Stephen Chbosky
Mature contemporary YA
Charlie is a freshman.
And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it.
Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But he can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.
I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of this book- even without the movie and Emma Watson it had a reputation. I'll admit I've seen the movie already so the story itself was spoiled for me. Why am I telling you this? Because the great thing about this novel is that even knowing the whole story (the movie was very true to the book) it was still TOTALLY INCREDIBLE.
Charlie was wonderfully smart and naive the way real smart people are. (that makes sense I promise) He was funny without an ounce of sarcasm (where do you ever see that nowadays?) and practically a little kid with the head of an adult. His observations were unique and beautiful- the book is abundant with great quotes. You're left with lots of food for thought.
The writing was flawless. There was little dialogue, with Charlie telling us that she said this and that. It was brilliant; totally reflective of the way Charlie thinks. The whole book is like being inside his head. It also comes with a bit of a lesson- Perks of Being a Wallflower is written as a letter to you, (the reader) a kid in his school.
Everything about the story felt REAL- nothing exaggerated, downplayed, ignored, too perfect or coincidental. The only thing stopping me from shoving it under the nose of everyone I know? Not really age appropriate for a kid below the eighth/ninth grade.
Rating:
Good weekend everybody, and happy new Jewish year!
Esty
Wonderful review. Think I might give this one a try :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard so much about this book, and I saw it in a shop for £4, but I didn't buy it! AH. I don't know why because everyone loves it. I haven't watched the film because I keep telling myself that I need to read the book!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Etsy!
~Tilly @ Hardcore Heroines :)
You are definitely right, I knew about this one long before the movie because everyone seems to love it. I am very excited to finally get to this book, great review :)
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book so much! Everyone seems to love it, but I feel like I'll be dissapointed because everyone is loving it and I don't want to have such high expectations. This review is making me reconsider.
ReplyDeleteQuestion, was the movie faithful? I loved it.
-Marianne @ Boricuan Bookworms