A review by elderlyemo
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is my third time rereading this book and though I reread books often, I always wait a couple of years to see how this one grows. This at its core, is a very authentic depiction of a mentally ill teenagers ability to all at once be completely self obsessed whilst genuinely believing that their life has no worth, and I think as we age, we lose the ability to exist as both. 

As such, I think your age and your life experiences, as with most books, will drastically impact the way you read this story. I read it this time around in less than two hours and forgot how funny and brutal and charming and real it was. 

The character of Craig is painfully relatable, as are many of the side characters, and though I think that there are parts of this book that were unnecessary - the entirety of Noelle and Craig's relationship is vapid and forced - the overall experience of reading this book was great. 

Would definitely recommend to anyone who has ever felt burnt out and broken, especially in the midst of the terror that is adolescence. 

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