Monday, February 18, 2013

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky


Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Pages: 216
Rating: 5/5 stars


"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 year 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 sidelines 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."



Personal Tidbit: This is the book club book at my school and I helped organized everything and made the T-shirts which it kind of exciting.

Let's start by saying that Charlie is one of the more interesting characters I've ever had the pleasure of stumbling upon. He obviously has some sort or problem with the way he reacts to social situations. I don't think he really understood what to do with himself. He was awkward and innocent. If I had to guess, his displays of anger and panic make it seem as though he has autism. For example on page 173 where he has an irrational fear of his friends getting into car accidents because they are happy. He also is an AP English student who reads all the time yet has the writing style of a 10 year old. For example he used the words "very good" a lot, which really got on my nerves. 

Overall I found myself relating to Charlie. He reminds me of an innocent side of myself that is scared of people dying and wants everyone to be happy. Who doesn't understand why people are so cruel or so sex driven. He has embarked on this journey through adolescence which is really some screwed up shit. This book covers drugs, alcohol, homosexuality, sex, abortion, abuse, neglect, rape, molestation, suicide, everything. There is brutal honestly when it comes to these things, especially sex, where is actually shocks me. I think this book should be a mandatory read for everyone. It is so heartfelt and real. If I had to describe it in one extreamly cheesy hallmark line it would be: "This novel is a run on of a bunch of thoughtful ideas, flashbacks, feelings and experiences all sewn together in a precious quilt of beauty and one big acid trip" 

I need to express my love for Patrick. He is so adorable and heart breaking. He was by far my favorite character and I feel as though he brings soul to the novel. (especially when him and Charlie start having their experiences in the fourth part)

I also would like to mention Bill and his books. I think Bill kind of narrates this story in the books he chooses. He picks perfect books for different situations and really is the one looking out for Charlie. When Charlie went over to his house and Bill told him how special and smart he was I almost cried. 

This book is beauty.

Other Things That I Liked:
- The rocking music
- Rocky Horror Picture Show (I think Patrick would be a perfect Frank n' Furter)
- When they are at the party and Charlie truly feels accepted
- The Secret Santa Party, typewrites and suits
- Charlie's rambling
- Feeling Infinite
- And the Iconic 90s-movie-esque lines



2 comments:

  1. I just started following your blog and I really like your posts! I've been wantig to read this series forever and your review just reminded me to pick it up soon! I'd love it if you checked out my blog and follow me. I just started a couple weeks ago, so its a slow work in progress. :)

    http://pagesofcomfort.blogspot.com/

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    1. Awe, I'm glad I helped! It is very very good. If you read it you should get in touch with me! I'd love to discuss it!

      And I followed back!

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