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A review by alexampersand
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
5.0
I really loved this book, far more than I thought I would, given the subject matter, and I think it might just reach my list of favourite books.
I've read up a lot about mental health, anxiety, and depression, but certain parts of the first third of this book, with Craig describing his actions, behaviours, and thoughts, just hit home and rang true in a way that nothing else really has before.
And then just as I got to the chapter where he decides he's going to attempt suicide, a cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah came on the radio, and let me tell you, reading his conversation with his sister with that soundtrack, was really something.
The book became less relatable when Craig checked into the hospital (something I've never experienced) but was still engaging and enjoyable to read.
My one criticism was the handling of the trans character. I cringed so, so badly while reading it. I can only hope that it was a product of its time, and that in the 12 years since then we have hopefully moved on leaps and bounds and this wouldn't be written the same way today. I was kind of glad that the she ended up having a fairly minor role, so that I could move on and focus on the parts of the story that were a lot less uncomfortable to read.
I've read up a lot about mental health, anxiety, and depression, but certain parts of the first third of this book, with Craig describing his actions, behaviours, and thoughts, just hit home and rang true in a way that nothing else really has before.
And then just as I got to the chapter where he decides he's going to attempt suicide, a cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah came on the radio, and let me tell you, reading his conversation with his sister with that soundtrack, was really something.
The book became less relatable when Craig checked into the hospital (something I've never experienced) but was still engaging and enjoyable to read.
My one criticism was the handling of the trans character. I cringed so, so badly while reading it. I can only hope that it was a product of its time, and that in the 12 years since then we have hopefully moved on leaps and bounds and this wouldn't be written the same way today. I was kind of glad that the she ended up having a fairly minor role, so that I could move on and focus on the parts of the story that were a lot less uncomfortable to read.