Spoilers Book Club: “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini

Inspired by his own experiences, Ned Vizzini‘s 2006 novel It’s Kind of a Funny Story follows the adventures of a teenage Craig Gilner, who is checked into a psychiatric hospital after reaching out for help. Vizzini’s book, which critics found believable and honest, was selected by the American Library Association as one of the Best Books for Young Adults in 2007. It was brought to film audiences in 2010’s It’s Kind of a Funny Story, starring Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, and Zach Galifianakis. As Craig, Gilcrist brought the character’s struggles and warmth to the screen in a film that sidestepped psych-ward comedy clichés and leaned into its strong cast and the tender moments between the three.