Description

The inspiring, feel-good Richard & Judy Book Club pick about a small boy with a big heart – and even bigger dreams.

‘One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity’ – Ruth Jones, co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and bestselling author of Us Three

It was a journey they would always remember . . . for a friend they’d never forget.

Norman and Jax are a legendary comedic duo in waiting, with a five-year plan to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe by the time they’re fifteen. But when Jax dies before they turn twelve, Norman decides a tribute act for his best friend just can’t wait, so he rewrites their plan:

1. Look after Mum | 2. Find Dad | 3. Get to the Edinburgh Fringe

Sadie knows she won’t win Mother of the Year and she’s not proud she doesn’t know who her son’s father is. But when she finds Norman’s list, all she wants is to see her son smile again. So, enlisting the help of eccentric friend Leonard – an 84-year-old veteran with superior planning skills and a thirst for adventure! – they set off on a pilgrimage to Edinburgh, making a few stops to find Norman’s dad along the way.

–

‘An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour’ – Mail on Sunday
‘Charming, funny and cheering’ – Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy
‘As moving as it is funny. And it’s very funny’ – Romesh Ranganathan
‘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

Readers are in love with Norman:

***** ‘This has everything a feel good book should have. I loved it’
***** ‘Norman is one of the most lovable characters I have ever met’
***** ‘A book to make you laugh and cry in the same moment, a bittersweet read’
***** ‘A charming, uplifting tale of love, family, friendship and hope’
***** ‘A beautifully written novel about having the courage to hold on to and chase your dreams’

Publisher Review

One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale. * Ruth Jones * An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour. * Mail on Sunday * 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 SAVING MISSY * As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny. * Romesh Ranganathan * 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 * Tender and hilarious... the perfect tonic for our current times * Katherine Parkinson * What a delightful read! This book is about what's really important: caring for each other and finding ways through the problems life throws at us, no matter how terrible they can be. The story is both hilarious and heart-warming, with one 'helluva' brave, wise, and lovable twelve-year-old hero... Three cheers for Norman Foreman! * Hazel Prior, author of AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS * Funny, sparking and moving. * Wendy Holden, Daily Mail * A gorgeous book that will warm the cockles of your heart. * The Sun * An enjoyable, feelgood read * Daily Mirror * If you're after a heart-warming book filled to the brim with hope and humanity, then Julietta Henderson's charming The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman should be your next read . . . A life-affirming tale. * CultureFly * 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 * Charming, warm, and uplifting... 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 *