“Winnie Friedman has been waiting for the world to catch on to what she already knows: she’s hilarious.”

Having sworn off performing, tenth grader Winnie is convinced to join her school’s improv troupe after the funniest boy in school says her jokes are hilarious. Everything is looking up for her until she receives news that changes her life.

Crying Laughing is exactly what it claims to be: a tragic comedy. The author perfectly captures the joys of being a teenager amidst the pain of tragedy. This book will have you laughing, crying and crying laughing while you experience Winnie’s 2^nd year of high school right along with her. Unlike many teenage/young adult novels, the characters are extremely believable in the decisions they make and how they react to the world around them; this level of realness was unexpected but greatly appreciated.

A lot of the plot centers around Winnie’s relationships at schoolbut her homelife plays a significant role. Winnie’s parents are unique and show the struggle of maintaining a healthy relationship while going through some of the darkest times in one’s life.

Crying Laughing is a perfect mixture of the humor of Rick Riordan with the sadness of John Green and I believe that all young readers will have a greater appreciation for those around them after reading!