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Crying Laughing
The author of
Denton Little's Deathdate
gives us a tragicomic story of bad dates, bad news, bad performances, and one girl's determination to find the funny in high school.
Winnie Friedman has been waiting for the world to catch on to what she already knows: she's hilarious.
It might be a long wait, though. After bombing a stand-up set at her own bat mitzvah, Winnie has kept her jokes to herself. Well, to herself and her dad, a former comedian and her inspiration.
Then, on the second day of tenth grade, the funniest guy in school actually laughs at a comment she makes in the lunch line and asks her to join the improv troupe. Maybe he's even . . . flirting?
Just when Winnie's ready to say yes to comedy again, her father reveals that he's been diagnosed with ALS. That is . . . not funny. Her dad's still making jokes, though, which feels like a good thing. And Winnie's prepared to be his straight man if that's what he wants. But is it what he needs?
Caught up in a spiral of epically bad dates, bad news, and bad performances, Winnie's struggling to see the humor in it all. But finding a way to laugh is exactly what will see her through.
Winnie Friedman has been waiting for the world to catch on to what she already knows: she's hilarious.
It might be a long wait, though. After bombing a stand-up set at her own bat mitzvah, Winnie has kept her jokes to herself. Well, to herself and her dad, a former comedian and her inspiration.
Then, on the second day of tenth grade, the funniest guy in school actually laughs at a comment she makes in the lunch line and asks her to join the improv troupe. Maybe he's even . . . flirting?
Just when Winnie's ready to say yes to comedy again, her father reveals that he's been diagnosed with ALS. That is . . . not funny. Her dad's still making jokes, though, which feels like a good thing. And Winnie's prepared to be his straight man if that's what he wants. But is it what he needs?
Caught up in a spiral of epically bad dates, bad news, and bad performances, Winnie's struggling to see the humor in it all. But finding a way to laugh is exactly what will see her through.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
82 people are currently reading
1589 people want to read
About the author
Lance Rubin
11 books331 followersHi, I'm Lance Rubin.
I wrote the Denton Little series and Crying Laughing. My solo MG debut, Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend, comes out this August 2025, and my new YA novel, 16 Forever, comes out in January 2026.
I also co-wrote The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek with Good Mythical Morning's Rhett & Link, Monster Club: Monsters Take Manhattan with filmmakers Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel, and the musical Broadway Bounty Hunter with Be More Chill's Joe Iconis & Jason SweetTooth Williams.
I'm originally from Matawan, New Jersey. I went to Brown University, and now I live in Brooklyn with my family.
Before I became an author, I was primarily an actor. "Anything I'd recognize you from?" you might ask. Probably not, unless you watched the short-lived NBC hospital show Mercy, in which I guest-starred as a patient with a naked sleepwalking problem.
I love Back to the Future, empathy, the New York Knicks, the Heavyweight podcast, and the Before Sunrise Trilogy.
Thanks for reading. Reach out and say hi!
I wrote the Denton Little series and Crying Laughing. My solo MG debut, Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend, comes out this August 2025, and my new YA novel, 16 Forever, comes out in January 2026.
I also co-wrote The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek with Good Mythical Morning's Rhett & Link, Monster Club: Monsters Take Manhattan with filmmakers Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel, and the musical Broadway Bounty Hunter with Be More Chill's Joe Iconis & Jason SweetTooth Williams.
I'm originally from Matawan, New Jersey. I went to Brown University, and now I live in Brooklyn with my family.
Before I became an author, I was primarily an actor. "Anything I'd recognize you from?" you might ask. Probably not, unless you watched the short-lived NBC hospital show Mercy, in which I guest-starred as a patient with a naked sleepwalking problem.
I love Back to the Future, empathy, the New York Knicks, the Heavyweight podcast, and the Before Sunrise Trilogy.
Thanks for reading. Reach out and say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
October 11, 2019
I wrote this book. I am really proud of it, and I hope you enjoy. (This review is actually 4.5 stars but I rounded up to 5 because I wrote it.)
November 21, 2019
This should have been a great year for Winnie. She had her two best friends at her side, a cute older boy was showing interest in her, and she was going to attempt performing again, but then, things started to unravel. Friend drama, boy drama, epic comedy fails, and worst of all, her father's ALS diagnosis had Winnie wondering where she could find any humor in her life, but with love, and yes, comedy, Winnie was able to find her way.
I think my first update for this book was about how I had already laughed and cried. Rubin did a wonderful job blending the light and heavy in this beautiful story, which delivered quite an emotional punch.
Five Things I Loved About Crying Laughing:
• Winnie was a little spark plug. I found her witty and charming, and she did indeed, make me laugh. Her journey over the course of this book was not an easy one, but she took each lesson to heart, and learned from her mistakes, as well as, the mistakes of others. She opened her eyes a little wider, and began to see the world in a bit more detail.
• I think I have only read one other YA book that featured improv, but not to the depth encountered in this book. Rubin really delivered an education on the art of improv, and I enjoyed learning more about it. It was also a nice parallel to how Winnie needed to begin listening more and living in the moment. She had to challenge herself to not think about her father's end, but rather, treasure the moments she still had with him.
• When I took my adolescent psychology class, I remember discussing how this was a time in a teen's life, when they realize their parents were only human. They made mistakes and were simply mere mortals. Winnie had to face this about her father, who she sort of hero worshipped. She first had to accept, that he would probably be gone in 2 - 5 years, and then she learned some more hard truths about her parents, which she had to deal with. Rubin handled this part quite thoughtfully, and spared no emotional impact as he did so.
• The relationship between Winnie and her father was very special. I loved seeing them interact and joke around, but I also found their deeper discussions quite touching. These two filled me with feels and brought me to tears.
• I loved the friendship that Winnie shared with Asmaa and Leili. They had some ups and downs over the course of the story, but that only made it seem more authentic. Fletcher was also a good friend, and all three were a source of comfort and support for Winnie as she attempted to deal with her father's failing health and family situation.
As promised, this book made me laugh and cry, but it also was a great reminder to hold onto the ones you love, while you can, to listen to each other, and to be present.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I think my first update for this book was about how I had already laughed and cried. Rubin did a wonderful job blending the light and heavy in this beautiful story, which delivered quite an emotional punch.
Five Things I Loved About Crying Laughing:
• Winnie was a little spark plug. I found her witty and charming, and she did indeed, make me laugh. Her journey over the course of this book was not an easy one, but she took each lesson to heart, and learned from her mistakes, as well as, the mistakes of others. She opened her eyes a little wider, and began to see the world in a bit more detail.
• I think I have only read one other YA book that featured improv, but not to the depth encountered in this book. Rubin really delivered an education on the art of improv, and I enjoyed learning more about it. It was also a nice parallel to how Winnie needed to begin listening more and living in the moment. She had to challenge herself to not think about her father's end, but rather, treasure the moments she still had with him.
• When I took my adolescent psychology class, I remember discussing how this was a time in a teen's life, when they realize their parents were only human. They made mistakes and were simply mere mortals. Winnie had to face this about her father, who she sort of hero worshipped. She first had to accept, that he would probably be gone in 2 - 5 years, and then she learned some more hard truths about her parents, which she had to deal with. Rubin handled this part quite thoughtfully, and spared no emotional impact as he did so.
• The relationship between Winnie and her father was very special. I loved seeing them interact and joke around, but I also found their deeper discussions quite touching. These two filled me with feels and brought me to tears.
• I loved the friendship that Winnie shared with Asmaa and Leili. They had some ups and downs over the course of the story, but that only made it seem more authentic. Fletcher was also a good friend, and all three were a source of comfort and support for Winnie as she attempted to deal with her father's failing health and family situation.
"Laughing and crying, you know it's the same release." - Joni Mitchell (from Laughing Crying)
As promised, this book made me laugh and cry, but it also was a great reminder to hold onto the ones you love, while you can, to listen to each other, and to be present.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
July 31, 2019
Laugh out loud funny, witty and has an all encompassing warm fuzzy feeling to it from the very first page, to the last goodbye. Absolutely 5/5 stars for being he new comedic read of the century.
November 24, 2019
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
4.5*
I won't lie, titling a book Crying Laughing is setting the bar pretty high, right? You're gonna make me laugh and cry, book? You promise? Well, it definitely didn't lie, because I absolutely genuinely did both. It starts out mostly funny- but I assure you there are tears, and not just our main girl Winnie's. I shed a few myself by the end, no question. So let us talk about what made this book work so well for me!
What I Loved:
• Winnie is just a really relatable main character. Her experiences felt so... utterly normal. Make no mistake, the author makes us care about Winnie's daily life, but that's what it is ultimately. A coming-of-age story about a girl who's just trying to discover who she really wants to be, in the midst of the usual struggles. She's got friendship stuff happening, romantic turmoil, and is going through a lot with her family, which we'll expand on more. She's dealing with the mundane academic expectations, finding extracurriculars that appeal, thinking of her future. Stuff that a great majority of us will certainly relate to. And through it all, she keeps her sense of humor, which is a lesson for us all tbh.
• Comedy being such a huge focus is such a fresh take! I've read countless books with school plays, musical events, various sports, dancing, you name it. But never have I read one where comedy- let alone improv!- is a big plot point. It's awesome because it lends itself to being humorous, but it's the witty writing that drives the humor home over and over again.
• Winnie's boyfriend is pretty much a flaming pile of garbage. "Wait!" you exclaim. "How can this be a positive?!" Well, I will explain. I think it is so damn helpful to present a young woman who has some doubts about herself, who is flattered by the attention of a boy who is seemingly not a troll. A young woman who, despite the red flags that the reader can see from miles away, sweeps them under the rug because she's enamored with the thought of being in a relationship, of being wanted. I could say this is especially important to present to the young adult audience, but I'm going to go ahead and say that this is a lesson all women- nay, all humans could use to read. We're all worth more than the first random asshat who throws us a look of attraction. And I won't tell you how Winnie's story ends up, but I promise that the author handles this fabulously.
• The family is the absolute heart and soul of this book. And hot damn, it's real. Very honest, the whole family. They have some ups and downs, and everyone makes mistakes throughout. But at the core is a whole lot of love. And a father who has been diagnosed with ALS. This is a gut punch to the whole family, and you know what? They don't always handle it gracefully. Because they're human. And that is why I loved it so much, it's so honest, it's how real and actual families behave. And I am here for it.
Bottom Line: A heartwarming and heartbreaking story of a young woman trying to find her passions, build relationships, and cherish her family and doing it all with a healthy dose of humor.
4.5*
I won't lie, titling a book Crying Laughing is setting the bar pretty high, right? You're gonna make me laugh and cry, book? You promise? Well, it definitely didn't lie, because I absolutely genuinely did both. It starts out mostly funny- but I assure you there are tears, and not just our main girl Winnie's. I shed a few myself by the end, no question. So let us talk about what made this book work so well for me!
What I Loved:
• Winnie is just a really relatable main character. Her experiences felt so... utterly normal. Make no mistake, the author makes us care about Winnie's daily life, but that's what it is ultimately. A coming-of-age story about a girl who's just trying to discover who she really wants to be, in the midst of the usual struggles. She's got friendship stuff happening, romantic turmoil, and is going through a lot with her family, which we'll expand on more. She's dealing with the mundane academic expectations, finding extracurriculars that appeal, thinking of her future. Stuff that a great majority of us will certainly relate to. And through it all, she keeps her sense of humor, which is a lesson for us all tbh.
• Comedy being such a huge focus is such a fresh take! I've read countless books with school plays, musical events, various sports, dancing, you name it. But never have I read one where comedy- let alone improv!- is a big plot point. It's awesome because it lends itself to being humorous, but it's the witty writing that drives the humor home over and over again.
• Winnie's boyfriend is pretty much a flaming pile of garbage. "Wait!" you exclaim. "How can this be a positive?!" Well, I will explain. I think it is so damn helpful to present a young woman who has some doubts about herself, who is flattered by the attention of a boy who is seemingly not a troll. A young woman who, despite the red flags that the reader can see from miles away, sweeps them under the rug because she's enamored with the thought of being in a relationship, of being wanted. I could say this is especially important to present to the young adult audience, but I'm going to go ahead and say that this is a lesson all women- nay, all humans could use to read. We're all worth more than the first random asshat who throws us a look of attraction. And I won't tell you how Winnie's story ends up, but I promise that the author handles this fabulously.
• The family is the absolute heart and soul of this book. And hot damn, it's real. Very honest, the whole family. They have some ups and downs, and everyone makes mistakes throughout. But at the core is a whole lot of love. And a father who has been diagnosed with ALS. This is a gut punch to the whole family, and you know what? They don't always handle it gracefully. Because they're human. And that is why I loved it so much, it's so honest, it's how real and actual families behave. And I am here for it.
Bottom Line: A heartwarming and heartbreaking story of a young woman trying to find her passions, build relationships, and cherish her family and doing it all with a healthy dose of humor.
May 8, 2019
This book is a love letter to comedy even (and especially) in the most trying times and it succeeds on every level. I was in awe of how easy it was to get swept up in the highs and lows of Winnie's performances--not an easy feat for a book to accomplish, but this one 100% does. It's also the most aptly titled book ever as there are genuine, laugh-out-loud moments layered over a complex story of a devastating diagnosis and its profound effect on a family's dynamics. Most importantly, Winnie Friedman is a character you'll root for from page one and finish the book feeling like you made a (hilarious) new friend.
December 22, 2019
I'm one of the few people that didn't like this book. I never really connected with Winnie or anybody else. I didn't even care much for either Fletcher or Evan and they were her romantic interests. The only thing that I liked was that her father was able to keep a sense of humor through everything that he had to go through. Maybe if I was younger I would've enjoyed this but as an adult I just didn't see the appeal of the characters.
April 17, 2020
The title says it all, it's going to make you cry and it is going to make you laugh out loud.
There is a great young woman, opinionated and nice. There is the lovely Dad, he gave up his comedy career to bring up his daughter while Mum went out to work. And there is the no nonsense Mum. A bunch of friends complete the cast along with a weird drama teacher.
I loved loved loved Denton Little's Deathdate which was this author's first book. It was hilarious, it does huge business in my library, I have 4 copies of it and the sequel, so I was really looking forward to this book. And it delivers. It is moving and sad and sweet and real. I'm not going to reveal the sad part because It think it would ruin it, suffice it to say that there are a lot of family secrets revealed and that drama is a way of dealing with things and revealing your true feelings through theatre.
I'll be pushing this book at our drama students, they'll love the banter! Buy it for those kids in your school. They will love you for it.
There is a great young woman, opinionated and nice. There is the lovely Dad, he gave up his comedy career to bring up his daughter while Mum went out to work. And there is the no nonsense Mum. A bunch of friends complete the cast along with a weird drama teacher.
I loved loved loved Denton Little's Deathdate which was this author's first book. It was hilarious, it does huge business in my library, I have 4 copies of it and the sequel, so I was really looking forward to this book. And it delivers. It is moving and sad and sweet and real. I'm not going to reveal the sad part because It think it would ruin it, suffice it to say that there are a lot of family secrets revealed and that drama is a way of dealing with things and revealing your true feelings through theatre.
I'll be pushing this book at our drama students, they'll love the banter! Buy it for those kids in your school. They will love you for it.
Want to read
March 19, 2019*eyes my own comedy nerd YA WIP, sweats nervously*
November 20, 2019
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Fantastic Flying Book Club, Netgalley and Knopf for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
Okay but seriously I was not expecting this book to hit me the way it did, and wow. Sometimes part of me forgets that contemporary characters can go through some difficult things in their life, not just the big “having to save the world” type of issues that fantasy books usually have. Sometimes, the real life big issues are just as hard to read about and deal with, and may seem even larger than life than the other stuff.
I get how it feels to have someone close to you, especially a parent or grandparent, get diagnosed with an illness that has no cure, that ends in their death… I know we all end up leaving this life at one point or another, but having that added factor doesn’t make it any easier. For those of you that want more information on ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), feel free to go here.
Sometimes one needs to rely on humor in order to take their mind away from the really shitty stuff, and that’s what Winnie does. Even before her father was diagnosed with ALS. She’s actually very punny, as evidenced from the very first chapter – actually the very first two pages quite honestly. And I think that is what made me almost immediately feel for her. I don’t always like a character so quickly, or continue to like a character after the beginning, so it was nice to have another MC that I wanted to care for and just give her a shoulder to cry on and support like at all times.
I think about what Winnie had to go through as a teenager trying to deal with her father’s sickness, and trying to bring some sort of joy and laughter into his life since he can’t give the same amount of level that he used to. I mean, her father is her role model, her inspiration as to why she got into comedy in the first place. She actually wants to do entertaining and good comedy, not jokes that only deal with farts, sex, or cruelty.
No joke.
I’m just thoroughly impressed with this book, and I’m so glad I had an opportunity to read this novel.
Be right back, though. I’m still crying.
Okay but seriously I was not expecting this book to hit me the way it did, and wow. Sometimes part of me forgets that contemporary characters can go through some difficult things in their life, not just the big “having to save the world” type of issues that fantasy books usually have. Sometimes, the real life big issues are just as hard to read about and deal with, and may seem even larger than life than the other stuff.
I get how it feels to have someone close to you, especially a parent or grandparent, get diagnosed with an illness that has no cure, that ends in their death… I know we all end up leaving this life at one point or another, but having that added factor doesn’t make it any easier. For those of you that want more information on ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), feel free to go here.
Sometimes one needs to rely on humor in order to take their mind away from the really shitty stuff, and that’s what Winnie does. Even before her father was diagnosed with ALS. She’s actually very punny, as evidenced from the very first chapter – actually the very first two pages quite honestly. And I think that is what made me almost immediately feel for her. I don’t always like a character so quickly, or continue to like a character after the beginning, so it was nice to have another MC that I wanted to care for and just give her a shoulder to cry on and support like at all times.
I think about what Winnie had to go through as a teenager trying to deal with her father’s sickness, and trying to bring some sort of joy and laughter into his life since he can’t give the same amount of level that he used to. I mean, her father is her role model, her inspiration as to why she got into comedy in the first place. She actually wants to do entertaining and good comedy, not jokes that only deal with farts, sex, or cruelty.
No joke.
I’m just thoroughly impressed with this book, and I’m so glad I had an opportunity to read this novel.
Be right back, though. I’m still crying.
September 2, 2019
Such a beautiful story... with heartbreaking and heartwarming insights into the issues and emotions surrounding an ALS diagnosis, and some delightful improv scenes. Winnie and her friends and improv troupe-mates make for a wonderful and rich cast of characters. Also Winnie's mom and dad. I'm adding Russ and Dana to my list of favorite YA parents. Put this one on your pre-order list... it comes out in November 2019!
May 25, 2020
**3.5 Stars**
"Evan won't bite."
“What about that dinosaur scene from last year?” Mahesh says, and most of the group laughs. “Oh man, good point,” Mr. Martinez says. “The controversial dinosaur bite scene.” What the hell? “I stand corrected. Evan probably won’t bite.” I don’t care how funny and charming he is; if Evan tries to bite me in this scene, I will judo-chop him in the testes.
I will admit that I was hoping that Crying Laughing would be along the similar feel of the author's previous book Denton Little which is one of my absolute favorite reads and full of over the top ridiculous encounters and a great main character. Instead, this was a more subtle read, and sure there was some humor that made me laugh, I feel like most of the book dealt with much harder topics like illness (and possible death), cheating, growing up, the perils of high school and fitting in, all the awkwardness of being a teen, as well as dating. I really enjoyed that this had a great cast of diverse characters, all unique and endearing in their own way, and that friendship was just as important as romance. But the star of the book was the great relationship between the main character and her parents, something that I think is missing in a lot of YA books.
Overall this was a cute read with some hard lessons about life thrown in. This is a great choice for younger teens sine the main character was only a high school sophomore and the content was very pg. I will definitely check out more books from this author in the future.
"Evan won't bite."
“What about that dinosaur scene from last year?” Mahesh says, and most of the group laughs. “Oh man, good point,” Mr. Martinez says. “The controversial dinosaur bite scene.” What the hell? “I stand corrected. Evan probably won’t bite.” I don’t care how funny and charming he is; if Evan tries to bite me in this scene, I will judo-chop him in the testes.
I will admit that I was hoping that Crying Laughing would be along the similar feel of the author's previous book Denton Little which is one of my absolute favorite reads and full of over the top ridiculous encounters and a great main character. Instead, this was a more subtle read, and sure there was some humor that made me laugh, I feel like most of the book dealt with much harder topics like illness (and possible death), cheating, growing up, the perils of high school and fitting in, all the awkwardness of being a teen, as well as dating. I really enjoyed that this had a great cast of diverse characters, all unique and endearing in their own way, and that friendship was just as important as romance. But the star of the book was the great relationship between the main character and her parents, something that I think is missing in a lot of YA books.
Overall this was a cute read with some hard lessons about life thrown in. This is a great choice for younger teens sine the main character was only a high school sophomore and the content was very pg. I will definitely check out more books from this author in the future.
February 1, 2020
I’ll give this 4 stars because it brings some awareness to ALS. I think the author could have and should have delved deeper into the devastating disease part of the book, crying does come first in the title after all. My understanding of improv from this book also seems rudimentary, even for YA. I feel like someone told him to throw in cursing to make it appeal to the teen audience which didn’t sit well with me. It seemed like the author worked too hard to include so much diversity in such a small group of friends.
I enjoyed the main characters and that people were flawed and real. I felt the conclusion was strong. I liked how everything wasn’t all wrapped up in a pretty bow and was realistic. Overall I enjoyed the book but it is really just a 3 star.
I enjoyed the main characters and that people were flawed and real. I felt the conclusion was strong. I liked how everything wasn’t all wrapped up in a pretty bow and was realistic. Overall I enjoyed the book but it is really just a 3 star.
November 7, 2021
I laughed A LOT. I shed a tear now and then. And I would definitely welcome more of the story for some of the characters.
June 28, 2023
This book had a really good plot line, in my opinion. It didn't have very much action, which made some parts a little monotonous, but overall pretty good. There was some questionable language which I didn't enjoy, and there was a little bit of romance, but nothing bad and it mostly just added to the book.
September 6, 2020
3.75 stars
What a wonderful, delightful book! + a beautiful manifestation on healing and dealing through art (here it’s improv) wrapped up 💝 in a story about family and “coming of age” all the feels and hugs.
SUMMARY: Winnie’s father was a standup comedian (which he gave up to raise her) and comedy had always been something they connected on. Winnie LOVES comedy and wants to be a comic herself one day or a writer for a comedy show such as Parks and Rec - she’s too scared to perform for an audience.
At school, a friend and cute boy convince her to join the improv club, which Winnie is nervous and anxious about, but begins to find her voice and expression by the end of the first meeting. Now she’s excited to share this news/experience with her dad, but instead he has news for her: he’s been diagnosed with ALS.
In the following weeks, winnies father declines rapidly, but her father doesn’t want anyone to know about his condition. Winnie feels alone and sacred. This also causes tension in the parents marriage, leading to arguments, etc. Winnie begins to see that her parents are real people, with real problems, and secrets... and that they are not immortal... a difficult and pivotal moment for any teenager.
She’s also experiencing her first boyfriend, who initially pushes her to grow but then ends up being jealous of her. During the relationship she also finds herself conflicted over her feelings and what is happening and how he seems to be doing things she’s not ready for, such as announcing on Instagram she’s his girlfriend. She isn’t sure what to do as having a boyfriend is new to her. She also has a more organic and natural relationship with another boy...
Aaaaand she also gets in a fight with her best friend, as she became distant/too focused on her issues and problems (all teens end up self Absorbed as some point right? Oops)
We (the readers) navigate through these times and problems with Winnie; watch the conflicts resolve as they will, and get to learn about improv and comedy.
For me this terrific book and story is ultimately about ahow having a passion is the glue that keeps
Us together through good times and bad. Art is therapy and recovery and medicine and ice cream. Most importantly, you matter and you have to show up for yourself and take care of you and look out for you... that’s your job.
It’s not your job to sacrifice yourself for someone else’s comforts.
What a wonderful, delightful book! + a beautiful manifestation on healing and dealing through art (here it’s improv) wrapped up 💝 in a story about family and “coming of age” all the feels and hugs.
SUMMARY: Winnie’s father was a standup comedian (which he gave up to raise her) and comedy had always been something they connected on. Winnie LOVES comedy and wants to be a comic herself one day or a writer for a comedy show such as Parks and Rec - she’s too scared to perform for an audience.
At school, a friend and cute boy convince her to join the improv club, which Winnie is nervous and anxious about, but begins to find her voice and expression by the end of the first meeting. Now she’s excited to share this news/experience with her dad, but instead he has news for her: he’s been diagnosed with ALS.
In the following weeks, winnies father declines rapidly, but her father doesn’t want anyone to know about his condition. Winnie feels alone and sacred. This also causes tension in the parents marriage, leading to arguments, etc. Winnie begins to see that her parents are real people, with real problems, and secrets... and that they are not immortal... a difficult and pivotal moment for any teenager.
She’s also experiencing her first boyfriend, who initially pushes her to grow but then ends up being jealous of her. During the relationship she also finds herself conflicted over her feelings and what is happening and how he seems to be doing things she’s not ready for, such as announcing on Instagram she’s his girlfriend. She isn’t sure what to do as having a boyfriend is new to her. She also has a more organic and natural relationship with another boy...
Aaaaand she also gets in a fight with her best friend, as she became distant/too focused on her issues and problems (all teens end up self Absorbed as some point right? Oops)
We (the readers) navigate through these times and problems with Winnie; watch the conflicts resolve as they will, and get to learn about improv and comedy.
For me this terrific book and story is ultimately about ahow having a passion is the glue that keeps
Us together through good times and bad. Art is therapy and recovery and medicine and ice cream. Most importantly, you matter and you have to show up for yourself and take care of you and look out for you... that’s your job.
It’s not your job to sacrifice yourself for someone else’s comforts.
August 23, 2020
Book #67 of 2020 • Crying Laughing by Lance Rubin • Finished 07/20/20
Crying Laughing falls into the weird gap that sometimes opens between middle grade books and young adult books • Listed as targeting an audience ages 12 - 17, it skews much more to the younger side of that age range
Winnie Friedman aspires to be a comedian but after bombing her first public set at her own bat mitzvah, she's not sure she has what it takes • Her second day of 10th grade, she makes the funniest guy in school laugh and is invited to join the improv troupe • Winnie thinks she might be ready to try her comedy in public again and then she receives confusing and devastating new • Her father, a former comedian and Winnie's inspiration, has been diagnosed with ALS • Now life is much harder than ever - unsure what her father's diagnosis will bring, strained relations between her parents, shifting friendships and her first relationship - and she's struggling to see the humor in anything
The idea of Crying Laughing has plenty of potential • Unfortunately, that potential was far from realized • When I first started reading, the characterization of Winnie and her friends had me checking how long ago the book came out • Released in 2019, the speaking styles, behaviors/activities and thought processes of the female high schoolers comes across unrealistic for the recent publishing date • There were also conversations between Winnie and her mother that came across highly insensitive and demeaning toward females, especially how they "should" behave in relationships • Written by a male author, Crying Laughing was disconnected from how strong female lead and secondary characters could and should be written, in particular when the book is geared toward impressionable young readers
Crying Laughing falls into the weird gap that sometimes opens between middle grade books and young adult books • Listed as targeting an audience ages 12 - 17, it skews much more to the younger side of that age range
Winnie Friedman aspires to be a comedian but after bombing her first public set at her own bat mitzvah, she's not sure she has what it takes • Her second day of 10th grade, she makes the funniest guy in school laugh and is invited to join the improv troupe • Winnie thinks she might be ready to try her comedy in public again and then she receives confusing and devastating new • Her father, a former comedian and Winnie's inspiration, has been diagnosed with ALS • Now life is much harder than ever - unsure what her father's diagnosis will bring, strained relations between her parents, shifting friendships and her first relationship - and she's struggling to see the humor in anything
The idea of Crying Laughing has plenty of potential • Unfortunately, that potential was far from realized • When I first started reading, the characterization of Winnie and her friends had me checking how long ago the book came out • Released in 2019, the speaking styles, behaviors/activities and thought processes of the female high schoolers comes across unrealistic for the recent publishing date • There were also conversations between Winnie and her mother that came across highly insensitive and demeaning toward females, especially how they "should" behave in relationships • Written by a male author, Crying Laughing was disconnected from how strong female lead and secondary characters could and should be written, in particular when the book is geared toward impressionable young readers
January 22, 2022
OMG, I AM LAUGHING THROUGH MY TEARS AT THIS POINT. AHHHHHHHH <3 <3 <3
Okay, okay. I have collected myself enough to see past the tears. Jesus, where do I even start. Lance Rubin captures the pure beauty of true friendship, family, and finding a way to laugh even through some of your toughest moments in this heartbreaking yet touching book. I found myself laughing 1 page then....BAMB! I turn the page and I am hysterically crying.
It all takes place with our main character Winnie, who has just turned 15 and is finding her way in high school. (I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet but I have so many things I want to talk about, like ugh I need a buddy to spill all this tea to hmu lol) She seems like a cute, shy girl who has a small group of friends and keeps to herself. But she is secretly a comedic GENIUS. Only her Mom, Dad, and 2 besties know that. So when a cute and flirty guy comes up to her and comments on something funny he overheard, it is quite bizarre. But he invites her to an Improv Troupe and she doesn't know what to do. Why not give it a shot? You're hilarious! But then that night she goes home to share the exiting news with her dad but he has some not so exciting news.....He was diagnosed with ALS.. Now not knowing how much longer her father has left, she tries to find a way to joke through it all. The bad dates, the big fights, the doctor appointments....but what happens when you can't find a way to laugh?
I recommend this book to EVERYONE, I can not stress this enough! It teaches such a good lesson in a way that anyone can relate to.
Okay, okay. I have collected myself enough to see past the tears. Jesus, where do I even start. Lance Rubin captures the pure beauty of true friendship, family, and finding a way to laugh even through some of your toughest moments in this heartbreaking yet touching book. I found myself laughing 1 page then....BAMB! I turn the page and I am hysterically crying.
It all takes place with our main character Winnie, who has just turned 15 and is finding her way in high school. (I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet but I have so many things I want to talk about, like ugh I need a buddy to spill all this tea to hmu lol) She seems like a cute, shy girl who has a small group of friends and keeps to herself. But she is secretly a comedic GENIUS. Only her Mom, Dad, and 2 besties know that. So when a cute and flirty guy comes up to her and comments on something funny he overheard, it is quite bizarre. But he invites her to an Improv Troupe and she doesn't know what to do. Why not give it a shot? You're hilarious! But then that night she goes home to share the exiting news with her dad but he has some not so exciting news.....He was diagnosed with ALS.. Now not knowing how much longer her father has left, she tries to find a way to joke through it all. The bad dates, the big fights, the doctor appointments....but what happens when you can't find a way to laugh?
I recommend this book to EVERYONE, I can not stress this enough! It teaches such a good lesson in a way that anyone can relate to.
March 23, 2019
It takes some guts to write a book about a funny person. Even more guts to have that funny person join an improv troupe - how do you make written improv funny? And even more gutsy, to then write that character bomb as often as they kill. While DENTON LITTLE was truly laugh out loud funny to me, every giggle was a surprise; for CRYING LAUGHING I went in worried, tense that being told I’m supposed to find Winnie Friedman funny would inadvertently make it hard for me to laugh.
I shouldn’t have doubted though, because what Lance Rubin does is show the humor in the sad, and show the humanity behind the jokes. Once this book settles in (and it does, I must say, take a few chapters to get settled) it is utterly propulsive. Winnie’s relationship with her parents - a father suffering from ALS, a mother who seems like a joykill until her many shades are revealed later in the book - is so lovingly explored. Her friendships are real and earned. And the elements of romance are so delightfully sophomoric (literally - Winnie is a sophomore) and perfectly relatable for that age.
I also found myself virtually fist bumping Rubin throughout at the subtle but unapologetic conversations about consent, and feminism, and politics. Slyly teachable moments. I see what you did there, Lance. And I dig it.
I shouldn’t have doubted though, because what Lance Rubin does is show the humor in the sad, and show the humanity behind the jokes. Once this book settles in (and it does, I must say, take a few chapters to get settled) it is utterly propulsive. Winnie’s relationship with her parents - a father suffering from ALS, a mother who seems like a joykill until her many shades are revealed later in the book - is so lovingly explored. Her friendships are real and earned. And the elements of romance are so delightfully sophomoric (literally - Winnie is a sophomore) and perfectly relatable for that age.
I also found myself virtually fist bumping Rubin throughout at the subtle but unapologetic conversations about consent, and feminism, and politics. Slyly teachable moments. I see what you did there, Lance. And I dig it.
July 20, 2021
I enjoy comedy (standup, improv, and sketch), but I haven't made a study of it so some of the references in this book flew over my head. But most of this book hit right in the feels. Winnie's voice feels authentic to a typical smart teen (with anxiety) and I loved her family's dynamic. In particular, I was cracking up at Mr. Martinez's mixed-signals message (which was so spot-on to a lot of the performances I had in high school marching band, drama, etc.) and related heavily to Winnie's own sense of being adrift when her home life began to fall apart. And the whole romance felt on-key as well (sadly, not just for the teenage experience, but for anyone who has been in a relationship where they were 'more successful' than their partner). It's (thankfully) not *that* much of a tearjerker, and it's not a downer book at all. So overall, I recommend it for fans of contemporary YA.
April 28, 2021
I really hate giving bad reviews. I really do. I always feel bad when I do give one, because the author put so much time and effort into creating such a masterpiece, but this book and I didn't click.... at all. it was supposed to be a comedy, but did I do this?: 😂 no. did I do this?: 😆 no. did I even do this?: 🙂 no. and I definitely did not do this: 😭. I felt exactly one emotion throughout this book: 🙄. I was annoyed with the main character, her "boyfriend", her friends, her parents, and pretty much everyone else. I honestly cannot believe that I even finished it. none of the supposed jokes were funny. I would not recommend.
December 1, 2019
I enjoyed this story very much. Winnie is such a likable character because she seems real to me. She's a 15-year-old girl trying to navigate her family issues, friendship evolutions, and love life problems while trying to keep her sense of humor during her sophomore year of high school. High school alone is a good reason to need a sense of humor even without all the issues Winnie must deal with, especially her father's medical crisis. While reading the story, I wanted to jump into the pages and give poor Winnie a hug.
July 17, 2025
This book was super funny. It was mainly the type of funny that’s like wowww that’s embarrassing but also hilarious and that better NEVER happen to me. I actually love that sort of humor, so I ended up really loving the book.
Winnie was also really relatable which made me like it even more. All in all, this was an amazing read!
I will just say this for a warning to people: there is some cussing, but only a few times, so do with that what you will
Winnie was also really relatable which made me like it even more. All in all, this was an amazing read!
I will just say this for a warning to people: there is some cussing, but only a few times, so do with that what you will
Read
January 27, 2020Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: 🙂
Drinking Buddy: Guarded
MPAA Rating: PG (Language, adult situations)
Talky Talk: I Need a Word...
Bonus Factors: Improv Comedy, ALS, Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo
Bromance Status: Scene Partner
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: 🙂
Drinking Buddy: Guarded
MPAA Rating: PG (Language, adult situations)
Talky Talk: I Need a Word...
Bonus Factors: Improv Comedy, ALS, Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo
Bromance Status: Scene Partner
Read the full book report here.
September 11, 2021
This book was one I went into completely blind. I had this book for 2 years before I finally read it and I regret every single minute of it! This story follows a teenage girl who goes outside of her comfort zone in school and joins an improve group. Little does she know her entire world is about to be turned completely upside down. This book had ALS representation in it and honestly I absolutely fell in love with the entire book. I will definitely go back and read the author's backlist.
February 11, 2020
I'm so glad I picked this up, it is SOO cute. I did in fact both laugh and cry, I loved Winnie, this is a very fun story.
July 19, 2020
This may have been the funniest and best book I have ever read!
July 24, 2022
This was a pleasant surprise. I received this book in a monthly book subscription box. I never know what I will get and it is a good way to step out of my go to authors and types of books I normally gravitate towards. I was drawn in from the very beginning. Like the title I cried and laughed through out the book.
July 25, 2022
The book was ok, and I did enjoy the narrator’s voice. This book was about a high student leaning her father is sick with ALS while having to cope with high school life. It was funny at times and I did enjoy the father-daughter relationship.
January 31, 2024
2.75 😞
the dad literally gave me the ick. 🤢
the dad literally gave me the ick. 🤢
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