Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower


The Perks of Being a Wallflower, what should I say about this book? Well I guess first of all I should admit why I actually starting reading it in the first place. Emma Watson <3 is in the movie so I just had to watch it but like any film adaptation with a good enough story line I also wanted to read the book first. For me, both were a revelation!


If I were to review this book objectively, I'd say that it's not for everyone. If you're like Charlie the main protagonist of the book, you'd probably be able to relate to his view on things and his wanderlust mind. He's a wallflower, to put it simply. He 'sees things, understands and keeps quiet about them'. The many other characters in the book are also pretty relate-able and likeable. I especially loved Patrick with his epic antics and erratic tendencies, though I wasn't a huge fan of Sam's character, the role played by Emma in the movie. Mary Elizabeth's character was also wonderfully developed. I'm sure we've all encountered one of her type sometime in our life. I'm not really sure how I feel about the ending but I must say I didn't see that one coming. 

I loved how the writer touched on so many serious subjects, like suicide, insecurity, drugs, alcohol,  sex and even sexual abuse in a very realistic and approachable manner. The book also explores the transition from being a school senior to being a freshman in college.

The influence of good music and books on charlie's life and personality is something that i personally relate to and have actually experienced. The author has picked a wonderful soundtrack to Charlie's life which makes you feel as 'infinite' as it does them.

Overall I think even though its from the 'coming of age' genre, it has some deeper impressions to leave on you if you let it. For those of you though, who don't read between the lines and like simple and easy characters, this book might seem a little pointless and really that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you do fall in this category though I'd say you should definitely try watching the movie, it's a good pick for a rainy day, perfect with a steaming cup of coffee.


“I can see it. This one moment when you know you’re not a sad story. You are alive. And you stand up and see the lights on the buildings and everything that makes you wonder. And you’re listening to that song on that drive with the people you love most in this world. And in this moment, I swear…We are infinite.”
 —  Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

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So, What do you think about that?