Saturday, February 11, 2012

Book Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky 
Release Date: 1999
Summary: Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is navigating through the strange worlds of love, drugs, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", and dealing with the loss of a good friend and his favorite aunt.


Review: I just don't know what to say right now. Or think. Or anything. This book was like nothing I've read before, but definitely in a good way. I loved the author's style, how the whole story was told through Charlie's letters to a person he's never even met before. Charlie's letters and personality remind of The Catcher In the Rye a lot, but I'd have to say I liked this one a whole lot better. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower deals with so many issues, starting off with a suicide and moving on to drugs, drinking, sex, and just figuring out who you are. I felt myself loving Charlie and wanting him to make it out of everything okay. He was so naive and adorable that he's that kid that's impossible not to like. I love the other characters too, like Sam, Patrick, and even Mary Elizabeth. Everyone was so quirky and accepted you for who you were with no questions. I really can't find one thing I did't like about this book. 

After finishing this (I borrowed it from a friend), I had to talk to her like five different times that same night because I couldn't wrap my mind around what happened. There was just a feeling of, I don't know...I really just don't know. This book really makes you think but not really know what to think at the same time. It's really quick, so if you have the chance, you should definitely pick this up. I think it's something everyone should experience and I really can't wait for the movie. Everyone in the cast seems perfect for the character they're playing, so hopefully the movie lives up to the book!





5 comments:

  1. I know, I can't wait for the movie!!! Especially since it's directed by Chbosky himself. Hopefully, it's amazing! I agree. This book has to be read at least once! Charlie's innocence totally charmed me yet worried me at the same time. I preferred The Catcher in the Rye though, as far as comparisons are concerned.

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  2. I completely agree! This book is something so different from a lot of novels. I absolutely love this novel, so much so that I am really weary of the upcoming movie, because I just don't know how they can capture the brilliance on screen. But we will see!

    Jennifer @ A Librarian's Library

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  3. I know exactly how you're thinking about this book. I finished this thinking I had no idea what I thought of it. I just had no opinion of the book.
    Glad you enjoyed this and I too am looking forward to the movie, especially with Emma Watson playing Sam.

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  4. this is weird but I think Charlie killed his Aunt Helen.. :(

    Pls. read my review of the book.
    http://renalapaisano.blogspot.com/2012/04/perks-of-being-wallflower.html

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  5. I was really wondering about this book. It seems like it would be an excellent read. Thank you for the review, I very much enjoyed it. Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven

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