I enjoyed this book because it showed the reality of what some teens go through. Ned didn't sugarcoat anything. The writing was good, but it was boring at some parts. Overall, great book! (The movie was also very good)

*May contain spoilers* I have to admit: I watched the movie before reading the book, so I wasn't really able to picture the characters in my head as anyone else but the actors while I was reading. But that doesn't even matter, because the story in the book itself surpassed the movie by miles (it was still a good movie, though). Craig's story wasn't your typical "good-hearted kid from the wrong side of the tracks" deal; he was normal. A little bit of an over-achiever, but who doesn't wish that for themselves sometimes, right? He grew up with a good, supportive family, got good grades, and hung out with this friends. To me, the book portrayed mental illness as something that could have been present in anyone. Because in reality, it can. I'm not saying everyone goes through exactly what Craig did, but there are a lot of people who may go through bouts of stress and anxiety to the point where they're on the verge of a downward spiral asking, "what's the point?". Someone can appear to be alright on the outside, but no one knows what's really going on except that person. I adored reading from Craig's point of view. The way his brain worked was so amazingly unique... brain maps? I loved that. He basically is in conflict with himself through the book, and I couldn't help but get into it and hope that Craig would find his happiness through this whole ordeal. The reader can see themselves in a part of Craig, whatever that part may be. I know I did, because of him working so hard in high school in hopes of landing a career that made him a lot of money as opposed to something he could really enjoy. That was me: working hard to become a pharmacist in high school (with a still-lingering dream to become a graphic designer instead), then finding out I didn't have the science chops during my first year of university, and what I really wanted to do was something art or arts related. I basically had this whole un-classy breakdown, dropped about half of my classes, and basically had to start all over. But I figured, what the hell, so what if I won't make as much money? I wouldn't be happy, it wouldn't be worth it. My first year of university was my kind of funny story. The other characters in the book were likeable; I don't think there were any that I disliked throughout the entire story. Sure, Aaron was a tool sometimes and I wanted Nia to sit herself in a corner and be quiet for about 1/3 of the book, but they all had their moments. My favorites were the friends that Craig met in the psychiatric ward. They were all so colourful and different in their own ways. At the same time, a lot of the other patients are going through things worse than Craig, and that kind of makes you re-evaluate and ask, "so then, is my life really that bad?" There seems to be this standard that comes with writing contemporary YA novels. There's sex, drugs, depression, love triangles... you all know what I mean. It's Kind of a Funny Story definitely fits the mold, but for a lot of YA authors, it requires some extensive research to write these kinds of novels. But with Ned Vizzini, he himself was clinically depressed as a teen and actually spent some time in a psychiatric hospital. There's a touch of authenticity that came through while I was reading because of this. As he described the settings and the different kinds of people in the hospital, I was able to picture it all, and it all fit. The book holds this quality that can only come from someone with first-hand experience. Vizzini can take these depressing situations and not turn around to make them funny in an obnoxious 'hey, that's offensive' way, but he finds in them a sense of humour made up of three parts witty charm, two parts complexity, and a sprinkling of adorable, which kind of says a lot since it's a book about a kid checking himself into a psychiatric hospital. I definitely recommend this book to, well, anyone. Teens in particular. It's a light, humorous read for something with this subject matter, and there are aspects in psychology that I found interesting. Maybe it'll make you think about the little things that you already have in your life that you might be taking for granted. Who knows, maybe you'll see a little bit of yourself in Craig, past or present.

this book is awesome, especially for an individual who is struggling with anxiety and depression.

I would recommend this to teens' parents because it gives great insight into how teens think and deal with common pressures and stresses. The characters are loveable and there are many funny parts. I am looking forward to the movie in Summer 2010!

I would recommend this to teens' parents because it gives great insight into how teens think and deal with common pressures and stresses. The characters are loveable and there are many funny parts. I am looking forward to the movie in Summer 2010!

I had to read this book for one of my classes in university. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it but it was quite humourous at times and got down to business when it came to talking about his 9/11 experience

Wow. I didn't expect this book to be as great as it was. I read Be More Chill and liked it a lot, so I read It's Kind of a Funny Story and like it a lot, too. It was sort of strange at how much I could relate to this book. The battle with depression, the pot-smoking friends, being in the psych ward at the hospital, etc. Overall a great book.

I love this book. It deals with serious subjects, but doesn't make you feel bad when reading it. Craig is one of the most interesting characters, and the people who surround him make it a great read. I highly highly suggest this book!

This book was very touching. It's about a teenage boy who believes that there is no purpose to life. He tries to commit suicide several times (sometimes chickening out), but he finally gets admitted into a health facility to get better. The health facility has a wide range of personalities that make the book hilarious. Some of these people inspire him and change him. He finds out who he really is and he learns ways he can express himself. I enjoyed this book.

It's kind of a funny story was such an inspiring book, i recommended it to three of my friends and they all loved it. This is my favourite book and i am glad to spread it and share it with other people. amazing. :)