What do you think?
Rate this book
Laughing Through the Ugly Cry: ...and Finding Unstoppable Joy
Do you believe that joy is a choice? Dawn Barton does. She's an upbeat Southerner with good hair and a successful business background, but she's had more heartache than most of us can imagine. Laughing Through the Ugly Cry is a collection of honest and sometimes raw stories. Dawn throws an arm around readers as she brings them along on her journey through the loss of a child, divorce, cancer, rape, the death of her only sibling, her husband's substance abuse, and finding her way back to Jesus in the middle of it all.
Dawn shares her personal story to show readers how to find happiness and purpose even in the darkest of days. By laughing through the ugly cry, you will discover how
Shut down negative feelings causing you to feel inadequateIdentify the pros despite how challenging the cons may seemEmbrace joy wherever you can find itLearn how to be honest with yourself and process grief in a healthy wayDawn writes, "If more women were open about just how difficult our lives feel and how hard we are on ourselves, I think we'd learn to relax a little and give ourselves the grace God gives us every day." Laughing Through the Ugly Cry is great
Women of any age seeking comfort, encouragement, and inspirationBook clubs and girls' nights--Dawn poses thoughtful group questions to support meaningful conversations about growth and joy
Dawn shares her personal story to show readers how to find happiness and purpose even in the darkest of days. By laughing through the ugly cry, you will discover how
Shut down negative feelings causing you to feel inadequateIdentify the pros despite how challenging the cons may seemEmbrace joy wherever you can find itLearn how to be honest with yourself and process grief in a healthy wayDawn writes, "If more women were open about just how difficult our lives feel and how hard we are on ourselves, I think we'd learn to relax a little and give ourselves the grace God gives us every day." Laughing Through the Ugly Cry is great
Women of any age seeking comfort, encouragement, and inspirationBook clubs and girls' nights--Dawn poses thoughtful group questions to support meaningful conversations about growth and joy
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2020
71 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 26, 2020
Let the Joy Revolution begin!!! Dawn Barton has lost a child, is a rape and cancer survivor, lost a beloved sister to cancer, supported her husband through his alcoholism recovery, and her mother through her brain aneurysm rehabilitation. Through all of this, she still chooses joy. You’ll need tissues to read this book for tears and cheers-she doesn’t hold back in sharing her pain and her joy in all of the previously mentioned issues. And when I say cheers, I mean laughs as the title suggests - Dawn is really funny. I follow her in Instagram and suggest you do as well for continued inspiration. In this book her attitude is not presented as “you think you have it bad, well I had it worse.” She’s more “here’s how I handled things and another way to look at things that helped me stay sane.” Seriously, see if she doesn’t make you laugh - she's so funny! This book is a must buy for moms, sisters, best friends, or for yourself. It's a quick read that will leave you feeling positively inspired knowing bad things do happen, but those circumstances don’t get to decide how you feel.
June 8, 2020
This book was not only beautifully done (the pictures, the page designs), but it was very inspiring. Finding joy amongst the hardest seasons of her life, Dawn Barton has found the secret of enjoying and treasuring life. I highly recommend this to all, and I gifted a copy to a relative in need of comfort and insight.
May 24, 2020
Dawn is an amazing person. She is so full of life and laughter. Her book leads you on her journey through some of the most heartwrenching traumas a person can experience. Dawn is such a resilient survivor and she leads the reader on her journey to healing and finding the ability to let hope, joy, and laughter rise again in her heart, family, and life. Her book is a must read.
May 23, 2020
As a new author, Dawn Barton spoke directly to my heart with her first book. Candidly sharing her spiritual trials and triumphs resonated with me. Upon completion of reading this book, I believe I can find JOY in any circumstance life may throw at me. The fact that it is being released in a season of uncertainty in our world can only be described as a God-thing.
I love that the chapter titles reflect her light-heartedness - Catholic Lite, I’m Not Your Girl, Cancer Schmancer just to name a few - and include a profound lesson within. My favorite was Chapter 7 She’s Still Your Friend - Loving People Where They Are. Dawn made me take a good, hard look at myself, and I realized I may have unrealistic expectations of people (something my head knew but my heart hadn’t embraced).
Life is full of ups and downs; we all know that. Sit down with this little book and let Dawn show you how to experience true JOY whatever your circumstances. You may laugh until you cry and then cry until you laugh. As she says, “Even if we have to look high and low, down in the cracks or in the corners of a hospital room, we know it’s (JOY) there to be found - or created from thin air. Wherever we are, all we need is that willingness to find it.”
Now go find - or create - JOY!
I love that the chapter titles reflect her light-heartedness - Catholic Lite, I’m Not Your Girl, Cancer Schmancer just to name a few - and include a profound lesson within. My favorite was Chapter 7 She’s Still Your Friend - Loving People Where They Are. Dawn made me take a good, hard look at myself, and I realized I may have unrealistic expectations of people (something my head knew but my heart hadn’t embraced).
Life is full of ups and downs; we all know that. Sit down with this little book and let Dawn show you how to experience true JOY whatever your circumstances. You may laugh until you cry and then cry until you laugh. As she says, “Even if we have to look high and low, down in the cracks or in the corners of a hospital room, we know it’s (JOY) there to be found - or created from thin air. Wherever we are, all we need is that willingness to find it.”
Now go find - or create - JOY!
May 26, 2020
I’m not what you would call an avid reader, but something about this book intrigued me by the title! I soon joined to be on the launch team and was so glad I did. This book hits home on so many levels because everyone has probably experienced at least one of the tragedies that Dawn has endured. Yet through it all, she gained insight into how to find JOY, even in the midst of pain. You will definitely want to read this book and maybe even add to your Book Club! It’s that good!! Join the Joy Revolution! It’s that empowering!
May 30, 2020
I found this writer and her book scrolling through Instagram. Pretty sure God led me to get this book. Can't wait to read other books by this witty beautiful writer!
May 25, 2020
This a amazing book. I loved reading it. It makes you look at things to find the JOY!!
May 27, 2020
This book was a honest account of someone (Dawn) who has had her fair share of suffering and yet has found unstoppable joy. Her tales are touching and funny and inspiring and the bits of advice tucked in made this a great book to read during a time of uncertainty in life (hello Covid-19 quarantine!). I'm grateful for the encouragements I found inside this treasure of a book.
May 18, 2020
So incredibly honored to be part of the book launch team. This book is beautifully written and so incredibly inspirational. The biggest lesson in life we often forget is that even in the darkest place joy can be found. So many wonderful funny inspiring quotes that this book will have you Laughing through the ugly cry!! It’s a colorful beautiful book I’m proud to have ordered to give to many of my girlfriends and my mom and daughter. An inspiring story that can help us all navigate through our lives.
May 26, 2020
Absolutely amazing and emotionally moving! You will laugh. You may cry. You won't put it down! I highly recommend for anyone but especially recommend for anyone who has experienced cancer and grief. Dawn shows that even in the worst of what life can throw at you, that you can find healing, unstoppable joy, and the freedom of faith. God bless anyone who reads this book.
May 27, 2020
Oh my gosh!!!! A must have!! I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. Dawn shares her story with such honesty and grace. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s AMAZING! She doesn’t know it yet but I feel like I made a new friend, ha! It’s now on my coffee table because anyone who ever comes over needs to grab it and read plus the cover is bright and gorgeous!
March 16, 2020
So thankful to be a part of the book launch team for this jewel and get an advanced copy. Read this as the Covid-19 quarantine began and it has been such a bright spot in a very scary time. Such a great reminder that God is joy and we can find joy in every thing that happens!
March 19, 2020
Dawn knocked it out of the park with this book. I could not put it down and am thrilled that she shared these experiences with the world. There IS a way to find joy in anything we go through, and Dawn showed us just how true that is. Now, we can ALL find joy in our lives.
May 26, 2020
I love this book!!
Reason #1
DAWN BARTON LOVES JESUS!
At one point in her life she didn't especially after her daughter's death, a divorce, rape that led to a full jury trial, triple negative breast cancer, husband recovering from alchohol addiction, her sister passing away from cancer, and mom surviving a brain aneurysm. And that is just some of her story that you can find in her best selling debut book "Laughing Through The Ugly".
Her story is one of forgiveness, courage, love, Heartache, fear, despair, hope, determination, perseverance, obedience and unstoppable JOY!
All to God's glory, she went from a top producer with Mary Kay to writing her incredible story down in obedience to a calling from God to bring it to the world.
It is an honor and a privilege to see her on the other side of devastating pain to a place of peace, dogs, family, friends, and horses. Her friendship has been such a gift especially in my pain of grief and illness. She makes me laugh in my ugly cries. She lifts me up and let's me know i can be real and authentic despite all odds. She is humble in admitting she isn't a writer and hates reading books. She is a warrior for not only for cancer champions but a warrior for Christ.
Of all the things that makes Dawn beautiful, her love for God makes her radiant! Please help me in congratulating her by adding her on your social media and ordering her book on Amazon.com or wherever you get your books. I appreciate your support and prayers not only for the launch of "Laughing Through The Ugly Cry" but for everyone who is fighting to find laughter in the midst of ugly cries.
Love to you all and God bless. Let us all remember that our LORD is good.
Reason #1
DAWN BARTON LOVES JESUS!
At one point in her life she didn't especially after her daughter's death, a divorce, rape that led to a full jury trial, triple negative breast cancer, husband recovering from alchohol addiction, her sister passing away from cancer, and mom surviving a brain aneurysm. And that is just some of her story that you can find in her best selling debut book "Laughing Through The Ugly".
Her story is one of forgiveness, courage, love, Heartache, fear, despair, hope, determination, perseverance, obedience and unstoppable JOY!
All to God's glory, she went from a top producer with Mary Kay to writing her incredible story down in obedience to a calling from God to bring it to the world.
It is an honor and a privilege to see her on the other side of devastating pain to a place of peace, dogs, family, friends, and horses. Her friendship has been such a gift especially in my pain of grief and illness. She makes me laugh in my ugly cries. She lifts me up and let's me know i can be real and authentic despite all odds. She is humble in admitting she isn't a writer and hates reading books. She is a warrior for not only for cancer champions but a warrior for Christ.
Of all the things that makes Dawn beautiful, her love for God makes her radiant! Please help me in congratulating her by adding her on your social media and ordering her book on Amazon.com or wherever you get your books. I appreciate your support and prayers not only for the launch of "Laughing Through The Ugly Cry" but for everyone who is fighting to find laughter in the midst of ugly cries.
Love to you all and God bless. Let us all remember that our LORD is good.
June 12, 2020
Dawn is like the Auntie that you want to walk with you through any hard season. She has navigated to much in her life and continues to be vulnerable and honest and yet hold joy and humor in the highest regard. This book is full of tears and laughter and real struggle and heartbreak and hilarity and honestly. Dawn’s writing is relatable and easy and she speaks as if you’re sitting on her front porch drinking sweet tea. A great read.
I was provided with an advanced copy by the publisher.
I was provided with an advanced copy by the publisher.
September 28, 2023
Listened to the audio version of this. Loved hearing her emotion as she read. Hearing her find joy through all her struggles is encouraging.
September 7, 2020
Beautiful presentation from cover to cover, including crisp white pages with decorative border and large font, to colorful photographs that break up the chapters and compliment the text. All of the above plus the short chapters, makes it not intimidating for a non-reader which the author confesses to be herself.
Dawn has a delightful, fun and honest writing style that keeps you engaged and entertained. She is down to earth, relatable, funny and encouraging all at the same time. What makes her story so inspiring, is that even as she shares her pain and struggles she also brings joy and humor. And through it all her faith has become deeper and stronger.
Dawn has a delightful, fun and honest writing style that keeps you engaged and entertained. She is down to earth, relatable, funny and encouraging all at the same time. What makes her story so inspiring, is that even as she shares her pain and struggles she also brings joy and humor. And through it all her faith has become deeper and stronger.
May 29, 2020
Dawn is like the Auntie that you want to walk with you through any hard season. She has navigated to much in her life and continues to be vulnerable and honest and yet hold joy and humor in the highest regard. This book is full of tears and laughter and real struggle and heartbreak and hilarity and honestly. Dawn’s writing is relatable and easy and she speaks as if you’re sitting on her front porch drinking sweet tea. A great read.
I was provided an advanced reader copy by the publisher.
I was provided an advanced reader copy by the publisher.
November 25, 2020
I couldn’t wait to get this book delivered and then I promptly sat down a read the entire 210 pages in one sitting. I simply couldn’t put it down. With every page I turned, it was as if author Dawn Barton was saying, “wait til you hear this one and how God pulled me through it.” 2020 has been hard for many, and this book was exactly what my soul needed in this season. God knew he could use Dawn’s heartbreaks, joyful perspective, down to earth, girlfriend next door humor to encourage me and future readers. If you’re struggling in a tough season to see the joy, let me encourage you to pick up this book to see what God can do for your heart and soul as you read it. You might also want some tissues close by... laughing until you cry is a real thing! Highly recommend “Laughing Through the Ugly Cry.” This is going to be my new go-to gift of encouragement for those going through hard times.
Read
December 7, 2022Listened on Audible and recommend as it is author read.
I have several friends living with cancer—first diagnosed, through treatment, in treatment, in 6-month follow-ups. You name it, they’re living it.
The friend most recently diagnosed was feeling very blue after a pre-surgery consult with surgeon. So I asked my friends for advice for a pick-me-up suggestion. One wise one recommended this book.
I figured I ought to know what’s in the book in case my friend chose to read it. I’m glad I did.
The author is very real and authentic in her stories and experiences in life. It made me cry several times but also made me laugh even more.
May I be more aware of all that I “get” to do. Highly recommend for a quick read, and recommend for it to be author read.
I have several friends living with cancer—first diagnosed, through treatment, in treatment, in 6-month follow-ups. You name it, they’re living it.
The friend most recently diagnosed was feeling very blue after a pre-surgery consult with surgeon. So I asked my friends for advice for a pick-me-up suggestion. One wise one recommended this book.
I figured I ought to know what’s in the book in case my friend chose to read it. I’m glad I did.
The author is very real and authentic in her stories and experiences in life. It made me cry several times but also made me laugh even more.
May I be more aware of all that I “get” to do. Highly recommend for a quick read, and recommend for it to be author read.
May 14, 2024
Yes to finding Joy!!!
I laughed and I cried while listening to this book. Dawn is very real in her book, sharing her pain and how through all of it, she still looked for the Joy!
Dawn is relatable and funny! She may actually be just as funny as she thinks she is!! Why just look at her chapter titles to get a sense of her humor! Listening to her read it on audio, it felt like sitting on the porch with her and just talking over coffee.
This book was an incredible reminder to find the joy. In life, joy isn't always there each day jumping and saying grab me grab me. Sometimes we need to stop and find it. That's how I want to live, finding joy in the every day...and Dawn has reminded me how great that is!
I laughed and I cried while listening to this book. Dawn is very real in her book, sharing her pain and how through all of it, she still looked for the Joy!
Dawn is relatable and funny! She may actually be just as funny as she thinks she is!! Why just look at her chapter titles to get a sense of her humor! Listening to her read it on audio, it felt like sitting on the porch with her and just talking over coffee.
This book was an incredible reminder to find the joy. In life, joy isn't always there each day jumping and saying grab me grab me. Sometimes we need to stop and find it. That's how I want to live, finding joy in the every day...and Dawn has reminded me how great that is!
May 24, 2021
If you have ever belted out that ugly cry then you will understand the title. That cry is debilitating and understanding Dawn’s experience, that we share, made this book encouraging for me. This book is extremely uplifting and has given me permission to experience joy again, which I was afraid would somehow negate my son’s departure to Heaven which was way too soon. I am hopeful remembering Dawn’s experiences that joy is still possible after or even during grief and how very important it is to remember God has a plan for each of us and we can’t ignore His unending love for us. Thank you Dawn Barton fir the revelation that joy is still possible!
April 1, 2022
Dawn shares her experiences of unbelievably incredible pain and her eventual choice to choose joy. Embracing the “you get to do this attitude” instead of feelings of life is unfair or self loathing. Not that she didn’t have these moments but it didn’t define her. If you are struggling to find joy amidst your circumstances or just want a positive inspiring true story this short read is worth it. I’m inspired to find joy in the life I have! (I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author)
July 26, 2020
Dawn’s life has had many challenges... HARD moments, Yeah she has chosen enjoy. It was a huge leap of faith to change the course of her life to write this book. But now it’s a blessing to many. Thanks Dawn for guiding us to Laugh through the Ugly Cry!
It’s a simple easy book to read, great for someone going through a hard time, to hear hope for their season!
I have gifted several of them to others.
It’s a simple easy book to read, great for someone going through a hard time, to hear hope for their season!
I have gifted several of them to others.
July 1, 2020
Loved this book! “The higher the hair the closer to God”. This is the southern woman’s humor that you will love! You will cry and you will belly laugh but you will find your joy and who is the responsible party for that joy. The answer will surprise you. Go get the book! Or audible! She narrated it! Nobody else could have brought it home to the heart but Mrs. Dawn Barton. God Bless
July 12, 2020
LOVED 💕 this book! I read it in two nights! I hadn’t read a book in forever (read the beginning of this book several times before I dove in). I had sent the book to my mom and thought I better read it to be able to talk about it. Dawn openly shares it all, all while making you LAUGH ( and cry). I have been inspired to read more and I feel that everyone needs to write their own “life” book.
May 3, 2021
An inspirational read! Dawn Barton shares her story and it's raw! She's been through hell and back in her life, but continues to find the joy in every life situation. I really enjoyed the quotes throughout the book. Her cancer story really made me stop and reflect on what she had to say, that " Love people where they are, even when Your world is falling apart."
October 18, 2021
While this book wasn't memorable for me, I think it is important for women to share their stories of faith including their struggles with faith, and I think Dawn's story will resonate with other women, even if it didn't stick with me as much as other testimonies I have read. The style just felt too light for me, but I can certainly see it appealing to many other women.
March 24, 2023
what a joy this book was it was captivating from start to finish
i loved how simple and easy it was to read and how it some how flowed even though each chapter was a different part of Dawn life it was raw it was real transport it had moments of laughter and joy parts where i was crying i never related to an author more one the best and easiest reads ive ever had
i loved how simple and easy it was to read and how it some how flowed even though each chapter was a different part of Dawn life it was raw it was real transport it had moments of laughter and joy parts where i was crying i never related to an author more one the best and easiest reads ive ever had
July 1, 2023
What an incredible read. I sat down to read it, and finished it in one day, because I simply could not put it down. I laughed, and I cried. Her story is incredible and her perspective on life is inspiring, and truly changed me. I cannot recommend this book enough and I have given it as a gift so many times. I think this should be a must read for all women! Loved every word!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews