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What the **** is Normal?!
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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2014
18 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 16, 2014
Francesca Martinez was born with cerebral palsy and at the age of 2 her parents were told she was brain damaged and would never be normal. Born into a loving, supportive family Francesca had a happy childhood, climbing trees and being a tomboy. She loved school, particularly art and drama and was mostly able to ignore the things she couldn't do. However, when she moved to an all girls high school, she started to be shunned by her classmates for being different and she started to lose her self esteem and hate herself. Rescue came in the form of a kids TV drama, Grange Hill, when she was selected to play the part of a disabled girl. The TV crew and cast accepted her for who she is and she started to make friends and do normal teenage activities that she had been missing out on. Attending a comedy workshop was a further revelation to her when she discovered she loved stand up comedy and decided that life was too short being miserable about what you aren't but that we should all embrace who we are and ignore society's view of what is 'normal'.
A thought provoking book that should be read by all teenagers suffering from poor body image and low self esteem.
June 13, 2014
EVERYONE MUST READ THIS EXCELLENT BOOK, IT IS HAPPY , SAD, FUNNY, INSPIRING, INTERESTING. JUST BRILLIANT.
January 12, 2017
i have no idea why i stopped reading this book 3/4 of the way through. (actually i do, it was because of the *drumroll please* cccchristmas holidays).
although overall, it was highly entertaining and interesting, as far as books go, the end of this novel enlightened me with some of the most relevant insights into life in our 21st century and i have been instilled by quotes im definitely going to try and live by. francesca's story is so so inspiring, and to say that she has motivated me to squeeze more juice out of this thing called life is an understatement.
a recommended read to everyone experiencing the beginning of an existential crisis and to everyone who's generally just looking for "a good read" which doesn't fit to the general characteristics of an autobiography.
i end this review with one of my many favourite quotes from this book: "choosing to accept yourself is a political act. an act of liberation. never stop fighting for it".
although overall, it was highly entertaining and interesting, as far as books go, the end of this novel enlightened me with some of the most relevant insights into life in our 21st century and i have been instilled by quotes im definitely going to try and live by. francesca's story is so so inspiring, and to say that she has motivated me to squeeze more juice out of this thing called life is an understatement.
a recommended read to everyone experiencing the beginning of an existential crisis and to everyone who's generally just looking for "a good read" which doesn't fit to the general characteristics of an autobiography.
i end this review with one of my many favourite quotes from this book: "choosing to accept yourself is a political act. an act of liberation. never stop fighting for it".
June 2, 2014
I sort of noticed Francesca Martinez a few years ago when she was interviewed by Richard Herring on a podcast. I don't remember much, just being very impressed by a very intelligent and funny woman that refused to be limited by what (some may think) was the difficult hand that nature has dealt her.
When I looked her up I did realise that I had a vague recollection of her from Grange Hill (it's not that her performance was not memorable, I'm sure it was, but I didn't watch the show by then so only caught it when friends kids were watching it).
I didn't know she had a book out, but I started following her on twitter a couple of years back and noticed last week that she was on daytime TV. So I watched it, and she made me laugh so hard - as well as think (she described Glenn Hoddle as a twat live on daytime TV for reasons you can read about here!) - I decided that I had to buy the book.
And it's wonderful. I know she hates to be thought of as inspirational, but she really is - she refuses to be told what she can and can't do and then goes to prove that nothing will stop her. The book has made me think very hard about the way we label people (gay, straight, ugly, fat, palsied etc) and I think one of the key messages of the narrative is this: people buy into those labels and it impacts on their behaviour and even their thought processes. Francesca has learned to react brilliantly against that - she is not a sufferer of cerebral palsy, she is, in her own words (and mind) wobbly.
The book tells the story of her life so far, from the great bits, the difficult bits, it's all there. She has an intelligent and warm writing style, and her point of view is infectious - in a good way. I really hope that she has not changed any names and that the people who treated her badly at certain points get to read this and understand the impact they had on her. There are points where you are screaming at the pages at the unfairness of the way she is treated (the basketball incident springs immediately to mind) and also those when you are cheering.
I have yet to see her perform live, but she is one of the three comedians I feel like my life isn't complete without witnessing. Her attitude that comes across so well in her TV and radio appearances is even more prevalent here in the book. I finished in awe of her outlook, they way she is proud of who she is and even acknowledges that her "wobbliness" has made her the person she is. It's a cracking read, and although she baulks at the idea of being labelled anything, I want to label her as inspirational. Because she bloody well is!
When I looked her up I did realise that I had a vague recollection of her from Grange Hill (it's not that her performance was not memorable, I'm sure it was, but I didn't watch the show by then so only caught it when friends kids were watching it).
I didn't know she had a book out, but I started following her on twitter a couple of years back and noticed last week that she was on daytime TV. So I watched it, and she made me laugh so hard - as well as think (she described Glenn Hoddle as a twat live on daytime TV for reasons you can read about here!) - I decided that I had to buy the book.
And it's wonderful. I know she hates to be thought of as inspirational, but she really is - she refuses to be told what she can and can't do and then goes to prove that nothing will stop her. The book has made me think very hard about the way we label people (gay, straight, ugly, fat, palsied etc) and I think one of the key messages of the narrative is this: people buy into those labels and it impacts on their behaviour and even their thought processes. Francesca has learned to react brilliantly against that - she is not a sufferer of cerebral palsy, she is, in her own words (and mind) wobbly.
The book tells the story of her life so far, from the great bits, the difficult bits, it's all there. She has an intelligent and warm writing style, and her point of view is infectious - in a good way. I really hope that she has not changed any names and that the people who treated her badly at certain points get to read this and understand the impact they had on her. There are points where you are screaming at the pages at the unfairness of the way she is treated (the basketball incident springs immediately to mind) and also those when you are cheering.
I have yet to see her perform live, but she is one of the three comedians I feel like my life isn't complete without witnessing. Her attitude that comes across so well in her TV and radio appearances is even more prevalent here in the book. I finished in awe of her outlook, they way she is proud of who she is and even acknowledges that her "wobbliness" has made her the person she is. It's a cracking read, and although she baulks at the idea of being labelled anything, I want to label her as inspirational. Because she bloody well is!
October 17, 2015
Possibly the most under-rated book of the century. Disgustingly hilarious and thought provoking in its own way - a rare combination of its kind (and a must requisite for me to ever give any book a 5 star rating) I did not see it on any recommendation list, but picked it up from the library just because of its thought provoking cover. Couldn't be more grateful.
I'd leave the details to the book, but some english humour will be lost on the readers who have not lived in England and do not know how the council works(or doesnt work!) Another suggestion - read it in bouts instead of one go - you will enjoy the puns/sarcasm/humor while reading it, but will force you to rethink a lot of your own notions when it is quiet around you.
Francesca - if you are ever going to read this - I always thought being wobbly, being a vegetarian and being a tee-totaller was a unique thing and just no one existed on the planet who shared this trait - you proved me wrong. But mind you - I am good at Math though.
I'd leave the details to the book, but some english humour will be lost on the readers who have not lived in England and do not know how the council works(or doesnt work!) Another suggestion - read it in bouts instead of one go - you will enjoy the puns/sarcasm/humor while reading it, but will force you to rethink a lot of your own notions when it is quiet around you.
Francesca - if you are ever going to read this - I always thought being wobbly, being a vegetarian and being a tee-totaller was a unique thing and just no one existed on the planet who shared this trait - you proved me wrong. But mind you - I am good at Math though.
May 25, 2017
This was a great read. I saw Francesca perform in Edinburgh Soo was excited to read her book. It was an interesting read - her description of going from being a liked and adorable child to a teen with more issues and problems made me contemplate my sister and her childhood - she definitely was, as I recall, quite popular in elementary school and seemed to have a harder time when her teen years hit.
I had a slightly harder time with the end. I see how her change in thinking greatly improved her experience of life, but it bordered a bit on overly positive thinking. When I read Dylan's key words a part of my brain thought it was a bit like saying that you don't see colour. I liked her analysis of what does hold children back and what helps prepare them to face challenges with cheer and bounce back from the failures and I like the idea of choosing ones own label - but I lost her a bit with the overly bright sided analysis.
I had a slightly harder time with the end. I see how her change in thinking greatly improved her experience of life, but it bordered a bit on overly positive thinking. When I read Dylan's key words a part of my brain thought it was a bit like saying that you don't see colour. I liked her analysis of what does hold children back and what helps prepare them to face challenges with cheer and bounce back from the failures and I like the idea of choosing ones own label - but I lost her a bit with the overly bright sided analysis.
January 5, 2017
First class thought-provoking autobiography.
I was lucky enough to meet Francesca Martinez and buy this book at a literary festival. I forgot about her since seeing her in Grange Hill all those years ago so I had to Google her to remind myself who she was. Being of exactly the same age and therefore generation so much of what she talks about, being at school and attitudes of the time, ring familiarity with me except I didn't handle it quite so well as she.
Francesca talks about prejudices and unfairness towards her at school, she having just described being a happy go lucky and adventurous kid, I remember the same kind of unreasonable humiliations and bullying but I am able-bodied and maybe didn't suffer then nearly as often as a child and not so much from staff. It saddened me to read it.
Early on in the book there are extremely poignant reflective episodes of brutishness described that moved me to tears perhaps out of sympathy but again, I feel they're all too familiar to my life. But then the contrasting home life and grandparents' love for Francesca is where she obviously found her peace at such a hard time in her teens.
The middle of the book describes her new found life as a young actor - so interesting and fun. Reading the experiences of going back to school and facing those who didn't believe in her was glorious and cathartic.
The last third of the book shares her disappointments with falling in love but unlike many Francesca draws a pure mental strength that carries her to the end of the book where she philosophises, as well as tells of how she debates with professionals, on how to 'deal' with disabled people. Here she really explores the title 'What the Fuck is Normal?!' and Francesca, just as the rest of the book reads, is clear and succinct in her argument as well as seasoned with really well-placed comedy and expletives.
I identified so much with his book I felt I was partly reading my own biography, which made me think that our generation were some kind of test subjects for parenting and scare tactics. Just kidding.
I think Francesca Martinez is such an intelligent and creative and funny writer and I look forward to reading and hearing what she has to say in the future.
I was lucky enough to meet Francesca Martinez and buy this book at a literary festival. I forgot about her since seeing her in Grange Hill all those years ago so I had to Google her to remind myself who she was. Being of exactly the same age and therefore generation so much of what she talks about, being at school and attitudes of the time, ring familiarity with me except I didn't handle it quite so well as she.
Francesca talks about prejudices and unfairness towards her at school, she having just described being a happy go lucky and adventurous kid, I remember the same kind of unreasonable humiliations and bullying but I am able-bodied and maybe didn't suffer then nearly as often as a child and not so much from staff. It saddened me to read it.
Early on in the book there are extremely poignant reflective episodes of brutishness described that moved me to tears perhaps out of sympathy but again, I feel they're all too familiar to my life. But then the contrasting home life and grandparents' love for Francesca is where she obviously found her peace at such a hard time in her teens.
The middle of the book describes her new found life as a young actor - so interesting and fun. Reading the experiences of going back to school and facing those who didn't believe in her was glorious and cathartic.
The last third of the book shares her disappointments with falling in love but unlike many Francesca draws a pure mental strength that carries her to the end of the book where she philosophises, as well as tells of how she debates with professionals, on how to 'deal' with disabled people. Here she really explores the title 'What the Fuck is Normal?!' and Francesca, just as the rest of the book reads, is clear and succinct in her argument as well as seasoned with really well-placed comedy and expletives.
I identified so much with his book I felt I was partly reading my own biography, which made me think that our generation were some kind of test subjects for parenting and scare tactics. Just kidding.
I think Francesca Martinez is such an intelligent and creative and funny writer and I look forward to reading and hearing what she has to say in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
I'd really consider this a 3.5 star but half a stars aren't a thing here. And it's always really wierd rating an autobiography, because you're just rating someone's life and how they present to you at the end of the day, and it's not like I can say I wished a character did more of something because it's not a story! It's an autiobiography!
But 3 seems too harsh, but 4 is a bit more than what I'd give it. Because, ultimately it was an enjoyable read, but it waffled a bit! I related to a lot of the things Francesca went through (Boy could I wax poetical on forcing myself to struggle through something so that I seem more 'normal' than what I actually am) and i felt inspired (I hate that that word has been changed into something different just because of the way it's used about disabled people usually but please bear with me) to just sod the world off and go off and Do something. Her words, dare I say it, 'spoke to me', I understand her sentiment.
But what I grumbled through was this seperation of disablity from her as a person. I believe the erasure of the concept of disablity - a sort of extreme take on the social model - is an erasure of an identity. I understand where she's come from, but I wonder how much of her self worth needlessly vanished during her high school years because she shunned disabled-only things. And I believe challenging norms can be a good thing, like her questioning Dr Derek the way the ableds question disabled people, hit that exactly. But it can be also harmful, like the Dylan guy. Trivial as it may seem, putting a stamp on an envelope in the wrong place isn't just putting it to the man, it's potentially causing unintentional chaos for a postal worker's day.
I bet his favourite film was Fight club, thank god she saw him for what he was!
I just don't think the way she thinks of labels and the erasure of identities is 100% the way to go. But, incase i haven't made this 100% clear, I respect her for What she is doing and her outlook in life.
But 3 seems too harsh, but 4 is a bit more than what I'd give it. Because, ultimately it was an enjoyable read, but it waffled a bit! I related to a lot of the things Francesca went through (Boy could I wax poetical on forcing myself to struggle through something so that I seem more 'normal' than what I actually am) and i felt inspired (I hate that that word has been changed into something different just because of the way it's used about disabled people usually but please bear with me) to just sod the world off and go off and Do something. Her words, dare I say it, 'spoke to me', I understand her sentiment.
But what I grumbled through was this seperation of disablity from her as a person. I believe the erasure of the concept of disablity - a sort of extreme take on the social model - is an erasure of an identity. I understand where she's come from, but I wonder how much of her self worth needlessly vanished during her high school years because she shunned disabled-only things. And I believe challenging norms can be a good thing, like her questioning Dr Derek the way the ableds question disabled people, hit that exactly. But it can be also harmful, like the Dylan guy. Trivial as it may seem, putting a stamp on an envelope in the wrong place isn't just putting it to the man, it's potentially causing unintentional chaos for a postal worker's day.
I bet his favourite film was Fight club, thank god she saw him for what he was!
I just don't think the way she thinks of labels and the erasure of identities is 100% the way to go. But, incase i haven't made this 100% clear, I respect her for What she is doing and her outlook in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2014
Well, this memoir by Francesca Martinez reminds us of how to live intensely and passionately. The fact that she has cerebral palsy only adds to the wonder of her journey through to wellness. She is lucky in that she was born into a loving, caring and liberal family. Her first 5 or 6 years seem blissful where she doesn't really feel the impact of her disability. It is only when she hits her tweens that she starts to not like who she is. She starts to hate her wobbly body and her difference as she is ostracized from her class mates. Things start to change for her though when she gets a part in local TV series called Grange Hill. However, as much as she loves the opportunity she has deep seated hate for her disability and self and hides this from her friends and family. The start of her catharsis occurs when she enrols in a comedy workshop. When she finally gets up the courage to speak she finds that she is a natural at it and that her difference becomes a point to celebrate as she laughs at herself and her disability and in so doing relaxes the audience. The catharsis continues when she meets Dylan through the comedy workshop and he helps her to see herself as beautiful and unique. As the book ends we see her as a successful comedienne, as someone whom embraces herself fully and dares us to find the beauty in difference too. She asks us to not just buy into conformity and consumerism but to live life passionately and with as much care as possible for the abnormal in each of us because " What the **** is Normal" anyway.
March 20, 2016
Francesca Martinez is probably the UK's best known disabled comedian. This is an account of her early years from growing up as a child through those awkward teenage years and onto adulthood. I found it very entertaining and funny as well as informative. As a disabled person myself, following an accident at 19, her experiences were quite different to mine. I didn't have to deal with the change of attitude she faced when she began at secondary school but she made her mark using comedy. Overall it's her love for her Spanish grandparents that shines through. Well worth a read.
June 11, 2014
Loved this inspirational and uplifting book, will stay with me for a long time, highly recommended
August 14, 2014
What a brilliant book! It has honestly changed my life for the better. If you have issues with confidence or body image, read this! So funny and wise. One of the best books I've ever read.
March 23, 2015
Read this now! It will change the way you see everything and make you laugh. A lot.
April 10, 2017
One of the funniest, warmest, easiest reads ever!!! Enjoyed this book more than I can say and can't recommend it highly enough!!!
September 13, 2020
An hilarious insight into normality.
August 26, 2021
Truly a 5 star read. I borrowed this ages ago and put off reading it as I prefer fiction for my leisure reading, but I picked it up and in no time was 20 pages in, then halfway through. It is Francesca's autobiography up to about age 20, and documents the microaggressions she experienced from teachers and classmates and her attempts to not be different, on the way to feeling self-acceptance.
From a teaching perspective there are some very useful sections that could be used as short readings about disability, normality, consumerism, and loving yourself.
From a teaching perspective there are some very useful sections that could be used as short readings about disability, normality, consumerism, and loving yourself.
July 19, 2022
Everyone needs to read this
Francesca is an amazing writer and this book is pure poetry. Add to that how much I related to it as a disabled person to non disabled parents who went to a mainstream school. The eugenics arguments made me physically angry and I am incredibly grateful to Francesca the leading our battle when nobody else was listening.
Francesca is an amazing writer and this book is pure poetry. Add to that how much I related to it as a disabled person to non disabled parents who went to a mainstream school. The eugenics arguments made me physically angry and I am incredibly grateful to Francesca the leading our battle when nobody else was listening.
June 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud. It’s funny and life affirming. I would definitely recommend. Martinez makes beautifully constructed arguments for deconstructing the world we live in.
July 1, 2025
die erste hälfte war sehr langatmig & ich fand die revelation zur selbstliebe durch diesen blauhaarigen mann irgendwie schwer nachvollziehbar, aber das gesellschaftskritische ende hat mir sehr gut gefallen & ich hab zwischendurch gechuckled 🤝 3.5
April 21, 2020
Spoiler alert: you’re all getting this book for Christmas
It. Is. THAT. Good.
It. Is. THAT. Good.
November 1, 2021
This is brilliant and I highly recommend it. It kind of feels like part memoir, part manifesto for embracing life and diversity and being happy with yourself. Really enjoyable.
November 20, 2023
Meh, not bad. I had to read for school.
March 3, 2019
A must read
I've always been a big fan of Francesca, I remember coming home from high school, and putting children's BBC on and watching grange hill, brilliant programme and wishing I could go to school there, I was being bullied and hated it, so grange hill was like an escape, and seeing my fave characters, especially Rachael Burns, I hoped this actress was going on to bigger things, and all my other faves too! I learnt from this that she has Catalan family, I have Catalan friends and they are wonderful people who absolutely adore children so understand and can imagine what lovely grandparents she had. This book teaches you to not put yourself down so much and accept your self, it's a brilliant read and I laughed, cried and was captivated. Francesca is a brilliant writer and I hope to see her doing loads more gigs and read more of her books in the future !
I found out about this book as I'm a follower of Francesca on Twitter, and glad I did as I became (hate this term) disabled after being involved in a road traffic accident, I now have poor mobility and my mental health isn't that brilliant, so I think the message to accept your body in this book is spot on, I'm long term with mobility and chronic pain, and I have learnt to make a joke of it, if you feel miserable about it, your only making yourself miserable and life is too short to be doing that, I always feel like people are judging me by the way I walk with my stick, I'd rather them ask than stare but I guess ignorance is bliss and so I got a fancy patterned stick and if people want to look that's up to them! thank you Francesca for the message in this book, it is full of positivity and I'm so glad I read it now!
So yeah, but it! :D
I've always been a big fan of Francesca, I remember coming home from high school, and putting children's BBC on and watching grange hill, brilliant programme and wishing I could go to school there, I was being bullied and hated it, so grange hill was like an escape, and seeing my fave characters, especially Rachael Burns, I hoped this actress was going on to bigger things, and all my other faves too! I learnt from this that she has Catalan family, I have Catalan friends and they are wonderful people who absolutely adore children so understand and can imagine what lovely grandparents she had. This book teaches you to not put yourself down so much and accept your self, it's a brilliant read and I laughed, cried and was captivated. Francesca is a brilliant writer and I hope to see her doing loads more gigs and read more of her books in the future !
I found out about this book as I'm a follower of Francesca on Twitter, and glad I did as I became (hate this term) disabled after being involved in a road traffic accident, I now have poor mobility and my mental health isn't that brilliant, so I think the message to accept your body in this book is spot on, I'm long term with mobility and chronic pain, and I have learnt to make a joke of it, if you feel miserable about it, your only making yourself miserable and life is too short to be doing that, I always feel like people are judging me by the way I walk with my stick, I'd rather them ask than stare but I guess ignorance is bliss and so I got a fancy patterned stick and if people want to look that's up to them! thank you Francesca for the message in this book, it is full of positivity and I'm so glad I read it now!
So yeah, but it! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2015
British comedian Francesca Martinez challenges the reader to reassess exactly what comprises being ‘normal’. She’s well qualified to do so, having been branded ‘abnormal’ since birth. Gutsy, warm, funny and uncompromising, she narrates what it was like growing up with Cerebral Palsy. But as Martinez prefers to call it, she was born ‘wobbly’.
When meeting new people she’s frequently aware of being patronized or labelled as ‘an inspiration’ to others.‘It’s always with some trepidation that I tell people that, as well as being disabled, I’m a comedian because then they really start to flip out.’
Martinez was bullied at school but was fully supported by her family and her doting Spanish grandparents. ‘The difference between my home life and school was almost comical. By day, I was the Undesirable One, by night and weekend I was The Beloved.’
She got her first role in the BBC children’s television Grange Hill. And after her father actively encouraged her to become a stand-up comic, she pursued a successful career as an actor, writer, activist and comedian.
After a man she was in love with forces her to confront her own perceptions of disability, Martinez realized that there’s actually no such thing as ‘normal’. And as she puts it so succinctly, ‘Even an arsehole can change your life’.
Martinez’s story is powerful, illuminating and wonderfully funny.
‘Choosing to accept yourself is a political act. An act of liberation. Never stop fighting for it.’
When meeting new people she’s frequently aware of being patronized or labelled as ‘an inspiration’ to others.‘It’s always with some trepidation that I tell people that, as well as being disabled, I’m a comedian because then they really start to flip out.’
Martinez was bullied at school but was fully supported by her family and her doting Spanish grandparents. ‘The difference between my home life and school was almost comical. By day, I was the Undesirable One, by night and weekend I was The Beloved.’
She got her first role in the BBC children’s television Grange Hill. And after her father actively encouraged her to become a stand-up comic, she pursued a successful career as an actor, writer, activist and comedian.
After a man she was in love with forces her to confront her own perceptions of disability, Martinez realized that there’s actually no such thing as ‘normal’. And as she puts it so succinctly, ‘Even an arsehole can change your life’.
Martinez’s story is powerful, illuminating and wonderfully funny.
‘Choosing to accept yourself is a political act. An act of liberation. Never stop fighting for it.’
December 1, 2014
My expectations for this book were set quite high, because I personally love Francesca Martinez as a stand up comedienne. I find her hilarious, and her ability to laugh at herself is amazing, not many people can do that - able bodied or not.
I'm pleased to say that my expectations were definitely met, and then some! Reading the memoir was similar to hearing Martinez perform her stand up, she uses the same voice, and frankly the way she describes situations, even some hard ones, had me crying with laughter. That's not to say though that there aren't some serious moments, I was moved to tears at some points, and I think that's very important for a memoir, to make the reader feel something. It's very easy to feel disengaged when reading memoirs but Martinez had me feeling involved throughout the whole book.
Overall, this book was practically perfect, it left me laughing and at times crying, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Martinez.
I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.
This book was given to me in exchange for a review. My opinion is my own and is in no way affected by the publisher or author.
Original review posted on: http://thereadingwonderland.blogspot....
I'm pleased to say that my expectations were definitely met, and then some! Reading the memoir was similar to hearing Martinez perform her stand up, she uses the same voice, and frankly the way she describes situations, even some hard ones, had me crying with laughter. That's not to say though that there aren't some serious moments, I was moved to tears at some points, and I think that's very important for a memoir, to make the reader feel something. It's very easy to feel disengaged when reading memoirs but Martinez had me feeling involved throughout the whole book.
Overall, this book was practically perfect, it left me laughing and at times crying, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Martinez.
I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.
This book was given to me in exchange for a review. My opinion is my own and is in no way affected by the publisher or author.
Original review posted on: http://thereadingwonderland.blogspot....
July 27, 2015
Francesca Martinez impressed me here. I got to know her family and got an insight into her school days. I'm too old to remember that period of Grange Hill but I've seen the comedy and wondered how she came to be a stand-up. She recaptured the feel of childhood and adolescence well, and however captivating that part was, and however clever and funny her writing, I will be left with the underlying points and the final chapters on the politic of it all.
Francesca Martinez states that she is grateful for her wobbliness as it brought with it many positives. One of them being that in her 20's she was able to see and reject the encompassing consumerism with its promises of the perfect whatever. She had by this time found she liked herself and that's just about the most important lesson. I hope everyone questions what is normal. Normal doesn't exist. Thanks Francesca- you managed to tweak my perceptions and ask more questions. Well done all round that woman.
Francesca Martinez states that she is grateful for her wobbliness as it brought with it many positives. One of them being that in her 20's she was able to see and reject the encompassing consumerism with its promises of the perfect whatever. She had by this time found she liked herself and that's just about the most important lesson. I hope everyone questions what is normal. Normal doesn't exist. Thanks Francesca- you managed to tweak my perceptions and ask more questions. Well done all round that woman.
July 13, 2015
A very easy, pleasant, uplifting read, Martinez elucidates the innermost feelings of a person who is different. Her cerebral palsy has made her wobbly and this affects what she does and how she does it. It makes her different and she celebrates that difference. She celebrates it with relish, loudly, irreverently and boldly.
A lot of people come out of her story well and a lot poorly. I enjoyed reading this book but found myself often pondering how I would approach such differences. Would I be able to treat a person such as Martinez in the enlightened way that she advocates? I don't know but at least I now have a road map.
I have to admit to skipping the last few chapters which I found rather repetitive and ranting. They were not part of a biography but a reiteration of her theme.
A lot of people come out of her story well and a lot poorly. I enjoyed reading this book but found myself often pondering how I would approach such differences. Would I be able to treat a person such as Martinez in the enlightened way that she advocates? I don't know but at least I now have a road map.
I have to admit to skipping the last few chapters which I found rather repetitive and ranting. They were not part of a biography but a reiteration of her theme.
May 11, 2019
Part memoir, part guide to body and life positivity, and wholly funny, this is a breezy and engaging read. Martinez writes of her childhood growing up with a loving, supportive family, and dealing with peers and schoolteachers who were anything but. An unexpected opportunity to star in Grange Hill opened up unique opportunities, but Martinez still struggled with low self esteem due to the attitudes of society towards her cerebral palsy (or Wobbles, as she prefers). The last third of the book is devoted to how she overcame this - becoming a successful comedienne in the process - and how the lessons she learned along the way can help everyone who's ever feared they're abnormal, which is of course everyone.
July 20, 2014
The book is written by Francesca Martinez who was born with cerebral palsy. It's written from her point of view about her amazing parents and family, ridiculous school attitudes and her eventual rise to working as a comedian. Nicely written, easy to read. I like the cycle the book took, as a child totally accepting and unaware of differences leading into adolescence where any differences are deemed abnormal and bad then leading to an acceptance of her physical Wobbliness. Very uplifting read and a bit of a slap in the face to make any person wake up and smell the coffee and just GET ON WITH LIFE!
November 26, 2015
For anyone who's ever felt different, a witty, honest, moving and emotional exposition of what this can be like. Francesca, the comedian and actress with cerebral palsy, describes her early life, schooling and journey to self-acceptance with oodles of passion, humour and irreverence. Through this saga of struggle with her body, her mind and the world you feel every queasy, sickening moment with her as well as the thrilling highs, and realise just what an intense experience her life has been. As a result of her condition, she has reached a realisation of what matters in life that is deeply profound and spiritual.
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