Book 1: It's Kind of a Funny Story

Oh yet another story about a depressed teen, wanting love, sex, and to get out of high school. What's new? Why would this story by Ned Vizzini be any different from the countless books out there? That's what I thought when I looked at this book. Great, another story asking who am I? Why am I alone? 


Well color me wrong, this story is different. The good kind, not weird and creepy that makes you want to curl into a ball until the mental images leave. For one, it takes place in an adult psychiatric ward (of which Vizzini has experience). And yes, there is love, there is a happy ending, there is a central lesson to be who you are. But that's not what this book is about. It's about the journey. Do I sound cheesy? Probably, but although I seem to have passed the age to where I can relate to high school woes, the story touched me. In a non-creepy way. 


Craig, our lost, confused, horny, and clinically depressed character seemed to be a male, young version of myself in some ways. Dealing with my own issues of the past and present relates to this story despite the obvious differences between Craig and myself. What hit me the most was the side affects of his depression and anxiety. For years I struggled with my own "tentacles," "anchors" and insomnia. Not to mention our shared medication. This book is for all ages and should be exposed to a wider audience. Had I read this back in the day when high school issues were all the rage for me, I might have come out of there a little less cynical and surly...(most likely not).


Due to its nature of relatability (don't care, I'm making that a word), I believe this book is a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Well look at that, I'm a literary critic.


Lastly, a bit of advice because I cannot resist. DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE. It does NOT do this fantastic book justice.


Vizzini, Ned. It's Kind of a Funny Story. New York: Miramax /Hyperion For Children, 2006. Print.