It's Kind of a Funny Story

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

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464 pages

Average rating: 7.81

100 RATINGS

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staygoldin_

Jan 29, 2024

Dear Ned, you had a mind that was so full of talent. Your book reached me as a young teenager that was dealing with mental health issues. I know you can’t read this now and I don’t think less of you for it. You were too good for this Earth. Rest in peace, amazing soul.

Anonymous

Dec 27, 2023

6/10 stars

When I started this book, I thought it was fiction and I felt like I would have enjoyed it more if it were a memoir. When I was about 3/4 through, I realized that the author did have the same experiences as the character, and while it is fictional, it was based on those experiences. It's nicely written and entertaining. While the topic is quite serious, the book stays interesting and Not too heavy. I was very sad to read that 10 years later, and only 3 weeks ago, the author committed suicide. The last line of the book is" Live, live, live, live!"

marissa_allen2

Jul 20, 2023

6/10 stars

Heartwarming story and quick read (but not my favorite)

Bri's Reads

Mar 12, 2023

7/10 stars

I loved the plot, however, I disliked majority of the characters. I was irritated half the time because of it lol.

Paperbackesmy

Dec 05, 2022

3/10 stars

It’s funny towards the end. Overall good, mental health book with some relatable characters.