It's Kind of a Funny Story

by Ned Vizzini
It's Kind of a Funny Story cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9995
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
  • Published: 2006-04-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

It's Kind of a Funny Story follows the life of a high-achieving teenager named Craig Gilner, who, despite his success, finds himself overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life. In a moment of desperation, he checks himself into a psychiatric hospital, where he meets a diverse cast of characters who help him navigate his struggles. The novel is a humorous yet poignant exploration of mental health, resilience, and the importance of finding joy in unexpected places. /n/n Written with a unique blend of humor and sincerity, this book offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of adolescence and the power of human connection. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and laughter to be found.

Reviews
Amazon · 2023-01-01
engaging 4.50

The author's skill with words is evident, making the book both insightful and engaging. The tone remains light despite the serious subject matter, which is a testament to the author's ability.

Ned Vizzini's writing is exceptional, filled with wise and thought-provoking passages that make the reader pause and reflect. The book's ability to maintain a light and humorous tone, even when dealing with serious topics like mental health, is impressive. This balance makes the book accessible and enjoyable, while still addressing important issues. The author's skill in weaving humor and depth together is a key strength of the narrative, making it a memorable and impactful read. The book's insightful quotes and engaging tone are sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Quick quotes

    Ned Vizzini is amazing with words - I was constantly highlighting his words of wisdom - and even better at keeping the tone light even within a serious topic.

    The book's ability to maintain a light and humorous tone, even when dealing with serious topics like mental health, is impressive.

    The author's skill in weaving humor and depth together is a key strength of the narrative, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Reddit · 2023-01-01
emotional 3.75

The book is emotionally intense, making readers feel the characters' experiences deeply. It's a powerful exploration of mental health that can be overwhelming but ultimately rewarding.

This book is a deeply emotional journey that truly makes you feel what the characters are going through. The raw and honest portrayal of mental health struggles can be overwhelming, but it's also incredibly powerful. The book's ability to evoke such strong emotions is a testament to its impact. While it may be too intense for some readers, those who can handle the emotional weight will find it to be a deeply moving and rewarding experience. The book's honest depiction of mental health issues is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to understand these challenges better.

Quick quotes

    I wish I could've finished it. It's one of those books that really makes you feel what the characters are feeling.

    It's a powerful exploration of mental health that can be overwhelming but ultimately rewarding.

    The raw and honest portrayal of mental health struggles is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.

FAL Writing · 2018-09-11
powerful 4.50

The novel is a powerful tool for mental health awareness, particularly in addressing depression. It provides a nuanced and realistic portrayal of mental health struggles.

The novel is a powerful tool for mental health awareness, particularly in addressing depression. It provides a nuanced and realistic portrayal of mental health struggles, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding these issues. The book's ability to help with mental health awareness is one of its strongest points. It offers a unique perspective on depression, making it a valuable resource for both those who have experienced mental health issues and those who want to learn more about them. The author's ability to blend humor and seriousness effectively makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    What this novel does well is helping with mental health awareness, depression especially.

    I remember when people found out I was depressed, they treated me differently, and this book helped me understand that experience.

    The book's ability to help with mental health awareness is one of its strongest points.

Once Upon a Bookcase · 2018-07-07
engaging 4.00

Despite its length, the book is a quick and amusing read that effectively portrays the complexities of mental health. It uses simple language to make the story accessible and engaging.

Despite its length, the book is a quick and amusing read that effectively portrays the complexities of mental health. The author's use of simple language makes the story accessible and engaging, allowing readers to easily connect with the characters and their experiences. The book's portrayal of depression is both realistic and relatable, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in mental health awareness. It's a book that can be enjoyed for its humor and storytelling, while also providing insight into serious issues.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed It's Kind of a Funny Story; as long as it is, it's actually a pretty quick read, and it's amusing fairly often.

    The author purposely used simple language so as to make this book more devour-able.

    It's a great concept and a good portrayal of depression.

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