IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY by Ned Vizzini

IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY is by far the most accurate portrayal of depression I have ever read. This is not surprising, considering the story is based off of Ned Vizzini's own experience with depression. In 2004, he spent five days in the adult psychiatric ward of Methodist Hospital.

The book follows Craig Gilner, a high achieving eighth grade student, who's goal in life is to get into the prestigious Executive Pre-Professional High School in Manhattan. He spends all his time studying until his acceptance letter arrives.

Craig thinks his future is set. He will have a Good Education, get a Good Job, and make Lots of Money. Instead, he spirals into depression and anxiety as he realizes he cannot keep up with the stress of school, his grades are average, and therefore he is average and doomed to be a failure and homeless.

Soon his stomach cannot hold any food, he doesn't sleep, feels miserable, and gets into arguments with his own mind. He reveals his intimate thoughts, like wanting to lay in bed all day just to think and wanting to jump off the Brooklyn bridge.

One night while laying in his mother's bed contemplating suicide, he pulls a book off her shelf and flips to the back. It tells him to call a suicide hot line. The person on the phone suggests he go to the hospital, where he checks himself in for depression.

He spends five days in the hospital where he meets lots of people with similar problems. He makes a lot of progress in recovery, even helping out other patients, and determines that he never wants to be in the hospital again. Furthermore, he makes changes in his life like switching to an arts school.

Ned Vizzini tells Craig's story in a way that truly touches the reader's heart. Craig is an ordinary teenager but he gives a message of hope to anyone who feels depressed. Reading IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY is a reminder that you are not alone, and that your problems are not insignificant and can be overcome. Life is hard sometimes, and the path you think you should be taking is not always the best one, and that's okay.