Book info

• Title The Perks of Being a Wallflower
• Author Stephen Chbosky
• Year 1999
• Genre Young Adult

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.

Thoughts

Interesting story this one, told from the perspective of an introverted schoolboy who gradually comes out of his shell. I thought it moved along with a great pace and structure, sometimes frantic things happening, other times wallowing in the loneliness of being ostracised. I wasn’t 100% on board with just how many tears occurred during the story, but this is a world I’ve not really lived in.

The twist, if you can call it that, which occurs at the end was a surprise to me, as it felt far too near the end for anything of such magnitude to happen. It’s great, though, because it makes you rethink all that you have just read.

A good book, if only for certain tastes, and now I’m interested in catching up with how the film handles the whole thing!

Rating: 3 / 5