Content Consideration: death of a child (of natural causes), suicide (childhood memory), grief, a painful and chronic health condition (psoriasis) 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 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 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 A rare delight of a novel. A lighthearted, madcap road trip from Cornwall to Edinburgh for poor little Norman Foreman (a sweet child with terrible timing and even more terrible psoriasis, mourning the untimely death of his best friend and comedy partner) to make his stage debut at the Fringe Festival – and maybe find his father along the way. The pace could have been tightened at points, and there was a little bit of repetitive self-reflection from the main characters which could have been trimmed. There were also a few slightly clumsy moments of slut-shaming and fat-shaming, but I think those were generally redeemed. Overall the novel was a slow-burning, richly developed, and entertaining read culminating in a snappy, hilarious finale. Heart-warming without being cloying, moving without being mushy, a beautifully human book full of beautifully human characters – all in all, a fabulous read. – Sylvia, QLD, 5 Stars

Book review: The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta

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 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 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! 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 StarsI 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 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 One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale.' Ruth Jones, actress and author of Never Greener

The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman (Hardback) - Waterstones The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman (Hardback) - Waterstones

A pleasantly surprising book for a debut author and one that anyone and everyone can easily read. It is also a story quite a few people could in some way relate to. It had family, death, sadness, fun, life and even happiness. The story of a boy, Norman, the death of a friend, Jax and Norman’s mother, Sadie, who is dealing with her own past. The adventures Norman and his mother Sadie have are led by an elderly friend Leonard who takes them on a journey of discovery, laughter and even grief. Although a bit slow to read it is still a charming, heart-warming story that actually takes you right along on the journey and introduces you to some great characters. I can’t say I loved it but I did enjoy it and found it an easy read, which brings home life and how each of us has our own way of dealing with the things it throws at us. – Donna, TAS, 3 Stars An engaging story that both hurt my heart and warmed it. Loved the characters and their journey and growth. – Claire, SA, 4 StarsWhat do you get when you cross a painfully awkward son, lofty comedic ambition and a dead best friend? Norman." Julietta 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.