“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 … 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.
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This is the story of Norman. A 12 year old boy who just lost his best friend, Jax. The two had planned on becoming a comedy duo at the Edinburg Fringe when they are older. When Jax dies, Norman decides he needs to do this festival himself as a tribute to his friend. What he realizes as he starts his journey that Jax was the funny one of the group.
When Norman approaches his mom, Sadie, about his idea of doing the Edinburg Fringe, she wants to do what she can to help him. Norman is lost without his best friend, so she tells Norman that she will help him. Norman has another request – he wants to find his father. Sadie enlist the help of her friend and co-worker – an 80+ year old man named Leonard – to help them. The three set off on a wild adventure to meet the men that could possibly be Norman’s father and help him fulfill his dream of stand up comedy.
This book is so sweet and heartwarming, you will want to read it all at once. Sweet Norman, who just lost his best friend, pulls at your heartstrings as you easily imagine what it would be like for one of your own children. Sadie – a mom who loves Norman more than anything else in the world, but who cannot fathom how she is going to pull this off without watching Norman get his heart broken. And Leonard – a sweet old man who is savvy with the internet drives them wherever they want to go and is Norman’s biggest cheerleader. The story has one great turn after another where you are rooting for Norman to be successful in his quest and regain some happiness after his tragic loss.
Definitely read this one. You won’t be disappointed.
Told from alternating points of view, the plot runs smoothly through both characters, giving the reader insight to deeper thoughts and motivations. That’s not to say that it’s a heavy book, because in spite of the tragedy at the beginning, the author maintains a balance of serious and lighthearted moments. I was particularly taken by Norman’s attitude. Another thing about Jax and Norman’s friendship was that it perfectly illustrated why people should never assume things about other people, especially kids. I felt that Sadie’s “poor me” attitude was annoying at times. Leonard was my favorite character, and someone I would love to know. Great story that covers multiple themes, definitely recommended. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin (MIRA) for a digital ARC of the book.
The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman is one of the most heartfelt and inspiring stories I’ve had the pleasure to read of late. Twelve year old Norman has one of the biggest hearts and some of the best intentions. He’s just recently lost his best-friend Jax, who he’s made plans with to perform as the straight-man in a comedy routine at the infamous Edinburgh “Fringe” festival. Jax’s loss is deeply felt by both Norman and his mother Sadie. Norman intends to fulfill his and Jax’s dream and with mother Sadie fully supportive, they embark on an amazing road-trip.
Julietta Henderson delivers the story from both of their perspectives and it’s simply brilliantly done. I loved Sadie for the way she loved Norman, and that feeling was well conveyed on their journey. They are joined by a co-worker of sorts of Sadie’s, Leonard, who does much to bring the trip together, to make it an adventure, especially as the trip quickly morphs into a chance for Sadie to find Norman’s father.
There is so much to love about Sadie and Norman’s relationship. I devoured this book and missed them when I was forced to out the book down. There’s a lot of humor, surprises and compassion shared and the central characters experience much self-discover. I wholeheartedly recommend this 5 Star read.
Norman and Jax are best friends and have their own five year plan. They love comedy and have their own stand up skit. It’s their dream to perform at the Fringe but unfortunately like all dreams they don’t all come true.
Norman decides he wants to find his biological father and fulfill his and Jax’s dream.
We meet some interesting characters and Norman and his Mother have several obstacles to face.
Parts of the book were really good, it seems to drag a bit in the middle. It was a little different from what I normally read
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy