Book Review - The Funny Thing about Norman Forman by Juliette Henderson - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

Author: Juliette Henderson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 1st April 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

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.

I have had this book waiting for me to read for a couple of years, and kept putting off reading it, for no real reason. However having finally read it, gotta say it was worth the wait, it was fabulous. 

I absolutely loved Norman, who is 12, has dreams of performing comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his best friend Jax, despite his awful comic timing, and is also dealing with a skin condition too.  He's a bit awkward but once you get to know him he really is wonderful.  But his life is turned upside down when Jax dies suddenly, and he has to rethink his 5 year plan. 

This is the story of Norman, coming to terms with the loss of his best friend and in doing so is trying to take care of his mum, make it to Edinburgh, come up with his own comedy routine, and potentially discovering who his father is.  We have chapters from both Norman and Sadie's point of views, but it is Norman that will definitely stick with me for a long while. 

He's just wonderful, brave, and has a great sense of humour. I also loved getting to know Jax through Norman and Sadie's memories of him.  And Leonard a new friend of Sadie's is alongside them on a road trip that is heartwarming but also hilarious. 

I really enjoyed the author's writing style and felt I really got to know these characters. It is such a charming story that really got under my skin. Definitely a book I would heartily recommend.

Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.