It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a young-adult fiction novel by Ned Vizzini.
Craig Gilner had everything planned out: to get into a great school, to get into the right job, which would lead into having a family. He had a simple plan, it just didn’t go like he wanted it to. After being accepted into Manhattan’s Executive Pre-Professional High School, Craig started feeling the pressure of it and wasn’t able to handle it. The pressure was so great that he stopped eating and sleeping. In an effort to help, his is sent to see a psychologist. Even with all the help and support he had, it wasn’t enough. One night, he planned to kill himself. Fortunately, he never goes through with the dark deed, and decides to seek help by calling a suicide hotline. After his suicidal attempt, Craig gets himself checked into a mental hospital, where he meets people from all kinds of background and problems and where he learns to confront what made him anxious and depressed.
For a book that is about depression, it is not as depressing as you would think it is. It does have its serious moments, but it also has its funny moments. It isn’t dark or depressing, but neither is it all rainbows and happiness. The book is likable because it shows that even when you hit rock bottom, there are still ways to get up and get better. Plus, it’s a theme that not many talk about, yet Vizzini does it with grace and authenticity. For some, it may start off a bit slow, but as you keep reading, you will start to like it more and more. In the end, it’s Craig’s character development that is most compelling, as we find he must almost lose himself completely in order to find himself.
If you or someone you know ever needs help with depression or thoughts of suicide, please contact the national suicide prevention lifeline: 1 (800) 273- 8255. Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org