The Perks of Being a Wallflowerby Stephen Chbosky
published 1999
completed September 2012
This book. I don't know if I'll be able to express just how much I love this book. I wasn't really sure I would. I've heard it's easier to appreciate as a teenager, but for me, it worked. In a really big way.
Charlie is a fifteen year old freshman in high school. You'll discover from the opening pages that he's unlike most kids his age. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a series of letters that he writes to a stranger, trying to keep somewhat anonymous. You never discover to whom he is addressing and mailing these letters, but he shares with them in detail of his experiences throughout his first year of high school.
While I loved this book, I don't think everyone will. Some readers have difficulty with Charlie and his voice. If you don't feel an affinity towards Charlie, I don't think the book will work for you. As I said before, it worked for me. He had me on his team from the first page. I've had the book out from the library for months, but once I finally sat down to read it, I finished it in an afternoon. I couldn't put it down.
I fell in love with Charlie. Not in a romantic way, but in a I-want-to-put-my-arms-around-you-and-hug-you-and-protect-you kind of way. Charlie has this innocence, and it's difficult to pinpoint what is so different about him. I initially thought he may have Asperger's, but some revelations at the end of the book made me think his unique way of looking at the world may have been caused by something he experience when young. Either way, he sees the world so differently than others. Others always come first and he genuinely loves and wants the best for everyone. He feels things so deeply, is so loyal, and honest. He understands so much, but is yet so naïve at the same time. I took so many notes while reading this. Some of Charlie's insights are so simple, yet profound.
So many huge issues are tackled in this slim book. I don't want to get into spoilers, but this goes to very dark places, but through Charlie's eyes, it's bearable. For those who've read it, the struggles of Patrick and Brad were particularly heartbreaking. I was friends with several "Brads" in school who weren't ready to share that aspect of their lives with others until later in life. I still keep in touch with some of them, and it makes my heart ache to think of what they must have gone through in high school. How difficult it must have been.
As I was nearing the end of the book, I was nervous. I didn't know how it would resolve itself, but the epilogue set things right in a realistic way. It left me with a sense of hope.
I've attached the movie trailer below. I think it comes out in the US this month, but the UK release is Oct 3. The trailer seems like the tone isn't quite right. Am I the only one nervous about this? I'm hoping that the actual movie is a better reflection of the book. We shall see.
Like you I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower as an adult, and still loved it. I'm looking forward to the films but with some reservations, which I always have when books I love are made into films
ReplyDeleteI agree. I always approach book-to-film adaptations with reservations. They're often not as good as the book, but there's something fun about seeing your favorite books brought to life, even if it's not perfect.
DeleteOh you make me want to read this!!! And adaptations of favorite books are always very difficult, but I think I remember reading that the author himself directed the film so I would have more confidence than I would otherwise going in.
ReplyDeleteHaving the author involved always helps. I didn't know that about the author directing, but I looked it up, and you're right. That makes me feel better. I hope if you read it you end up enjoying it as much as I did.
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed it, Kristi. It's been one of my favorite books for a long time. Thanks for linking up! And you can feel free to answer questions from the read along in comments even though you're already finished. It's hard not to read it straight through.
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura Ashlee. I'll maybe stop by and answer the questions in the comments. It's a book that really sucks you in. I was surprised at how quickly I flew through it.
DeleteI think that it was Melissa (Avid Reader) who recently read this one and made me take notice. I've heard it mentioned a lot lately--I guess with the movie--but always thought it might be more recent YA. Now I'm guessing I probably wish I knew about this one in high school. You definitely have me sold--am going to start looking for it when I go to Half Price Books.
ReplyDeleteTrish, I picked it up on Melissa's recommendation, and I'm so glad I did. I'm always nervous when I love a book so much that someone else may read it and not like it. Gah! I hope you end up enjoying it too.
DeleteI read this a few years ago and really loved it too. I hope they do a good job with the movie.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm in good company with loving this book. I'm a little nervous about the movie, but really looking forward to it. Fingers crossed.
DeleteI really do want to read this before the movie comes out! but even if that doesn't happen, I should be able to read it before I actually get the chance to see the movie... (I so rarely see movies at the cinema)
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a movie theater goer either. I'm lucky if I see one a year. I might make an exception for this one, though.
DeleteI bought this when I was on vacation in JUly, although I still haven't read it. I didn't realize there was a movie coming out.
ReplyDeleteJill, it's a pretty quick read. The fact that the movie was coming out pushed me to read it. I have a pretty strict personal rule about not watching a movie before reading the book. I'm really glad I did as it's one of my favorites this year.
DeleteI read this when I was only 18 and it moved me more than I can say. I re-read it this year (ten years later!) and loved it just as much, but in a different way. I'm so glad it had a deep impact on you too!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, it was your review of Perks earlier in the summer that convinced me to pick it up. Thanks for that! Are you planning to see the movie? I think it's out this Friday for you. I have to wait a couple of additional weeks, but I'm really excited. The reviews seem to be mixed, but it gives me hope that the author directed it.
DeleteI really want to see the movie! I'm planning on going with the friend who introduced me to the book. I have no doubt that it won't be as good as the book, it never is, but I still want to see it.
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