“I’m not better, you know.” (Craig Gilner, It’s Kind of a Funny Story) 

This quote, filled with both honesty and hope, captures the essence of Ned Vizzini’s deeply personal and resonant young adult novel.

Synopsis:
The story follows Craig Gilner, a high-achieving 15-year-old who collapses under extreme academic pressure and the feeling of existential overwhelm. Facing suicidal thoughts, he admits himself to an adult psychiatric hospital in Brooklyn. Over the five days in the hospital, he confronts his depression and begins a beautiful journey towards healing.

In the hospital, Craig meets a handful of interesting characters like—a girl who struggled with self harm, and the self-appointed “President Armelio”. All of the characters bring humor, wisdom, and more perspectives and humanity into his life. His reconnection to the “brain maps” that he once loved to make, stands as a powerful symbol of his journey as he rekindles his creativity and hope for life.

Review:
As someone who isn’t always drawn to contemporary YA, It’s Kind of a Funny Story stood out deeply. I first read it for school and didn’t think much of it but by the end of it I loved it so much I was already planning on rereading it. The book includes strong themes of mental illness, the constantly building pressure of teen ambition, and the search for identity. 

Craig’s voice is vulnerable and even self-deprecating at times—feels like peeking directly into Vizzini’s mind, especially since the novel is based on his own psychiatric stay. Craig himself is compelling: intelligent and creative, yet suffocating under his own expectations. His hospital journey is transformative—not because he is “cured,” but because he begins to understand that mental health isn’t a pass/fail condition. As one secondary character reminds him, “you’re never cured, you can only change your behavior”. 

Throughout the novel a constant theme is Craig re-falling in love with his old passion of drawing maps because while he is in the hospital he doesn’t have the insistent pressure that his advanced schools puts on him. The maps represent his life as he rediscovers hope and his purpose for living. 

The story is conversational and accessible. A deliberate choice that amplifies Craig’s authenticity without unnecessary dishonesty. The novel’s structure; alternating chapters between Craig’s inner turmoil and hospital life, paired with his maps and sketches all work to enhance the intimacy and pacing.

That said, it definitely isn’t perfect for instance when some moments like when make‑out scenes happen way too fast or things get a bit exaggerated for laughs seem to throw off the vibe and undercut the heavier mental health stuff. 

This book’s fearless honesty and portrayal of mental health is a breath of realism. Craig discovers a new perspective that reaching out is not the weakness that he once thought but is instead an act of bravery. Ned Vizzini’s willingness to share a piece of his pain becomes a channel for empathy and connection. The humor that he includes , while strong provides more depth so that you never forget the underlying meanings in the words that Vizzini wrote

All in all, after I read it, I myself had a new perspective on the way that some people handle their emotions as a reminder that we truly never know what other people are going through. lastly, it is important to note that this novel includes intense themes of: suicide, anxiety, depression, self harm, and eating disorders. I advise any reader interested in reading this book to review the trigger warnings prior to reading. 

I would give this book:
📚📚📚📚 – A painfully real and hopeful story that will stay with you long after it ends (4/5)

Love, Julia

GFB Ambassador