What the **** is Normal?! - Softcover

Martinez, Francesca

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0753555360 ISBN 13: 9780753555361

Publisher: Virgin Books, 2014

Synopsis

What do you do when you’re labelled abnormal in a world obsessed with normality? In a world where wrinkles are practically illegal, going bald is cause for mental breakdown, and women over size ten are encouraged to shoot themselves, what the **** do you do if you’re, gasp... disabled?
Francesca was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was two years old and her parents were gravely told that she would never lead a ‘normal’ life. After a happy childhood filled with tree climbing, mischief and little regard for her bit of palsy, Francesca arrived at high school with a confidence verging on indestructible, only to be turned into a miserable and insecure wreck. Luckily for her, salvation came from Grange Hill, a stand-up comedy workshop, and a passionate love affair replete with scintillating conversation. After one particularly mind-blowing chat, Francesca realised she had the power to stop judging herself by society’s unhealthy standards and create her own. So she did. This powerful new perspective changed her entire life forever.

Whatever body you’re born into, the pressure to be ‘NORMAL’ is everywhere.
But have you ever met a normal person?
What do they look like? Where do they live? What do they eat for breakfast?
And what the **** does normal mean anyway?

What the **** is Normal?! is a very funny, very moving celebration and exploration of learning to be happy with who you are. Neither an autobiography nor a self-help book, it’s a powerful and political call-to-arms that rails against the relentless media bombardment of what is culturally perceived as ‘normal’. Francesca equipped herself with the tools to stick two shaky fingers up to society’s unrealistic and damaging expectations, and with this book, she hopes to help more people to do the same. THE WOBBLY REVOLUTION STARTS HERE.

About this title

Review

"Her observations and perspective are unique and powerful. This is a funny, compassionate and inspiring story of how 'being different' can become, with the right attitude, an unlikely advantage. Also, it's bloody funny and touching" (Russell Brand)

"A cheerful optimistic belly-laugh broadside at prejudice and a wonderful testament to the power of “being funny”, I love Francesca Martinez" (Steve Coogan)

"A wonderful read! Warm, funny and unforgettable" (Jonathan Ross)

"A very, very important [book] ... I can’t think of a work that has so brilliantly expressed how a person disabled from birth sees herself" (Dominic Lawson The Sunday Times)

"As entertaining as it is moving ... this book is a wonderful, funny, warm coming-of-age memoir about finding your own path in life. Long may she wobble. Five stars." (Viv Groskop, The Telegraph)

Book Description

The debut book by award-winning comedian Francesca Martinez that asks: 'What the **** is Normal?!'

Edition details

• Publisher: Virgin Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0753555360
• ISBN 13: 9780753555361
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 336