Spring Break
Depression can be funny too
Danielle McCoy
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Entertainment
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"I'm depressed," is an expression many say casually when referring to sadness that goes away after a while. Depression is a mental health issue that may require help from experienced professionals. Teen depression is very real. About five percent of adolescents suffer from depression.
"Its Kind of a Funny Story" is a good read that I think will be important to both teens and adults; it has humor, love, and struggle. Three important things that make a good book.
Craig, the narrator, is an ambitious New York teen that is determined to succeed in life. He studies hard and neglects his friends all to get into an elite high school. Once he realizes that even after all his hard work to get accepted, maintaining his grades will be an even harder struggle, Craig falls into a deep depression, stops eating and sleeping and almost commits suicide.
Craig's suicidal episode lands him in a mental hospital full of interesting characters. Some of which include a transsexual sex addict, a self-elected President Armelio, his roommate Muqtada who can't get out of bed, and many more.
Ned Vizzini, who also spent time in a psychiatric hospital, began writing for the New York Press at the age of fifteen. At nineteen he published his first book, "Teen Angst? Naah…" and has also written "Be More Chill", which was the first young adult novel chosen as a Today Show Book Club pick.
Contact Danielle at danielle_college08
@yahoo.com
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