Holiwood movie : It's Kind of a Funny Story

It's Kind of a Funny Story is a 2006 novel by American author Ned Vizzini. It follows a depressed young man who becomes suicidal and checks himself into a psychiatric hospital. The book was inspired by Vizzini's own brief hospitalization for depression in November 2004. A film adaptation, directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, will be released on September 24, 2010.

Synopsis

Craig, the narrator, is 15, and lives with his family in an upper-middle class Brooklyn neighborhood. He attends the prestigious Executive Pre-Professional High School, having studied arduously to win admission. Once admitted, however, he becomes overwhelmed by the school's intense academic pressure. His stress eventually manifests itself in an eating disorder, affected sleep habits, and suicidal thoughts. His depression builds until, unable to fend off his suicidal ideation, he calls 800-SUICIDE and is admitted to a nearby psychiatric hospital. Along with a host of other patients, Craig meets a girl, Noelle, who coped with a history of sexual abuse by cutting her face with scissors. In isolation from the outside world, and with help from Noelle, Craig confronts the sources of his anxiety and regains his health. During his recovery, Craig experiments with art, specifically stylized maps, and discovers he has a great deal of natural talent and ability. Once Craig has recovered, his counselor suggests he transfer to an art school, a thought that excites Craig. He returns home at novel's end having undergone a mental shift, and determined to enjoy life.

Characters

• Craig Gilner: protagonist and narrator, 15, suffers from depression, attends Executive Pre-Professional
• Aaron Pardis: Craig's best friend, 15, also attends Executive Pre-Professional, boyfriend to Nia
• Nia: Aaron's girlfriend and the object of Craig's unrequited affection, suffers from depression, attends Executive Pre-Professional
• Dr. Minerva: Craig's psychiatrist
• Noelle: Patient at the psychiatric hospital, becomes Craig's first girlfriend.
• Muqtada: Craig's roommate at the psychiatric hospital