Christine Hamill

Laughter is The Best Medicine. Twelve-year-old Philip is a huge fan of English comedian and TV presenter Harry Hill. Philip aspires to become a stand-up comedian one day. So when his biggest fan, his Mum, starts crying in reaction to one of his jokes, Philip knows something must be seriously wrong.
This book made me laugh one minute and brought tears to my eyes the next. Christine Hamill did a wonderful job balancing a serious topic - a lone parent diagnosed with cancer - with lighthearted, comedic situations. Philip's life seems to get more complicated and confusing by the minute. He not only has to cope with his mother's diagnosis, treatment and perplexing behavior, but also with Yeti, the school bully, with his first crush, "the Godess", issues with his best friend Ang, his neighbor's annoying Chihuahua and poetry for English class.
The book is perfect for kids. IMHO it is suitable for readers aged 10 and above and should also appeal to more reluctant readers. Obviously, I don't fit into these categories, but I still loved it, so there's something for older readers here, too.
Philip's first-person perspective was very funny. The author's own experience of coping with breast cancer while raising a son ensures the serious topic is portrayed in an authentic and poignant manner. Some parts, such as the Harry Hill plotline were predictable, but overall, this was a heartwarming, uplifting, and touching reading experience. I devoured this in one sitting.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.… (altro)