It’s Kind Of A Funny Story By Ned Vizzini

“Life can't be cured, but it can be managed.”

Ned Vizzini Born: April 4, 1981 Died: December 19, 2013 Grew up in Brooklyn New York Spent time in an adult psychiatric hospital in Brooklyn from November 29, 2004 until December 3, 2004 Seven days later he began to write It’s Kind of a Funny Story and finished it one year later. His novel has been named one of the best ever novels for teenagers. Vizzini suffered from depression his whole life and on December 9 th of 2013 he commited suicide in his apartment in Brooklyn

Characters  Craig Gilner  Craig is an 8 th grader who just got into the best high school in New York. As he starts the school year, the work causes his body to react by becoming depressed and is put into a mental hospital.

Friends  Aaron  Aaron is Craig’s “best friend” who gets into the same high school as Craig. He drinks and smokes, and tries to get Craig to do the same. He’s not very supportive when he finds out that Craig is sent away.  Ronny  One of the friends who Craig and Aaron “chill” with. Ronny wears a lot of bling and smokes pot.

Family  Mom  Dad  Sarah –  Craig’s over achieving and concerned little sister

Doctors  Dr. Mahmoud  Craig’s therapist that he talks to every week while in the mental ward.  Dr. Minerva  Craig’s doctor who helps him make some of the big decisions that lead help him to manage his stress

Friends in the hospital Bobby – * Gives Craig a tour of the hosiptal. Becomes a sort of mentor Humble * Craigs first friend in the hospital Muqtada  Craig’s roommate who rarely leaves  Armelio  The president of the mental ward.

Love Interests  Nia  Nia is Aaron’s girlfriend that Craig has a crush on, who also claims she’s depressed.  Noelle  A girl around Craig’s age that he meets in the mental ward who he has a crush on.

Themes  Depression  Craig is intelligent, has every opportunity open to him, has a supportive family and lives in a good part of town. However, he becomes overwhelmed with school and himself.  Friendship  Craig learns the true value and power of having good friends  Courage  Many of the characters in the book have to learn how to have the courage to be and trust themselves

Internal Conflict Man Vs. Self Craig’s internal voice is reprimanding him and coaching him throughout the novel. This represents him fighting with his own conscious over what is good or bad, right or wrong, stupid or smart, etc..

BE ADVISED!  Some scenes in the book deal with things you wouldn’t normally read in school.  By signing the contract Mrs. Phan has passed out to you, you are promising to adhere to the rules listed on the contract.

Symbolism The maps presented in foreshadowing can also be a great example of symbolism. When Craig draws maps, it brings him back to a happy place. When he is told to draw the maps at the hospital, he draws them to get away. The maps are a symbol of a happy time in Craig’s life.