itsmytuberculosis's review against another edition
3.0
It's intriguing how this book can handle so many elements of young adult novels yet instead of having and angsty depressed teen you have an almost ignorant protagonist. It starts our light and funny and through slow events turns darker and darker.
chadstep's review against another edition
5.0
Stick it out--way more emotionally complex and deep than the first pages suggest. Be careful if you are a guy, this book is so emotionally honest it can be painful to read.
blyttgh's review against another edition
4.0
Nice solid book with a intruiging plotline. I am happy to say I have never read anything like it. I'll definitely be picking up more of Edmond's work soon!
arielrichardson's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED the artwork. I thought it was well integrated in to the story and in to the layout of the book. It was diverse in style and had emotional depth.
Happyface is the story of a boy who has a traumatic event happen in his life, and how he deals with it. When he moves and has to start at a new school, he decides to put on a "happyface" in an effort to make friends, and not let his past dictate his present. But even the best of us can only wear a smile for so long...
This would definitely appeal to a much older fan of Wimpy Kid. There is drinking, references to drugs and sex, and some intense family stuff, so it is not for the younger reader. I really appreciated that Happyface has real emotional depth and life lessons, unlike Wimpy Kid.
Happyface is the story of a boy who has a traumatic event happen in his life, and how he deals with it. When he moves and has to start at a new school, he decides to put on a "happyface" in an effort to make friends, and not let his past dictate his present. But even the best of us can only wear a smile for so long...
This would definitely appeal to a much older fan of Wimpy Kid. There is drinking, references to drugs and sex, and some intense family stuff, so it is not for the younger reader. I really appreciated that Happyface has real emotional depth and life lessons, unlike Wimpy Kid.
findthosedreams's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED IT! Kinda heavy as it progresses, but such a relatable point. This one really grabbed me, almost but not quite as far as Speak did. Plus, I really enjoyed the art. I've always wanted to do a sketch journal, but it seems like they take so much time.
carlylwbug's review against another edition
4.0
When I finished this book and looked at the clock it was almost 1am and it's been awhile since I stayed up so late reading. With cross-country practices and all the cleaning my mom has sprung on me it took me awhile to finish this book. I wasn't exhausted at all and I had to lay there trying to force myself to go to sleep. At least this book wasn't one of those cliffhanger or deep message to think about. Overall I enjoyed it.
lori_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this---the story slowly unravels through sketches (some realistic, some not), journal entries, and occasionally other styles of writing. The main character is suddenly uprooted and separated from his father/brother/school/high school friends, and we are left trying to put the pieces of his life together. He takes on the persona of "Happyface," but in reality his life is bleak and hellish. At times sad and poignant, and other times laugh-out-loud funny, this book is strongly recommended for high schoolers and adults looking for a little different take on the familiar tale of teenage angst. The way the main character floats through his confusing and troubled life almost as an observer reminds me of a few characters from the Paul Zindel YA novels I read as a teenager---this would be a good thing!
krissyronan's review against another edition
4.0
Good!! Coming-of-age story but not your typical one - refreshing believable characters.
Drawings add humor, emotion, perspective - without distracting/detracting from the story
Appeals to guys and girls
Drawings add humor, emotion, perspective - without distracting/detracting from the story
Appeals to guys and girls