beides in Form eines inneren Monologes - also mit vielen Ellipsen, eingeschobenen Gedanken und Umgangssprache. Damit bekommt der Leser sofort einen Eindruck davon, wie die beiden Erzähler so ticken - und wie sehr sie sich gegenseitig lieben. Eines der absoluten Highlights für mich war definitiv zu sehen, wie sich Mutter und Sohn selbst sahen im Vergleich dazu wie sie einander sahen, die eine Perspektive voller Selbstzweifel und Kritik, die andere mit nichts als Bewunderung und aufrichtigeer Liebe.
Es werden durchaus ernste Themen behandelt, angefangen natürlich mit dem Verlust eines besten Freundes, über Mutterschaft bis zu Demenz und Suizid. Von den Witzen, die Norman vorbereitet, bekommt man kaum einen zu hören. Dennoch schafft die Autorin, die Lektüre nicht deprimierend zu machen, sondern positiv, herzerwärmend und mit der gelegentlichen Lebensweisheit.
Es ist eine fabelhafte Geschichte über Familie und Nicht-aufgeben, dass nach einem aktiongeladenen Ende auch einen perfekten Abschluss findet.
Das Buch ist abwechselnd aus den Perspektiven von Norman und seiner Mutter Sadie geschrieben, beides in Form eines inneren Monologes - also mit vielen Ellipsen, eingeschobenen Gedanken und Umgangssprache. Damit bekommt der Leser sofort einen Eindruck davon, wie die beiden Erzähler so ticken - und wie sehr sie sich gegenseitig lieben. Eines der absoluten Highlights für mich war definitiv zu sehen, wie sich Mutter und Sohn selbst sahen im Vergleich dazu wie sie einander sahen, die eine Perspektive voller Selbstzweifel und Kritik, die andere mit nichts als Bewunderung und aufrichtigeer Liebe.
Es werden durchaus ernste Themen behandelt, angefangen natürlich mit dem Verlust eines besten Freundes, über Mutterschaft bis zu Demenz und Suizid. Von den Witzen, die Norman vorbereitet, bekommt man kaum einen zu hören. Dennoch schafft die Autorin, die Lektüre nicht deprimierend zu machen, sondern positiv, herzerwärmend und mit der gelegentlichen Lebensweisheit.
Es ist eine fabelhafte Geschichte über Familie und Nicht-aufgeben, dass nach einem aktiongeladenen Ende auch einen perfekten Abschluss findet.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by @juliettahendersonauthor
"One really and truly best friend is a hundred times better than having a whole bunch that aren't quite sure"
"One really and truly best friend is a hundred times better than having a whole bunch that aren't quite sure"