Book Review: “It’s Kind of a Funny Story”

Ned Vizzini’s “It’s Kind of A Funny Story” follows fifteen-year-old Craig Gilner of New York in his battle with depression. When Craig reaches his last cry for help, he lands in a mental hospital.

The novel opens with Craig drowning in his success of being accepted into Executive Pre-Professional High School. To attempt to escape the stress, Craig hangs out with his friends who are always high and drunk and scarcely pay attention to him. When Craig decides to commit suicide, he plans it all out, yet instead decides to call the suicide hotline, which sends him on his journey. Once in the mental hospital, Craig makes unexpected friends, as well as self-discoveries.

It’s Kind of A Funny Story truly made me think. Everyone talks as if there is a “cure” for depression and going to a therapist will “make you normal.” Craig proves the world wrong, all the while opening my eyes to a new perspective. Maybe my success is the cause of my anxiety. While this novel may be for slightly more mature readers, I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe it is a must read for ages fourteen to ninety four.

Keiko is a junior in the gifted program at Hahnville High. She enjoys hunting, fashion, musical theatre and band.

Editor’s note: Book reviews are published regularly in agreement with Hahnville High School gifted English teacher Deborah Unger in conjunction with the Brown Foundation Service Learning Program.

 

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply