Funny Farm: A Sweeping Epic of the Sticks

by Jay Cronley

The Farmers quit their jobs and move from New York City out to the country. But they have to share their rural paradise with wacky locals, marauding water snakes, and more hilarious gags and mishaps than they can shake a stick at…

Genres: Humor, Fiction, Novels

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1985

About the author

Jay Cronley (1948 - February 27, 2017) was a former columnist for the Tulsa World and the author of many works of humorous fiction.

Many of Cronley's novels have been made into feature films including, Good Vibes, Quick Change, Funny Farm and Cheap Shot.

Reviews

[Rob Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hilarious offering from Jay Cronley chronicles the lives of sports writer Andy Farmer and his wife Elizabeth following their move from the big city to a house just outside of a small town. Pretend the Chevy Chase film doesn't exist, it doesn't hold a candle to this novel. Highly recommended for those not likely to die due to laughing related causes.

[Shady · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was undoubtedly one of the worst books I have ever read. I was so disappointed because I loved the movie. I read this book as fast as I could, just to get it over. I didn't find it funny at all and couldn't stand how the author referred to the main character by his full name throughout the book. He was introduced in the first sentence as Andy Farmer. There were no other Andy's in the book. Just freaking call him Andy! You didn't call his wife by both names all the time. Maybe it was to get the word count up. This was so horrible, I might have to wait awhile before I watch the movie again!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny Farm is funny! It is non-stop action in this one. One aspect I quite liked about it was that the townspeople weren't truly malicious or out to get the newcomers. They were just quirky and crazy. Looking forward to the other Jay Cronley books!

[Cody Gillespie-Lynch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stupid, mindless, fun. Funny, easy, read. Good enough for a few laughs.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun story and I usually don't like books like this. It make me laugh.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a funny book

[Joe Noir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very funny. I especially like the scene where the movers have trouble on the road.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different and yet the same as the movie, but a quick read. The Farmers were certainly more malicious to each other in print than they were on screen. Also couldn't quite get used to the clearly middle America setting where the movie is in Vermont. To me this is one of the cases where the movie is better than the book.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars. The funniest passages were the ones that were more grounded in reality - the HS football game, for example. Much of the rest of the humor was absurdist and over the top. It’s a fun read, though.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but politically incorrect. I read it because I adore the movie.

[Ruth Turner · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was supposed to be funny but I didn't even get a chuckle

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was funny, but not funny enough that I want to see the movie. City folk move to the country and hijinks ensue.

[John Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit, the book isn't as hilarious as the Chevy Chase movie, but I laughed out loud a lot. I finally read this after over 30 years on my list!

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, the movie is way, way better. Just watched it the other night, lots of laughs. They really did a good job taking a book that's negative and maybe SPOILER ALERT: has an incomplete ending to a satisfying ending. A classy movie that still has a lot of bumps and bruises.

[Erik M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual: 3.5/5

Most of us are familiar with the film adaptation starring Chevy Chase and a host of familiar character actors. The movie largely follows the book, though they diverge a bit in the last third. If you liked the movie, you'll probably like the book.

This is a light, enjoyable read. It's a little sharp in places, and in different hands this could be a horror novel. But you'll still laugh. If you haven't seen the 80s movie, I think you'll find it even more enjoyable.

It's good enough to make me want to read Crowley's other comic novels. It's rare to find a good humor (fiction) author.

[m. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The film Funny Farm is one of my favourite Chevy Chase flicks and this is the book upon which it was based - it's a light read, even as it deals with a slide into alcoholism and a flirtation with divorce: both of these themes are dealt with in the film and it's entertaining to see how closely the two match, except for one sub-plot involving Andy Farmer and a character not seen in the film, a failed lobster industrialist, who devise a plan to swindle a bingo game.

Definitely entertaining and high-spirited, recommended.

[Angela Wix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite movies, a rare instance where the movie is better. The whole fun holiday part isn't even really part of the book. But much was followed, like actual lines taken for script, the crazy mailman, the runaway dog, etc. Great stuff that they made shine, and edited well to not retain what wasn't as polished.

[Jeana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle book. Enjoyed it because of the nostalgia surrounding the movie.

[Elaine Cantrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humerous at times, but nothing I couldn't part with.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit too lose for comfort as my husband and I had many similar experiences during our transition to the country. Very funny stuff.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

started out promising, but then got repetitive and dull