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There are currently 23 member reviews
for The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman
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Karen R. (Columbus, OH)
Found Family
I loved this book. It has been hard for me to read during COVID times. This book kept my interest, and I cared about all the characters. I love quirky, interesting characters, and the found family concept. I thought about these characters even when I wasn't reading this book. I had the same feelings when I read and loved "The One In A Million Boy" by Monica Wood. It is hard to believe this is Julietta Henderson's first novel. Highly recommend.
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Beth M
A big hearted, wonderful story,
This is a fabulous, feel good novel about 12 year old Norman, his mom Sadie, and their 80 year old friend Leonard. Norman’s best friend, Jax, has suddenly died and Norman decides to honor his friend by performing at the Edinburgh Fringe which was their dream. These three quirky characters jump in Leonard’s vintage car and head to Edinburgh. Along the way they have many misadventures that are funny, moving and memorable. This is a thoughtful book about friendship, family, grief, illness, growing up and growing old. There’s so much wisdom, kindness and hope buried in these pages. You’ll laugh and cry and fall in love with Norman just like everyone he encounters. This is a great read, especially during these dark days. I highly recommend it.
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Dorothy M. (Maynard, MA)
Sometimes impossible dreams do come true
This debut novel is a lovely story about what you will do to try and save someone you love and how very difficult it may be to overcome your own fears and losses. Norman is a 12 year old boy being raised by a very insecure single mother. He is bullied because he is small and vulnerable and has a horrible case of psoriasis but his saving grace is Jax - who is his best friend and Norman is sure - the funniest boy in the world. Together they are a team - Norman is the straight man and Jax is the comedian and they are a team with a plan. When they are 15 they are going to perform at the Edinburgh fringe festival. But then Jax dies leaving both Norman and his mother devastated. When Norman decides that he will do the festival alone - even though he isn't the funny one - and along the way, he'll find out who is father is, his mother is faced with trying to help and being unsure of whether helping will just make it worse. This sounds like a sad story and it certainly tugs at heart strings but it is full of wonderful characters who are truly trying to do the right thing. And I promise you'll like the ending.
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Becky
The funny thing about Norman Foreman
I thought this book was well-written, a!though somewhat predictable. The cast of quirky supporting characters who come together to help/rescue Norman and Sadie as well as the misadventures along the way are a just bit too much. Overall it was a good, enjoyable story. I would recommend it for someone looking for a feel good, triumph over adversity novel.
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Julie Z. (Oak Park, IL)
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman
Norman Foreman is a 12 year old son of a single mom, who loves stand-up comedy, and has a terrible case of psoriasis. Norman and his best (and only) friend, Jax, make a 5 year plan, which includes taking their stand-up duo to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. When Jax dies suddenly, Norman's plans must change, His path to the festival takes a different route, giving Norman the opportunity to meet many memorable characters along the way. They are rooting for Norman to not only perform stand-up, but to also find his birth father. Both Norman and his mother grow and blossom during this process, and though some of the situations lead to more slapstick outcomes than I would prefer, Norman and his new friends are characters that will not soon be forgotten.
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Florence H. (Laguna Woods, CA)
The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman
Using humor blended with compassion Julieta Henderson has created three unique characters. A single mother, helped by an elderly man,enables her young son to complete an improbable journey. Although the death of Jax, the boy's best friend, is a pivotal event in the novel a light optimistic tone pervades. When obstacles seem to overwhelm the plans made a phase "One just never knows" appears often.
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Barbara F. (Santa Monica, CA)
A Book Lover's Perfect Pandemic Antidote
During the pandemic,I have been making a conscious effort to read more positive, upbeat, 'happier-ending' novels, & "The Funny Thing..."hits the spot. Not sugar-coated or too good to be true, but a thoughtful book about family, friendship & loss told with humor, grace & quirkiness, which makes it irresistible in many ways. Norman and his mom—along with a cohort of 'original' supporting characters—go forward through ups & downs, big & small—dealing with the challenges confronting them with optimism and resilience. We root for them & celebrate their success which in many ways reflect the words of Amanda Gorman, (2021 inaugural poet): If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.
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