The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman: The most uplifting Richard & Judy book club pick of 2022
£3.80
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.
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‘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’
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Additional information
| Publisher | Transworld Digital (1 April 2021) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 2217 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 358 pages |
by Drjane
This truly is a 5star gorgeous story. The characters are just wonderful, true to life and funny. It will stay with me for a long time. Loved it
by Gill O
A most enjoyable book, easy to read and heart-warming. Lovely characters and a delightful story. Renews your faith in humankind!
by Renees
Liked the way she wrote from the son’s as well as the mum ‘s perspective.
by ManyMummy
Twelve year old Norman has lost his best friend, but his Mum (Sadie) and her elderly work mate, Leonard, set out to realise the young friends’ twin ambitions to perform at the Edinburgh fringe and find Norman’s Dad come true. On the trip from Cornwall to Edinburgh an epic adventure ensues. This novel deals lightly but masterfully with grief and loss, switching between the points of view of Sadie, Norman and Leonard. It is hopeful, humorous and heart breaking in equal measures and I loved it.
by Apc
found this book hard to read initially, it seemed quite stilted, and I kept putting it down, which didn’t help. However, I persisted with it and found it picked up later in the book. It’s not a cheerful book but does finish on a more hopeful note. I read it with my reading group.
by Pengoch
This book is very sad. Funny in places and uplifting. It is a very interesting book. I love all the characters. I recommend it. Have a few tissues to hand especially at the beginning.
by ClareT
Brilliant, rooting for the main characters the whole way through. Beautiful storytelling & loved the way it was told from the perspective of both mum & son. Loved it.
by Micky Mouse
Right from the off I loved this book and I couldn’t put it down. It’s the best book I’ve read in a long time. The characters are so believable and I wanted to be their friend. I just didn’t want it to end. The writing is just brilliant. I cannot praise this book highly enough.