The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up. Now a major motion picture starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman. Stephen Chbosky's new film Wonder, starring Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts is out now.
Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix-tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.
'A coming of age tale in the tradition of The Catcher in the Rye and A Separate Peace... often inspirational and always beautifully written' USA Today
This is one of the few times I've seen the movie before reading the book.
Overall it was a great book with an honest look at a teenager's struggle with abuse, depression, and anxiety. Some parts were painfully relatable to. Other parts disturbed me because of the casualness with which underage drinking and illegal drug use is treated. Maybe good from an adult reader's perspective, not sure how I would've felt reading it as a teen or what thoughts I would've had. I think I'd still recommend it for late middle school readers.
Reading updates
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25 January, 2016:
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25 January, 2016:
Reviewed