“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini by Ariana

“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini by Ariana - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

Despite its title, the subject matter of the book “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is no laughing matter. However this book is both inspirational and enlightening, and therefore detrimental to the education of high school students.

This book follows its fifteen-year-old narrator, Craig Gilner, as he faces the pressures of being a teenager which ultimately lead him to feelings of suicide. However instead of succumbing to his feelings, he chooses to admit himself into a hospital for treatment. The four hundred and forty-eight page novel trails Craig’s five days in the hospital as he meets other patients, discovers himself and eventually makes the decision to choose happiness.

As a high school student, I read this novel twice. I had discovered its existence after seeing the movie that was inspired by it and decided that it was worth reading. Upon being asked today, I will state that this book is the best book I have ever read and that it has changed my life for the better.

My high school experience was very similar to Craig’s, as many students would probably agree. There are stresses of growing up that are evident to all teenagers, especially through the high school years. For that reason this novel is one that every high school student should read. It relates to all students who struggle with parents who have high expectations, peer pressure, stress, demanding homework and all of the other components of a teenager’s life.

The book “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is an essential addition to high school curriculum not only because it relates to all teenage issues, but more importantly because it shows teens how to overcome obstacles and achieve happiness.