Crying Laughing

Winnie Friedman, 15, retired from performing after a disastrous stand-up comedy attempt at her bat mitzvah. But after a flirtatious encounter with junior Evan Miller, "the funniest guy in school," and encouragement from her best friends, identical twin sisters, Leili and Asmaa Kazemi, who are Muslim, Win decides to join Manatawkin High School's improv group. Initially uncomfortable, she finds her comedic footing using several bits she's worked out with her father Russ, a former stand-up comedian/actor who gave it all up to raise Win. But when Russ reveals to Win that the clumsiness he's been exhibiting is likely to be ALS, her life spins out of control. As Evan's flirtation turns into something more serious, Leili withdraws, causing Win even more confusion. Rubin (Denton Little's Death Date) again handles mortality with a light touch and humor, realistically capturing a father-daughter relationship in the face of a serious illness. Charming, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-affirming, Rubin captures Winnie's verve and heart with honesty and wit. Ages 12-up. Agent: Mollie Glick, CAA. (Nov.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 7 Up--Winnie is the funniest girl--no, person--in her class. She knows it, along with her two best friends, though a very traumatic bat mitzvah stand-up routine has prevented Winnie from sharing her gift of comedy with the rest of her school. That is until Evan, a cute and funny boy, convinces her to join the school's improv troupe. Winnie is excited to share the news with her father, a former aspiring comedian and her main collaborator on endless inside jokes. Her news is overshadowed when she discovers her father has ALS. As her family struggles with the realities of her father's failing health, Winnie personally struggles with finding her voice in the improv troupe as well as in her first romantic relationship. As suggested by the title, humor balances out the anguish felt by Winnie and her family as they cope with her father's illness. The reality of finding it okay to laugh while crying makes this story as funny as it is poignant. Winnie faces many big issues besides her father's illness. From learning how to know her worth in a romantic relationship to finding strength in her female friendships, Winnie's story is handled with authenticity and heart. While readers will want to know if she can conquer her fear and perform at the big improv show, the real satisfaction is in Winnie's journey. The deft movement between laughter and tears will appeal to fans of John Green. VERDICT Grab a box of tissues and be prepared for the awkward stares when laughing out loud.--Carrie Finberg, South Park High School, PA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Comedy has the ability to shine brightly in the darkness. Rubin tackles sensitive subjects with marvelous amounts of humor and heart. You will need tissues by the end of the book, but I promise it will be okay. Because, just as the title promises, you will also be laughing. —NPR

[A] hilarious, heartrending novel. —Shelf Awareness

Crying Laughing offers insight into why it can be good to be unfunny, and advocates for facing up to feelings, even scary ones. Winnie's rapid-fire internal voice and awkward dating experiences are a hoot, and her relationships are infused with compassion and nuance.—BookPage

"A refreshingly diverse cast of characters.... This book is for anyone who's ever attended high school, had a crush, gotten news they weren't prepared to deal with, or learned that someone close to them isn't quite who they thought they were—in short, for everyone. —Booklist

As funny as it is poignant... Winnie's story is handled with authenticity and heart. The deft movement between laughter and tears will appeal to fans of John Green. — SLJ

A touching look into one girl's high school experience as she seeks the funny moments even in the midst of tragedy. Charming and affecting. —Kirkus Reviews

Charming, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-affirming, Rubin captures Winnie's verve and heart with honesty and wit. —Publishers Weekly

Realistically portrays the balancing act between seriousness and humor for a family more comfortable with the latter. —The Horn Book

"Crying Laughing walks the delicate line between comedy and tragedy without faltering once; a sharp-witted take on how humor can exist—and be a source of strength—even in the saddest moments."
—Ariel Kaplan, author of We Are the Perfect Girl and We Regret to Inform You

"A must-read for comedy fans, aspiring artists, and anybody who's feeling like life's just not fair sometimes. Cause it isn't, but that's okay—and it's even sometimes hilarious."
—Naomi Ekperigin, stand-up comedian/writer, 2 Dope Queens and Broad City

"Crying Laughing is funny, heartbreaking, and a love letter to comedy—and how it can save us."
—Amy Spalding, author of The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the Best Burger in Los Angeles)