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A review by dlrosebyh
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Craig learns at his new school that he isn't as smart as the other students; he's merely average, and perhaps not even that. He quickly witnesses the demise of his formerly ideal future. When the tension becomes intolerable, Craig stops eating and sleeping, and one night, he comes dangerously close to committing himself.
Due to a suicidal episode, Craig is admitted to a psychiatric institution where he meets the self-elected President Armelio, a transgender sex addict, and a girl who has cut her own face with scissors. Craig is finally able to tackle the causes of his anxiousness there, away from the overwhelming expectations of school and friends.
Craig has been masterfully executed as a character. I connected with him a lot on a personality level. I'm afraid of change, any kind of change. EVERYTHING applies, including character, appearance, height, weight, place, friends, and mental stability. Reading this book made me feel more visible than ever before. Some might argue that craig is an irritating or unbearable character, but I truly adored him. I feel like my guardian angel actually delivered this book as a blessing for me. Am I prejudiced? probably.
I was cautious to pick this book at first. I mean, it could seem careless for a book to include a hilarious anecdote about despair. It's important to remember that depression is not something to be joked about or treated lightly. The portrayal of mental illness and how it was handled were both wonderful in this novel. The majority of books I've read on depression or mental health in general romanticized the condition, but this one dealt with everything so expertly and at just the correct speed.
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Self harm and Transphobia