The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

by Stephen Chbosky

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

Reviewed by mary on

4 of 5 stars

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Man. I read this book awhile ago, when I was still an teenager and at the time it seemed that every teenager on the planet was doing more drugs and having more sex than me. It would seem. At times I felt like Chbosky, an older man, was trying TOO hard to speak through the mouth of a teen boy. However, it was memorable, and I would recommend it. There are definitely good parts. No 'Catcher in the Rye' though. It will be interesting to see how this book adapts to the big screen.

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  • Started reading
  • 1 August, 2004: Finished reading
  • 1 August, 2004: Reviewed