It's Kind of a Funny Story

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Author: Ned Vizzini

Publisher: Hyperion (2006)

ISBN: 0786851961

3 (out of 5) STARS

Summary: Craig Gilner desires entry into the most elite high school in New York City. But once he is accepted, Craig's life slides into a deep depression. It takes a stay in a mental hospital for him to see his path to happiness.

Review: Craig works very hard in school and studies faithfully to pass the test that will allow him entry into the Executive Pre-Professional High School. He does get accepted. But it is not what he expected or hoped. No longer is Craig the brightest student in his classes. His grades begin to slip and his stress level goes through the roof. He sees his homework piling up and piling up. His email box is getting crowded and he cannot keep up with it. He begins to lose sleep. In fact, it reaches a point where he cannot sleep or eat. And everything comes to a head one night when he tries to commit suicide.

Craig checks into a mental hospital for a stay of five days. But these five days help bring him clarity and lead to an end of his depression. He also gets back on his medication to help control the depression.

The author of this book, Ned Vizzini, also spent five days in an adult psychiatric ward from November 29, 2004 to December 3, 2004. He then went on to write this book of 444 pages from December 10, 2004 to January 6, 2005. I often find my pleasure, enjoyment, and appreciation of a book increases when I learn more about the author and see a connection to their personal life.