Normal Schmormal

Name: Normal Schmormal
Brand: Harper UK
Availability: InStock
Author: Ashley Blaker
ISBN: 9780008558130

Author: Ashley Blaker

Narrator: Ashley Blaker

Unabridged: 8 hr 21 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 07/20/2023

Categories: Nonfiction, Family & Relationships, Parenting, Humor, Biography & Autobiography

Synopsis

The heartwarming and hilarious part-memoir, part-guide from comedian and father-of-six Ashley Blaker, on parenting, adoption and raising children with special needs. ‘A funny, irreverent and loving book’ ‘We had such a variety of experts visiting our home, we really needed a revolving door. All these professionals would watch our son playing while shaking their heads and making tutting sounds, like builders considering a bad job you wanted them to fix. “Tut tut tut. No speech, disordered social skills, sensory issues. This is going to cost you!!”’ Ashley Blaker has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it’s certainly not what anyone would call a ‘normal’ household – but would he want it any other way? Normal Schmormal

Reviews

Goodreads review by Simon

This book is a really candid and light hearted view on life as a parent to neurodivergent children. As a parent of two ND boys myself, it really resonated with me. The book is structured in easy to read chapters and the casual comedic writing style makes it enjoyable too. It’s left me wanting to shar......more

Goodreads review by Francesca

Why would anyone choose to have 6 children?! Especially when the first four are boys (2 of whom have diagnoses as specified in the title, although they're all diagnosed with being BOYS). Ashley Blaker's wife must officially be a saint. This book was both interesting and amusing, but also depressing an......more

Goodreads review by Jane Rogers

Brilliant My son has ADHD and Aspergers and reading this book has made me laugh. Every child is different but some of the stories remind me so much of my son. Thank you for such a good read......more

Quotes

ADVANCE PRAISE ‘A very funny and honest account of Ashley’s extraordinary ordinary life. There is treasure here for all parents, non-parents and children of parents, and that is surely most people.’ ‘Great insights and advice for any parent, from a unique and fascinating family and their brilliantly funny dad.’ ‘Absolutely hilarious and yet so poignant. This book is going to both entertain and bring comfort to so many people, giving them hope for the future.’ ‘There’s so much love and good energy in this book. It had me smiling from the very first words.’ ‘Normal Schmormal is a laugh-out-loud, touching memoir of advice, where embracing the weird becomes something wonderful. Every parent should have a copy.’ ‘Hilarious, fascinating, and moving. A very special book about a very special family. I laughed and learned so much.’ ‘This is a must read. Ashley Blaker has a special brand of comic magic. His gift is in making the toughest life challenges seem relatable and even joyous.’ ‘Funny and warm hearted, this book is a godsend for neurodivergent parents like me.’ ‘Inspirational, moving and massively funny. A beautiful schmeautiful book.’ ‘Ashley is a superb comic writer and this is a brilliantly funny and often incredibly emotional memoir.’ ‘Full of love, this book is a unique and uplifting document of a remarkable everyday life. God knows how Ashley found time to write it.’ ‘Funny, moving and incredibly useful. This book can teach us all something about parenting.’ ‘A vivid record of a father’s love for his children and a plea for others to follow suit, whatever their kids may be like. A gorgeous book.’ ‘Chipped away at my ignorance and made me laugh at the same time. A neat trick.’