The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (Book + Movie Review)

Genre: YA Coming of Age
Format: Paperback; 216 pages
Publication: February 1, 1999 by Pocket Books
Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars

From Goodreads: 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 he 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.

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.

My Thoughts: If I could go back in time, I would go all the way back to 14 year old me, give her this book and tell her if she only reads one thing that year, just one, let this be it. You don't know how badly I wish I would have found this back in my formative years, it would have made my teenage life so much easier. To just to "know" someone like Charlie, to have that feeling that you're not alone out there in the universe. It was just that amazing. This story is one of those instant classics because it holds so much truth. It's beautiful and simple and honest. Everything you wanted life to be when you were growing up. Charlie is just this amazingly poetic kid who is wise beyond his years, but also holds that charming innocence that makes you just want to protect him from the world.

But what about the film, you ask? Well, it was just as amazing. I usually find movies lacking when I compare them to their books, but with Perks, that's just not the case. Each holds its own remarkably well and I have to say, the movie became one of my all time favorites. The acting is fantastic and I couldn't picture anyone better to play Charlie, Sam, or Patrick.

I can't tell you enough how much I loved this novel. I believe every high school kid should read this and learn from it. It just blew me away.

My Rating: