Tears of a Class Clown: A Sharp Romantic Comedy About Finding Love When You're Everyone's Best Friend

by Sara Faith Alterman

Have you ever suffered from FUNNY GIRL SYNDROME? Are you the gal who makes people laugh? Are you considered "a lot of fun" and "a good sport"? Do all your male friends bring you their troubles and ask for your advice––about their girlfriends? If so, you will relate to Nina––a wry, hip, hilarious gal who is sure to make you laugh. Nina has a roommate who showers with her cat. Nina has a college education she hasn't used. And Nina has waited tables at Bellyaches Comedy Den in Boston for way too long... She's heard it mother jokes, sister jokes, chick jokes, and fat jokes. And then some. She's served beer to half–broke hipsters, drinks to businessmen with bad dates, and occasionally hears something truly hilarious. But what Nina hides from the world is that she is FUNNY. Because she has suffered in the past from Funny Girl Syndrome––you know, she makes you laugh but you won't take her on a date. But all that's about to change, because it's high school reunion time. And there's nothing like facing a gym–full of people you knew back ten years ago to make you want to pull up your socks and shine.

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2006

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

bad bad bad, do not read this book. eww.

[aCupcakeBlonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book from my good friend Sara is just as good as her first. And I'm not just saying that because she and I used to wreck havoc in our youth. The dialogue is sharp and the humor biting, juts how I like a book with sass. And this book has it in spades. Knowing Sara like I do, I can see a bit of herself in the character of Nina, which makes me love this book all the more. I loved how Nina had to figure out who she is throughout the book and at the end there is a bit of a twist and it leaves you wondering what happened. For me I like to think Nina was great on stage and finished her set to see Jacob Ryan from her reunion sitting in the audience, he having followed her hasty retreat from the reunion cruise boat dock. (I'll have to ask Sara if she named Nina's object of affection after Jake Ryan in "Sixteen Candles") Also, being from the Boston area, Sara really nailed the whole feel of what living in Boston is like. She did live there herself so she had some practice, but writing it is difficult for many and this book really captures that unique Boston feel.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Identified with the character a little too much, actually. But it was good.