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It's Kind of a Funny Story

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Craig Gilner, a high school student struggling with depression and stress, checks himself into a psychiatric hospital after having suicidal thoughts. During his stay, he forms relationships with other patients and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The book portrays Craig's experiences in the adult psychiatric ward, highlighting themes of depression, teenage struggles, and finding hope amidst darkness. Ned Vizzini's writing style is described as insightful, humorous, and emotional, offering a unique perspective on mental health issues faced by teens.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, each adding depth to the narrative and contributing to the main character's journey.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is a blend of humor and seriousness, authentically capturing a teenager's voice while addressing heavy themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a teenage boy's journey through mental health struggles, highlighting his decision to seek help in a psychiatric ward and his subsequent character development.

Setting:

The setting is mainly centered in a psychiatric hospital, providing a backdrop for the exploration of mental health and personal recovery.

Pacing:

The pacing effectively captures the urgency of Craig's mental health crisis, though some aspects may feel quick or unrealistic during resolution.
It’s so hard to talk when you want to kill yourself. That’s above and beyond everything else, and it’s not a mental complaint—it’s a physical thing, like it’s physically hard to open your mouth and ma...

Notes:

The protagonist, Craig Gilner, is a 15-year-old boy who struggles with depression and anxiety.
The story is set in a mental hospital, where Craig checks himself in after contemplating suicide.
Ned Vizzini, the author, based the book on his own experiences in a psychiatric hospital.
The book discusses serious themes like mental illness, suicide, and the pressure of academic achievement.
Craig's journey includes making friends in the hospital, which offers a glimpse into various mental health issues.
The book has been both praised and criticized for its portrayal of mental health, with some feeling it oversimplifies recovery.
The characters Craig meets in the hospital are diverse and provide various perspectives on mental health struggles.
Vizzini tragically died by suicide in 2013, shortly after the book's publication, adding a poignant layer to its themes.
Despite its serious topics, the book is infused with humor, showcasing Vizzini's unique narrative style.
The novel highlights the importance of seeking help and the role of support systems in recovery.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, substance use, and mental health issues.

Has Romance?

It includes a medium level of romance, exploring Craig’s interactions with peers, particularly Noelle.

From The Publisher:

Like many ambitious New York City teenagers, Craig Gilner sees entry into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School as the ticket to his future. Determined to succeed at life-which means getting into the right high school to get into the right college to get the right job-Craig studies night and day to ace the entrance exam, and does. That's when things start to get crazy.

"Intimate, real, funny, ironic...This book offers hope in a package that readers will find enticing.", Booklist

"Insightful and utterly authentic...this is an important book.", The New York Times Book Review

At his new school, Craig realizes that he isn't brilliant compared to the other kids; he's just average, and maybe not even that. He soon sees his once-perfect future crumbling away. The stress becomes unbearable and Craig stops eating and sleeping-until, one night, he nearly kills himself.

Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, isolated from the crushing pressures of school and friends, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.

Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness. For a novel about depression, it's definitely a funny story.

"Funny? Vizzini supplies personal insights and a clever, self-deprecating tone that make the book an entertaining read." - The Washington Post

Ratings (53)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (14)
Liked It (15)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (4)
Hated It (4)

Reader Stats (178):

Read It (63)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (85)
Not Interested (27)

1 comment(s)

Hated It
2 months

1.5**

 

About the Author:

Ned Vizzini began writing for "The""New York Press" at the age of fifteen. At nineteen, he had his first book published, "Teen Angst? Naaah." Ned is also the author of "Be More Chill," the first young adult novel ever chosen as a Today Show Book Club pick, as well as one of "Entertainment Weekly's" Top Ten Books for 2004. Ned lives in Brooklyn, New York.

 
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