The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky

[Stephanie]

This is another book that I liked (not loved) but also hated. Perhaps this wasn't the best book to read after finishing Chabon's book (with great language and characters) since a lot of this fell into a very simplistic realm. It read fast, so that is good, but many of the interactions/relationships felt rather stereotypical high school binaries. Charlie's attraction to Sam, Sam dating an older guy and not noticing Charlie, Patrick secretly dating the football jock Brad. It just wasn't surprising.

I also felt that (show spoiler)[Charlie's realization of being molested by his Aunt Helen came too late in the book, and kind of at a convenient time? I'm also no sure if I buy this detached naivety that Charlie presents in his letters.

That's not to say I hate this book. I did like his friendship with Bill, and with Patrick and Sam. I also felt that at the end when Sam is telling Charlie to do what he wants and to be honest with people was interesting and a refreshing reaction to their situation.

Overall: Meh. I look forward to seeing the movie, which is why I read this in the first place, but it was just... okay.] (hide spoiler)