Title: It's kind of a funny story
Author: Ned Vizzini
Series/standalone: Standalone
Format: paperback
Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads summary:
Ambitious New York City teenager Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life - which means getting into the right high school to get into the right job. But once Craig aces his way into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School, the pressure becomes unbearable. He stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.
Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.
Review:
Before I read this book I had previously watched the movie adaptation and loved it but never had the urge to read the book until I saw it in my local library and decided to give it a shot. I am so glad I did because this book managed to blow the movie out of the water.
From the book you get a much better insight into the mind of a person with mental health issues. You can really tell that the author had experienced the illnesses he was interpreting in the book as they are unbelievably accurate. The book is written with humorous aspects which really help to lighten the mood of the book and I think this is extremely important when talking about such a taboo subject.
I recommend that everyone give this book a shot as it helps to get rid of the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses in modern society and brings a better understanding for people who maybe don't understand the feelings when you have depression or anxiety.
