You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
Although at times a little over the top, characters I cheer for, emotions I relate to, and the sweetness of a family found all make The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson a memorable debut. This book is a story of healing and of creating a family out of love and empathy. The lesson of the book is clear – never give up because you never know.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/05/the-funny-thing-about-norman-foreman.html
Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher's blog tour.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/05/the-funny-thing-about-norman-foreman.html
Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher's blog tour.
I listened to the audiobook for this title.
Although the story alternately centers on a 12 year old boy and his mum, it never felt too juvenile or as though the book was written "down" to the reader. I think this setup (alternating narration between those 2 main characters) helped emphasize the "adult" situation that Norman was experiencing (the loss of his best friend.) Norman and his mother, Sadie, have both experienced loss and grieve together in the book; I liked that while the author didn't shy away from this tough subject, she treated it with love and empathy. Norman and his mother grow closer in their grief rather than one or both of them railing against the person who loves them most.
Their friend Leonard, who joins them on a road trip further into the book, isn't a caricatured older man. He is social media savvy and a good friend to Sadie and Norman.
Although the story alternately centers on a 12 year old boy and his mum, it never felt too juvenile or as though the book was written "down" to the reader. I think this setup (alternating narration between those 2 main characters) helped emphasize the "adult" situation that Norman was experiencing (the loss of his best friend.) Norman and his mother, Sadie, have both experienced loss and grieve together in the book; I liked that while the author didn't shy away from this tough subject, she treated it with love and empathy. Norman and his mother grow closer in their grief rather than one or both of them railing against the person who loves them most.
Their friend Leonard, who joins them on a road trip further into the book, isn't a caricatured older man. He is social media savvy and a good friend to Sadie and Norman.
This book is as uplifting as it is funny. Norman and his mother Sadie take us on a trip across the country, from Cornwall to Edinburgh; to find a missing father and for 12 year old Norman to perform in one of the biggest comedy festivals around.
Written very much in the vein of Harrold Fry and the 100 Year Old Man, Julietta Henderson sweeps us along with these two adorable characters, on a journey of self discovery, friendship and acceptance. We find the most delectable, quirky travel companions along the way, who help and hinder the progress, but always push them forward in some way or another.
This book is hilarious in places, yet it still manages to handle the highly sensitive topic of grief with delicacy and insight. Grief in its raw state and grief that has been buried for many years; both are unpacked here and through one catastrophic week, we witness the beginning of a new way forward, an understanding of the past, and a renewed appreciation of the relationship between a mother and her son. A relationship that is unbreakable and as solid as can be, yet set within that relationship are two individuals who feel that they are unworthy of the love received by the other. This epic journey gives them both a self-belief that can carry them forward and help heal the traumatic events of their past.
A fantastically entertaining read, but written with such care that creates complex, and credible characters – it is a book of hope and one that celebrates having the courage to follow your dreams.
Written very much in the vein of Harrold Fry and the 100 Year Old Man, Julietta Henderson sweeps us along with these two adorable characters, on a journey of self discovery, friendship and acceptance. We find the most delectable, quirky travel companions along the way, who help and hinder the progress, but always push them forward in some way or another.
This book is hilarious in places, yet it still manages to handle the highly sensitive topic of grief with delicacy and insight. Grief in its raw state and grief that has been buried for many years; both are unpacked here and through one catastrophic week, we witness the beginning of a new way forward, an understanding of the past, and a renewed appreciation of the relationship between a mother and her son. A relationship that is unbreakable and as solid as can be, yet set within that relationship are two individuals who feel that they are unworthy of the love received by the other. This epic journey gives them both a self-belief that can carry them forward and help heal the traumatic events of their past.
A fantastically entertaining read, but written with such care that creates complex, and credible characters – it is a book of hope and one that celebrates having the courage to follow your dreams.
When you're twelve years old and your best friend dies life can be very hard. Norman Foreman loses his best friend Jax suddenly and he is left with a empty hole in his heart. Jax was an amazing kid. He was caring, outspoken, and he helped Norman come out of his shy and quiet shell. They had a five year plan set as a comedic duo. You see, Norman and Jax loved comedy and they made sure to always put on a show. Their dream was to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Even Sadie, Norman's mom, misses Jax. Not only was he an amazing friend to her son, but he made her home lively with his presence, often getting into little schemes. Being a single mother, Sadie lost her dad (whom was also a comedian; not so successful though) a year before she had Norman. Her grief and heartbreak led her to questionable behavior, such as drinking and having one night stands. As a result, she doesn't really know who Norman's father could be. She often feels she's not a great mother, considering she can't do anything to get her son out of his misery. It doesn't help either that her boss is a pain in the butt. After she spills all her woes on her co-worker, whom comes up with a plan to help Norman and Sadie look for his real father.
This book was simply amazing. It's a story about friendship, love, family, and never giving up. The way Julietta brought the characters to life was refreshing and she really takes you on an adventure with all the different characters she brings aboard this road trip. Huge thanks to Mira books, NetGalley, and Harlequin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Even Sadie, Norman's mom, misses Jax. Not only was he an amazing friend to her son, but he made her home lively with his presence, often getting into little schemes. Being a single mother, Sadie lost her dad (whom was also a comedian; not so successful though) a year before she had Norman. Her grief and heartbreak led her to questionable behavior, such as drinking and having one night stands. As a result, she doesn't really know who Norman's father could be. She often feels she's not a great mother, considering she can't do anything to get her son out of his misery. It doesn't help either that her boss is a pain in the butt. After she spills all her woes on her co-worker, whom comes up with a plan to help Norman and Sadie look for his real father.
This book was simply amazing. It's a story about friendship, love, family, and never giving up. The way Julietta brought the characters to life was refreshing and she really takes you on an adventure with all the different characters she brings aboard this road trip. Huge thanks to Mira books, NetGalley, and Harlequin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
cute story, very wholesome. wasn't really a page turner for me but i enjoyed the book overall 7/10
What a lovely sweet funny touching heartbreaking road-trip book about Norman, his mom, his “Rolls Royce of best friends” and the friends they pick up on the way to the Edinburgh Fringe.
If you like Nick Horsby’s About a Boy, the book or movie you’ll love this.