The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman - by Julietta Henderson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Charming, warm and uplifting...there is so much to love about this book."--Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This is How It Always Is

A triumphant and touching debut about the unlikeliest superstar you'll ever meet.

Twelve-year-old Norman Foreman and his best friend, Jax, are a legendary comedic duo in waiting, with a plan to take their act all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe. But when Jax dies, Norman decides the only fitting tribute is to perform at the festival himself. The problem is, Norman's not the funny one. Jax was.

There's also another, far more colossal objective on Norman's new plan that his single mom, Sadie, wasn't ready for: he wants to find the father he's never known. Determined to put a smile back on her boy's face, Sadie resolves to face up to her own messy past, get Norman to the Fringe and help track down a man whose identity is a mystery, even to her.

Julietta Henderson's delightfully funny and tender debut takes us on a road trip with a mother and son who will live in the reader's heart for a long time to come, and teaches us that--no matter the odds--we must always reach for the stars.

Review Quotes

"The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman IS funny. It is charming, warm, and uplifting as well. But Julietta Henderson's quirky, lovable characters also offer profound meditations on family, friendship, grief, disability, illness, and aging, all told with heart, humor, and wisdom. There is so much to love about this book."--Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This is How it Always Is

"Norman Foreman will capture your heart, just as he does with everyone he meets on his quirky road-trip from heart-rending loss to comedy heaven. Norman's story had me in tears, both of laughter and sorrow, as he bravely battles against the odds to achieve his dream. His companions on his journey, and the wonderful characters he encounters along the way, have all suffered their own different losses, but, like Norman, have refused to let those challenges extinguish their optimism and love of life. 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, New York Times bestselling author of The Cactus

"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, New York Times bestselling author of The Authenticity Project

"What a charming, funny and cheering read. There's such a lovely, buoyant innocence to Norman and his quest--a coming-of-age that tickles and moves in equal measure. The writing is sharp but tender and in the same way that Marcus in About a Boy strengthens his house of cards, Norman builds the eccentric, loving network he deserves."--Beth Morrey, bestselling author of The Love Story of Missy Carmichael

"One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale."--Ruth Jones, bestselling author of Never Greener and co-creator of Gavin and Stacey

"Henderson's debut novel charms...Humor, heart, and hopefulness make Norman Foreman a winner for fans of Julia Claiborne Johnson's Be Frank with Me and R. J. Palacio's Wonder."--Booklist

"Sensational debut...a master class in layering grief with humour, without sliding towards darkness. Heavy, yet full of charming quirks, this is one novel that meaningfully earns the description of 'feel-good.'"--Apple Books

"Reminiscent of the movie Little Miss Sunshine...Henderson's cheekiness and humor shine as mother and son share their innermost fears and discuss how to carry on amid loss and grief. A lineup of great supporting characters keep things memorable and often laugh-out-loud funny. At its core, the novel is a celebration of friendships, new and old, that shape life in the best possible way. This is a happy tear-jerker for sure."--BookPage

"To read The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is to befriend three underdogs and join in on their zigging and zagging adventure. I wanted to get into the car with Norman, Sadie, and Leonard. This trio will melt your heart, lift your spirit, and make you want call your nearest and dearest to tell them how much you love them."--Brianna Wolfson, author of That Summer in Maine

"What a delightful read! Hilarious and heart-warming, with one 'helluva' brave, wise, and lovable twelve-year-old hero... This book is about what's really important: caring for each other and finding ways through the problems life throws at you, no matter how terrible they are."--Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins/How the Penguins Saved Veronica

"An absolutely wonderful book. Inspiring, hilarious and so poignant. I ADORE Norman! The book has such real, relatable characters who deal with loss in a beautifully unique way. I can't wait to read it again and I highly recommend it."--Jessica Ryn, author of The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside