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.
This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed 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.
Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.
amazing
i read this entire book in 6 hours, could not put it down.
Brooke, 09/07/2018
The Perks of Reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower
If you want to relieve those moments you had when you were young that made you feel alive, then you should read this book. The coming of age novel follows the Charlie, an introverted 16 year old that enters the world of high school in the 90s. His quiet nature makes it very hard for Charlie to fit in, until he meets Patrick and Sam, two seniors who take him under their wing and introduce him to parties, drugs and music, giving him the confidence he needs. The novel is set out in letters that Charlie writes to an unknown person thus placing the reader in his shoes. By doing so, Chbosky allows the reader to empathize with Charlies nave and endearing character. The other characters are also relatable as they go through issues like teen pregnancy and homophobia, allowing every reader to identify with them. They will be able to reflect on what they were like when they were teenagers, asking themselves What mistakes did I make How much have I changed Am I still the same person
QBD, 29/07/2014
Perks
I found the book really odd. Charlie was just SO WEIRD Such an oddball. At first I was a bit put off and disappointed, it was really hard to imagine him as a real kid. He slowly got better though. It was really interesting to see how 'Charlie's' writing got better as he kept writing to his friend. I thought that made it a really well put together book. The way you could see his development right there. I really enjoyed the book, I got pretty emotionally invested, not necessarily just with Charlie but with Sam and Patrick especially. Honestly, I preferred the movie. I think that's the first time that has ever happened There were parts of the book that were really well done and I enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of Charlie's family, particularly his sister. But all in all I found the portrayal of the characters in the film more relatable.
Kate, 22/07/2014
Amazing
I could read this book a thousand times over. It's truly remarkable.
Guest, 12/08/2012
