In a lot of ways, the book is really smart -- especially through Craig's descriptions of his mental illness. His use of terms like the Shift, Fake Shift, Tentacles, Anchors, etc. are spot-on. As someone who experienced serious depression at a very young age (near Craig's), there were paragraphs that felt like they could have been ripped from my diary. 

Beyond Craig, the book explores many other side characters. Some of those characters provide a really interesting insight into other experiences of mental illness. But too many of these characters fall flat in terms of the big picture. The best example of this is the inclusion of Jennifer, the trans character. It might be understandable to give Craig some leeway when it comes to his inner thoughts on trans people, given that he is a fifteen year old boy written in 2006. But there was nothing profound or deep or important that happened through the introduction of Jennifer. She shows up for a few pages, just for Craig to think some pretty awful thoughts & other Six North residents to say some pretty awful things, and then the entire storyline is dropped. The women in this book and the thoughts about women in this book were certainly written by a man. 

My unexpected favorite moment of this was Craig's parents. Craig's mom's reaction when he calls her to tell her he checked himself into the hospital is perfect.