It's Kind of a Funny Story

It's Kind of a Funny Story
written by Ned Vizzini



It's Kind of a Funny Story, my new favorite book, is a quirky and honest read that comes with a very unique narrator. I've never really seen anything remotely like it--it's definitely a book that would appeal to boys, with Craig's dryly hilarious way of looking at the world. So, it's a book about life in a psychiatric hospital, and I guess the word 'hilarious' is probably not the first one to come to mind with that scenario, and yet, it really is. Craig's outlook and subsequent narration of the goings-on around him are a blast to read, serious, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly funny at the same time. Like I said earlier, it's a ridiculously honest book, with the real tone of a real kid. The fact that the book was written by someone who had gone through a remarkably similar experience (and in fact, began writing the book only a week after his own stay at a hospital) makes a world of difference. The story moves at a good pace, with a great cast of well-developed characters that really brings it all to life. Each character has their own story, their own personality, their own life, and we get to witness a glimpse at all of that through Craig's over-perceptive eyes. I was just a tiny bit disappointed at the ending, in particular, the overly-happy non-subtle resolution with Noelle. I felt that was extremely overdone. Other than that, I'm glad it ends somewhat happily, but still makes it a point to address the fact that Craig is not cured and still has a long way to go ahead of him. The book definitely makes it a point to address the diversity of psychiatric problems. I'm not going to lie--it's a triggering book, but I would go so far as to say it is a necessary read for people who can handle it.

Rating: 5/5

I got this book from...:Borders