Normally I wouldn't write a review on a book, but this particular book has slipped me under a spell. It's hard to not keep thinking about, because it is lurking in my subconscious just waiting to secretly resurface. Granted I did just finish it yesterday! It's depressing, soothing, confusing, exciting, intriguing, and just mind boggling. I had wanted to read it for a while, but life has gotten busy and time to read has slipped away. However, it has been recently made into a motion picture featuring Emma Stone. Yes, this book is called: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
Now I've read the backs of numerous books that have claimed to relate to the craziness that is known as teenagers and I eagerly picked them up to read. Alas, I was left disappointed and angry that I wasted money on it. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is completely different. It's written as a series of letters that are addressed to a "friend" from a boy named Charlie. It's quite evident that Charlie has issues connecting to the world and spends far too much time inside his own head. He writes about his first year of high school and it begins with him mentioning his friend that had committed suicide. Too begin with that is a brilliant yet depressing hook. It sucks you in. The best part of the whole book is the character Charlie.
You follow him through his first friend making, his first crush, his first bad party, his first kiss, and everything in between. He would appear to be oblivious to the people that see him, but through his letters you find out that he is quite brilliant. He observes the things that people don't pay attention too. He takes the time to really listen to people and to pick apart who they truly are. People are too obsessed with themselves to notice the things Charlie does. He has a pure and kind soul that people take advantage of. You hurt when he hurts and you wish he wouldn't smoke pot/drugs/cigarettes and drink. He becomes someone you will want to protect. Charlie will work his way into your life.
You will also fall in love with Sam, Patrick, and Charlie's immediate family. Of course they all have their stupid fights, but they look out for Charlie. They all know he's weird, but they all try to help him in their own way. Sam and Patrick are high school seniors, but they befriend and love Charlie. They give him life experiences he would've never had without them. Because of them Charlie gets to be a "normal" high school kid. He gets to make crazy mistakes and have fun. Charlie's family also give him a shoulder to lean on and give him the help he needs.
Throughout the whole story you will realize that Charlie's issues are much deeper then they appeared. It'll slowly be revealed what caused him to be this way and it will leave you dazed, angry, and happy. The way this plot line is woven in to the story is absolutely amazing and really keeps you interested. It will hold your attention the whole time. This book is not only a wonderful story, but it is well written and most definitely quotable. Everyone should read it. It will keep you thinking and make you look at life a different way. People should take a few notes from Charlie.
