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"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is written in the format of a collection of letters, or like a personal diary or journal. The writer is a boy named Charlie, a highschool freshman in Pittsburgh. He writes these anonymous letter to "a friend" (which becomes you, the reader) in which he discusses the things that touch his life. Some parts are funny, some parts are sad, some parts are confusing (or they would be, if they were happening to you) but it all comes through as being very honest. I think part of this is because of the use of first-person narrative. Experiences from everyday teenage life appear in this book...such as being attracted to someone who doesn't seem to be attracted to you, the pain of being shy and awkward around others, and the joys of making new friends. Many adolescent concerns are a part of Charlie's life, such as drug use, teenage sexuality and abuse. It is not written in a way that makes these sensitive issues frightening or coarse...it just seems 'real'. Many books, films and songs are referenced in this novel, and many of them the reader may be familiar with as well, which makes the book seem more like life...like the letters that you are reading are being written by an actual person, and sometimes you forget that you are just reading a book. This book reminded me quite a bit of the classic high-school book by J.D. Salinger "The Catcher in the Rye", but in a way, I think this one was better. Although Charlie has his problems, he seems less neurotic and more like someone-you-might-know than Holden (from "Catcher") I would not be surprised if this book (like "Catcher") were to be added to many high school reading lists, because I think it will become a modern-day classic.Read full review
I had heard as many good things as bad things about this book. To me personally, it sounded like it would be good. I bought it and decided to see for myself. The book is about Charlie who in short is a wallflower. When he meets and makes friends with people older than him, his life definitely changes. Charlie basically watches his own life from the sidelines. This book shows how messed up teenage life can be sometimes. How you can be living your life but feel like you have no control at all. This book is about high school, friends, love, firsts, trying new things, and so much more. The book is composed of letters that are written to someone we don't know, basically a friend. It is also short and easy to read and understand. I think that Stephen Chbosky is pure genius for writing a book that relates so well teenage and high school life. I can't stress enough how good this book is. It is worth the time and money. It seriously changed my life and the way I think about things. The book is like a rollercoaster. I have never read another book as good. You just have to read this for yourself!Read full review
This book is one of my all time favorites when it comes to fictional novels. Not only does Chbosky pull you into his world with his diary like style of writing, he makes the main character, no matter who you are, connect with you in some way. You may be young, old, or even older, but it will make you nostalgic to your younger years, specifically your first year of high school. I am always a fan of a book that successfully entraps you in their world for the time you are reading a paragraph or even a small sentence. Stephen Chbosky has successfully written a book that takes you back to a time where high school love and friends prevail over all. It is definitely a read that you will pick up time and time again.
Both of my kids as well as many of their friends read this book and loved it, so I bought myself a copy to see what the fuss was all about. The story is in diary form, written by a young boy who has his first crush on an older woman (of 17!). It is very heartwarming and sweet, not only focusing on the happy things that happen at this time of life, but on the scary, sad, heartbreaking things as well. I can see why my young teens liked it so much. Reminded me of a simpler time. A time when the toughest decision was whether or not I should smoke a joint with my friends, and the biggest worry was who might ask me to homecoming. It was a nice trip down memory lane. Recommended for kids over 13, and parents who would like to know what kinds of thoughts are going through their young teenagers' heads...Read full review
A marvelous book, later a marvelous film -- albeit for somewhat different reasons. Released in 2012, I first saw the film only recently. This led to my craving exposure to Stephen Chbosky's source material. The book, in short, is a great read. Protagonist Charlie's "letters" are heartfelt, telling, real. Almost purely descriptive, with precious little dialogue, Charlie's coming-of-age tale is one decidedly worth reading, and -- like Charlie's favorite books -- worth immediately reading again. Just as the film is worth watching time and again. Novels of this sort are very difficult to adapt for film, but writer-director Chbosky does so admirably. And the cast? Leads Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller all give sterling performances. My sole complaint? The film, unlike the novel, wasn't longer. Read it, watch it, be moved to joyful tears by both.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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