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 Chelsea on

4 of 5 stars

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Initial Thoughts

I was expecting a boring book that I would have a hard time getting into. I don’t usually read books in letter format but I was surprised at how easy this one was to read.

My New BFF

I think my favourite character was Sam. She was a really nice person even though she was a little strange sometimes. There’s not really much to say about her though because this book wasn’t really focused on characters.

My Crush

No crush here! Not that kind of book so if you’re expecting romance, maybe not the greatest pick for you.

Writing Style

What I like most about this book is the timelessness of it. It doesn’t feel like it takes place in the 90’s really. It’s a typical coming of age story and everyone goes through it so it’s easy to relate to. The writing was ok for me, not amazing. Probably because it was a little boring just like any other coming of age story I find. The focus wasn’t really on characters other than Charlie who was narrating, but you could see him start to grow up.

Closing Thoughts

I liked this book. I’m not in love with it but I’m glad I read it. It was easier to get through without much of a plot than I thought it was going to be and I’m glad. Charlie was a great narrator because he had a really interesting point of view. He’s young and very naive but it made for an interesting story. I’d recommend that everyone reads this book because it’s just one of those books that everyone should read. Kind of like The Kite Runner or To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s along those same lines.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 5 June, 2015: Finished reading
  • 5 June, 2015: Reviewed