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The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson

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The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

by Julietta Henderson

Narrator Katherine Parkinson

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Length 9 hours 10 minutes

Language English

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Bookseller recommendation

“I'm so glad I listened to this book. The story, about a young boy who suffers from eczema, loses a best friend, doesn't know his dad and is struggling to help his poor mom get by while trying to perfect his comedy routine for "The Fringe" is sweet, funny and sincere. I love audiobooks read by those with British and Irish accents, and the audio performance makes the book feel even more charming and personal. There is a heaviness to the book -- it's not always an easy story to get through -- there are a few gut punches. But, they are well-delivered and beautifully handled. It's hard to imagine not enjoying this book and loving little Norman Foreman.”
— Molly • Scrawl Books

Bookseller recommendation

“For a great book with all the feels, you can't beat The Funny Thing About Norman Forman. Sadie is an imperfect but devoted single mother to 12 year old Norman who has just suffered the tragic loss of his larger-than-life best friend. In an impulsive attempt to ease his mourning, Sadie promises Norman she'll help him accomplish a couple of epic goals. Now she's in way over her head but they're off on an adventure full of heart, laughter, and memorable characters. I absolutely fell in love with this surprising and heartfelt novel. Highly recommend for fans of Fredrik Backman.”
— Jessica • Literally Speaking

Bookseller recommendation

“My new absolute all time favorite book!! Quite simply the loveliest, most heartwarming, uplifting, feel good and funniest book I’ve read in a very long time. Norman, Sadie & Leonard will stick with me for a long while to come. If you love character driven stories this is one for you.”
— Polly • The Hickory Stick Bookshop

Summary
About the author

"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.

Fiction Humor

Julietta Henderson is a full-time writer and comedy fan who splits her time between her home country of Australia and the UK. The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman is Julietta’s first novel.