Goodreads Summary
Ambitious New York City teenager Craig Gilner is determined to succeed at life - which means getting into the right high school to get into the right job. But once Craig aces his way into Manhattan's Executive Pre-Professional High School, the pressure becomes unbearable. He stops eating and sleeping until, one night, he nearly kills himself.
Craig's suicidal episode gets him checked into a mental hospital, where his new neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors, and the self-elected President Armelio. There, Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety.
Ned Vizzini, who himself spent time in a psychiatric hospital, has created a remarkably moving tale about the sometimes unexpected road to happiness.
First off, this book was on my TBR for SOOO long and I couldn't find it anywhere where I lived. My bf knew that and he was amazing enough to get it for me as soon as he found it. (thank you♥, even though I know you aren't reading this). Anyways, so after months of having it on my shelves, I finally picked it up.
I must say I would've enjoyed this book much more if I read it in 3 or 4 sittings, but it took me a month to finish it. I was extremely busy during the month April with finals and I had so little time for reading. Although it took me a long time, I felt the urge to sit down and read and not put it down, but I had to. So, it's not the book's fault at all.
This book deals with depression in a very clear and realistic way. It doesn't sugar-coat the experience nor exaggerate it. It's a depiction of a real life experience and that is what the book says at the back of it. As you might know, Ned Vizzini himself spent 5 days in an adult psychiatric ward before committing suicide.
I loved the writing and I loved that the book was pretty much character driven. It was simple and easy to read and I found myself being completely indulged in the story. I loved the character development that Craig went through from start to finish. It shows how much a person can evolve and how somebody with so much issues resolves the situation and gets through the tough times, because life doesn't stop there.
At first, I was unsure about this, because it was just sad and it made me shed some tears, but the ending was very redeeming. I have to mention that in the beginning, it was much more interesting, but I couldn't stop smiling in the end. This is a book about depression that makes you happy. I loved that this was a guide on how to deal with depression and how you should take action in case you're suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts.
Lastly, I admire the cover of this book and how it correlates with the story. When I found out the meaning of the cover, my smile grew bigger and I grew fonder of this book. Also, the color yellow resembles the walls and pretty much everything at the ward and I loved that they chose the color yellow, because it's just a very happy color.
If you have read this book, please tell me in the comments below! Or if it's on your TBR :)
Have an amazing day everybody♥
