The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

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. 
 
- 
 
'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' 
 
 
Richard and Judy Book Club Pick, Spring 2022

One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity. An utterly lovely tale.

An uplifting tale of love, loss and the redemptive power of humour.

What a charming, funny and cheering read. There's such a lovely, buoyant innocence to Norman and his quest - a coming-of-age that tickles and moves in equal measure. The writing is sharp but tender and in the same way that Marcus in About a Boy strengthens his house of cards, Norman builds the eccentric, loving network he deserves.

Beth Morrey, bestselling author of SAVING MISSY

As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny.

The funny thing about Norman Foreman is that 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

Tender and hilarious... the perfect tonic for our current times

What a delightful read! This book is about what's really important: caring for each other and finding ways through the problems life throws at us, no matter how terrible they can be. The story is both hilarious and heart-warming, with one 'helluva' brave, wise, and lovable twelve-year-old hero... Three cheers for Norman Foreman!

Hazel Prior, author of AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS

A gorgeous book that will warm the cockles of your heart.

If you're after a heart-warming book filled to the brim with hope and humanity, then Julietta Henderson's charming The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman should be your next read . . . A life-affirming tale.

Norman Foreman will capture your heart. His story had me in tears, both of laughter and sorrow, as he bravely battles against the odds to achieve his dream. The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is a book full of hope, humour and kindness, with one of the most endearing central characters I've met in a long time. An utter delight!

Sarah Haywood, bestselling author of THE CACTUS

Charming, warm, and uplifting... Julietta Henderson's quirky, lovable characters also offer profound meditations on family, friendship, grief, disability, illness, and aging, all told with heart, humor, and wisdom. There is so much to love about this book.

Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS

Julietta Henderson grew up in the rainforests of North Queensland, Australia. Like many Australians, her love affair with Europe began when she came to London on a working holiday and stayed for more than a decade. Now a full-time writer, Julietta divides her life between Melbourne, the UK and wherever she can find winter.

Julietta Henderson

The literary equivalent of a hug . . . supremely heart-warming and an immensely funny read that will pull you in from beginning to end

Heartfelt and humorous, Sincerely, Me captures beautifully the complex dynamics of family, forgiveness and regret... Henderson writes so insightfully on love and grief, crafting a story that is tender, funny and wise. A gorgeous novel that will instantly leave you wanting more

Holly Miller, author of R&J pick The Sight of You

Julietta Henderson is a major new writing talent.

Another absolute triumph from Julietta Henderson! A lovely story with a set of vivid, charming characters, it's packed with wisdom and laugh-out-loud humour. Clever, thought-provoking and huge-hearted. Pure joy!

Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins

Gorgeous, funny and heartfelt, Sincerely, Me is a beautiful story of the complexities of family relationships. Told with humour and warmth, it was an absolute joy to read

Eleanor Ray, author of Everything is Beautiful.

One of those gorgeous books that completely lifts your spirits and restores your faith in humanity

Ruth Jones on The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

Wonderful - Danny &amp; Wolfie's voices cartwheel across the page, full of life, wit and wisdom. Sincerely, Me is a book that will make you smile in just about every possible way. A lovely read!

Matson Taylor, author of The Miseducation of Evie Epworth

Sincerely, Me is a touching, hope-filled story brimming with zest and laugh-aloud humour. Julietta Henderson writes with an enormous sense of fun, but never shies away from complex emotions... Such a thoroughly enjoyable read!

Tender and hilarious... the perfect tonic for our current times

Katherine Parkinson on The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

Wendy Holden, Daily Mail on The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

Such a wonderful, heartwarming book. Everyone needs Danny Mulberry in their lives

Alice Clark-Platts, author of The Flower Girls

Full of heart and warmth. Danny is the sort of beautifully flawed character that you can't help but love. One of my favourite books of the year. I absolutely adored it

Rachel Marks, author of Until Next Weekend

What an emotional journey this was! So full of heart and compassion, and I loved every second I spent with this cast of fabulously real and quirky characters

Jessica Ryn, author of The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside

An incredibly moving and gorgeous tale of love, loneliness and kindness. I loved it!

Through another set of broken characters struggling to fix themselves, the author does a deep dive into emotions such as grief, guilt and loneliness and comes up with a stirring celebration of the power of human connection. Magical!

Matt Cain, author of Shot Through the Heart

Utterly uplifting and joyful - Julietta Henderson writes unexpected heroes with such skill that I'll remember them for years to come

Abigail Mann, author of The Lonely Fajita

Henderson creates worlds you instantly feel a part of and don't want to leave. What a gorgeous book!

As moving as it is funny. And it's very funny

Romesh Ranganathan on The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

He's wheedled his way into my heart, and I suspect I'll have a Norman-shaped hole there forever

Clare Pooley on The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

A gorgeous book that will warm the cockles of your heart

Sun on The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman

When reality comes calling, do you face it . . . or keep running? 
 
Danny is the definition of a man who 'could do better'. He drinks more than he should, lives in his best friend's garden shed - and he hasn't spoken to his sister in 16 years. 
 
But when Danny is the subject of a misleading newspaper article, claiming his lifestyle might actually be quite enlightened, he suddenly finds himself in the limelight. Letters begin to flood in from strangers seeking his guidance. 
 
Wolfie is the daughter of Danny's estranged sister. She's never met her uncle, but her mother is struggling and Wolfie needs him. So when she sees Danny's picture in the paper, she sets out to find him. 
 
Within a week, Danny goes from being responsibility-free to a big brother, an uncle and an unwitting existential 'guru' to some very lost souls. 
 
Can he become the man they all need him to be? And can he sort his own life out in the process?

Julietta Henderson

Praise for How to Get a Life

The literary equivalent of a hug . . . supremely heart-warming and an immensely funny read that will pull you in from beginning to end

Emotional and joyous!

Heartfelt and humorous, Sincerely, Me captures beautifully the complex dynamics of family, forgiveness and regret... Henderson writes so insightfully on love and grief, crafting a story that is tender, funny ...

The literary equivalent of a hug . . . supremely heart-warming and an immensely funny read that will pull you in from beginning to end

Emotional and joyous!

Heartfelt and humorous, Sincerely, Me captures beautifully the complex dynamics of family, forgiveness and regret... Henderson writes so insightfully on love and grief, crafting a story that is tender, funny ...

The literary equivalent of a hug . . . supremely heart-warming and an immensely funny read that will pull you in from beginning to end

Emotional and joyous!

Heartfelt and humorous, Sincerely, Me captures beautifully the complex dynamics of family, forgiveness and regret... Henderson writes so insightfully on love and grief, crafting a story that is tender, funny ...

Books by Julietta Henderson

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