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A heartwarming story at its core, with Norman and Sadie both being relatable and real characters with all their flaws. I think the topics of grief and Norman’s condition could have been delved into a little deeper. An enjoyable read. – Hanadi, NSW, 3 Stars The funny thing about Norman Foreman is that he's wheedled his way into my heart, and I suspect I'll have a Norman shaped hole there forever. Clare Pooley, author of THE AUTHENTICITY PROJECT Now a full-time writer, Julietta divides her life between Melbourne, the UK and wherever else she can find winter. The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is her debut novel. What a delightful read! Hilarious and heartwarming, with one "helluva" brave, wise and lovable hero. Three cheers for Norman Foreman.' Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is funny. It is charming, warm, and uplifting as well. There is so much to love about this book.’ Laurie Frankel, author of This is How it Always Is
The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman - Penguin Books Australia The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman - Penguin Books Australia
The funny thing about Norman Foreman is that he’s wheedled his way into my heart, and I suspect I’ll have a Norman shaped hole there forever.” Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project Content Consideration: death of a child (of natural causes), suicide (childhood memory), grief, a painful and chronic health condition (psoriasis)I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story follows Norman, a twelve-year-old eczema sufferer; Sadie, a self-doubting mother of Norman and Leonard, an elderly and highly industrial man who met Sadie at work; after the sudden death of Norman’s best friend Jax. The story is compassionate, warm and fun, despite being set around dark circumstances. Their struggles and effort to cope with these circumstances lead them on an adventure of hope and determination. Their goal is to complete Norman and Jax’s five-year plan, in a much shorter time frame and get to the Edinburgh Fringe, whilst also finding Norman’s biological father. Along the way, they meet many quirky and wonderful people and find out a lot about themselves as well. This novel was incredibly well-written and consistently toyed with my emotions, making me both want to laugh and cry at times. I also loved all the characters and found them, their actions, and their overall emotions to be thoroughly convincing and honest. I would definitely recommend this novel to others and I will definitely seek out any novels by this author in the future. Thank you, Better Reading and Penguin, for this review opportunity. – Katherine, VIC, 4 Stars When Norman Foreman, at only 12 years old, loses his best ever friend in the world, he sets out to complete their 5-year plan alone. With some minor tweaks of course – not only will he perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, he will also try to find his father along the way. This was without a doubt, the most amazing and uplifting book that I’ve read in a long time. It explores so many aspects of life: growing up, learning to cope with grief, parent-child relationships, and even the fine line between success and failure. However, this book will also remind you that sometimes, friends are found in all the wrong places, sometimes failure is success, and sometimes you need to aim for the stars. I love you Norman and Sadie. – Tamara, VIC, 4 Stars Norman Foreman and his best friend Jax have a five-year plan. This cheese-loving comedy duo are going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to live out their dreams. Not all goes to plan when Jax dies and Norman decides to change the plan slightly and go to the Fringe with a tribute show for his mate. For a 12-year-old, this is a lot but to add more confusion to his travels, he is looking for his real father – which his mum has narrowed down to one of 4 interesting candidates she had hooked up with all those years ago. In the midst of the sadness of losing a friend, Norman and his mum Sadie and an old gentleman named Leonard, cross the paths of many new faces that form part of Norman’s new family as he makes his way to Edinburgh to give the performance of his life. A heartwarming story of sheer endurance and hope told from the perspectives of mother and son – tells tales of not only their lives but those that intertwine with theirs as they move through the world. – Suzie, WA, 4 Stars Recommended: I enthusiastically recommend The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman for readers who are looking for a humorous and unique (quirky?) story, for those who appreciate stories with thoughtful themes (see above), for those who enjoy supporting debut authors, and for book clubs. Thanks to Joanne at Portobello Book Blog (her review) for the recommendation in our 20 blogger collaboration this summer!
The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman (Paperback) - Waterstones
Oh, Norman Foreman how the world needs more of you! Pour yourself a good pot of tea and then strap yourself in for a heartwarming and antic filled adventure as you follow Norman and his mum, Sadie, on a road trip to find Norman’s dad and a place for Norman to perform his stand up comedy routine and honour his best friend after his recent passing. It’s quirky, a bit offbeat and explores loss and grief, relationships, connections and self-discovery. Although I enjoyed it, it did take me a while to get into and I found some of the characters’ self-reflections a bit too repetitive. I think my favourite part of this book were the characters that Norman gathered along the way. They all got under my skin and I found myself cheering them on as they muddled their way through some funny situations. I particularly enjoyed reading Norman’s chapters. Everyone should be more Norman and see the world through his eyes. – Tammy, SA, 3 StarsJulietta Henderson grew up in the rain forests of North Queensland, and developed her passion for the written word producing ‘magazines’ for school friends and neighbors with her sister. She has worked her way through jobs as diverse as bicycle tour guide in Tuscany, nanny in the Italian Alps and breakfast waitress in the wilds of Scotland. Like many Australians, her love affair with Europe began when she came to London and stayed for more than a decade. I do believe this book is worth a try. Perhaps it is out there just waiting to be read by you. Maybe it needs to be read as much as you need to read it. And maybe when you read this book you’ll think, I’ve heard this phrase before. One just never knows. But I do know this, I’m happy I read this book. – Kirralee, SA, 4 Stars Norman Foreman will capture your heart. His story had me in tears, both of laughter and sorrow, as he bravely battles against the odds to achieve his dream. The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is a book full of hope, humour and kindness, with one of the most endearing central characters I've met in a long time. An utter delight! Sarah Haywood, bestselling author of THE CACTUS A book full of hope, humour and kindness, with one of the most endearing central characters I’ve met in a long time. An utter delight!’ Sarah Haywood, author of The Cactus
Funny Thing about Norman Foreman: Julietta Henderson The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman: Julietta Henderson
Little Miss Sunshine meets Wonder meets A Man Called Ove in this stunning debut novel that will touch your heart. “What do you get when you cross a painfully awkward son, lofty comedic ambition and a dead best friend? Norman.” Norman’s mum Sadie knows she won’t win Mother of the Year anytime soon, and she really doesn’t know, or care, who Norman’s father is. But her heart is broken when she discovers her grieving son’s revised plan: ‘Find Dad’ and ‘Get to the Edinburgh Fringe’.The unlikely trio makes new friends, learn more about each other, and Norman's wish to follow in the comedic footsteps of his grandfather flourishes. Amusing, touching, and at times heartbreaking, The Funny Story of Normal Foreman is a journey of self-discovering for a small boy with a big heart - and even bigger dreams. The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is an inspiring, feel-good novel about a small boy with a big heart, a woman who would do anything for her son, and a journey that will change their lives … One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale. Ruth Jones I loved Norman and his incredible journey to make his dreams a reality. I enjoyed all the people he met along the way and didn’t want the book to end. I think after 2020 everyone needs some refreshing read that helps them to forget the horrors of the world, and thanks to Julietta Henderson, The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman was the book for me. Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia and Better Reads for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. – Meg, SA, 5 Stars
Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Your Preview Verdict: The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by
Great read – relatable, funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking and inspiring! I loved the story, and couldn’t put the book down. I dare you not to love Norman and his gang as they follow their journey of discovery for all! – Eliza, QLD, 4 Stars It took me a bit of getting used to this writing style however once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Norman, Sadie and Leonard took me on. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and a great read. I would definitely recommend this book! – Emily, VIC, 3 Stars Norman is 12 years old when his best friend and comedy partner Jax dies, ending their 'Five-Year Plan' to do a stand-up show at the Edinburgh Fringe by the time they're fifteen. Norman decides to pay tribute to Jax by rewriting the plan: take care of his mum, find dad, and go to the Edinburgh Fringe this year. Norman's mum, Sadie, finds his list and promises to get Norman a slot at this year's Fringe.An engaging story that both hurt my heart and warmed it. Loved the characters and their journey and growth. – Claire, SA, 4 Stars If meeting his dad and performing at the Festival are the two things that will help Norman through this devastating time, then Sadie is going to make them happen.
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