The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Most people think 15-year-old Charlie is a freak. But then seniors Patrick and his beautiful stepsister Sam take Charlie under their wings and introduce him to their eclectic, open-minded, hard-partying friends. It is from these older kids that Charlie learns to live and love.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives or to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and music—when all one requires to feel infinite is that perfect song on that perfect drive.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

My Review:

Wow!



This was a sad and confusing tale of a young boy experiencing his first year in high school after the death of his friend. High school is already an intimidating place, but to face it alone is another story. I enjoyed the chances Charlie took, his experimental side, his loyalty, and his honesty (in his retelling of the stories). I loved how Patrick and Sam took him under their wing, albeit they may not have been the best of influences, they were good to him.

Charlie was an extremely sensitive guy and somewhat intuit. However, I felt that he cried an awful lot, but the fact that his friends didn't seem to mind made me a little envious of their unbridled acceptance of him.

My personal high school experience was completely different, and on another level, much more innocent. I couldn't imagine being faced with some of the situations Charlie, Sam, and Patrick had. In the end when they explained some of Charlie's "craziness" as being a victim of molestation from his beloved aunt, I was blown away and everything seemed to make sense all of a sudden. This was definitely a haunting tale of growing up, but I think it hit the nail on the head.



Favorite Quotes:

“We accept the love we think we deserve.”

“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.”

Read in January, 2014

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult/Coming Of Age
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews