76 pages • 2 hours read
Ned VizziniIt's Kind of a Funny Story
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini follows the protagonist, Craig Gilner, a high school student from Brooklyn, who checks himself into a hospital's adult psychiatric ward after struggling with intense academic pressure and mental health issues. Over his five-day stay, Craig navigates his anxiety and depression, finds a supportive community, rekindles his passion for art, and gains a renewed sense of hope and purpose. The novel includes themes of suicide, mental health, and references to drug use and sexual abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ned Vizzini's It's Kind of a Funny Story poignantly captures the struggles of teen depression with humor and authenticity. Reviewers praise its relatable characters, genuine depiction of mental health, and engaging narrative. However, some criticize it for overly simplistic resolutions. Overall, it's a compelling read that resonates with young adults and beyond.
Who Should Read It's Kind of a Funny Story?
A reader who would enjoy It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini is likely a teenager or young adult interested in realistic fiction that explores mental health. Fans of novels like The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Looking for Alaska will appreciate its honest and humorous approach to serious issues.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
620LBook Details
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Realistic Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Mental Illness
Psychology
Identity: Mental Health
Relationships: Friendship
Life/Time: Coming of Age