My first impression of this book was slight disappointment. I hadn't expected it to be in journal form and found the main character to be painfully self pitying. However a running theme in this story is that first impressions are not always correct, and thankfully I enjoyed my reading experience more as it continued.

The journal truly felt as if it was written by a real teenager. Both the art and writing varied in tone, and was used for different purposes that ranged from letting out emotions to simply documenting everyday details.

I'm not sure how much the average person can relate to Happyface, but I could definitely see myself in pieces of his personality and family situation. None of those pieces were flattering, but even when I was irritated with the character I could sympathize with him.

I wouldn't say this book was especially profound and some of the pacing did feel awkward, but it was engaging enough that I was able to finish it in only a few hours.