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The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman  By  cover art

The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

By: Julietta Henderson
Narrated by: Katherine Parkinson
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Publisher's summary

"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.

©2021 Juliette Henderson (P)2021 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

What listeners say about The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

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Just wonderful

I laughed and I cried. Laughed out loud, Cried into my swimming goggles - I listen while swimming laps. One of my absolute favourite listens.

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I'd go hear Norman in any comedy club

This is the feel-good book of the decade! Norman is a delight, Sadie has the fear of every mother and they're both "adopted" by a delightful elderly man who becomes their fairy-god father. And, Katherine Parkinson is a perfect narrator! Oh, and Jax will really never be gone.

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100% recommend!

This was a phenomenally told story and listening to it is the only way to enjoy it because without the proper accents I am not sure my own reading would have done it justice. You will laugh, you will cry, and you most definitely will not regret listening to this amazing story. Could not stop listening and have recommended it to everyone I know. Excellent excellent story and superb performance!

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2 people found this helpful

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A uplifitng parents and child perspective

Amazing story and beautifully told from the perspectives of a mother and son on their journey. It reaffirms, me as a father that I have a tremendous impact on my children’s lives and overall self-worth. Even at my personal lows, I am still their dad, and they look up to me without judgement and prejudice and love me for what I am able to provide. I hope they know how much I love them.

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Loved it !

Really enjoyed this story and it's narration. It's a feel good story without being a cliche. Having the perspective of a teenager in every other chapter was a fairly unique take. Altogether pleasurable, funny and satisfying.

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4 people found this helpful

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Love, love, love this book!

Love, love, love this book! Every mom/parent should listen to this book. I will be listening to it again

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Great Book!

Narrator was perfect; enjoyed the story very much. I laughed and cried, will definitely listen to it again.

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What a ride!

I’m so glad we got to tag along with Sadie, Leonard, and Norman on their adventure. I was sad to see it end and wish I could spend more time with them. The story is well-paced and balanced. A joy of a read.

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Wonderful, Funny, heart warming

I just loved this book. The characters, narration and story are delicious. Such a great listen!

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Warmth and heartbreak with a light

I loved everything about the organic connection of the characters and the way even the saddest things can also be light

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