Justine's Thoughts: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky

Source: Library
Pages: 213
Book Description:

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.

It 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, family dramas, and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where all you need is that perfect song on the perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Chbosky has created a deeply affecting novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

A quote:

There’s nothing like deep breaths after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for the right reasons.

Any thoughts:

I really never knew what was so great about The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I see the book everywhere, see that famous, small passage being quoted on many pictures and I wonder. I just wonder. Now after having read it, I can say that it truly resonated with me. Maybe it even changed how I view life even in the littlest bit. Because this book is a masterpiece in a way that I will never forget.

Written through letters addressed to a random stranger, Chbosky has created an instant connection between me and Charlie. He also gives a preview of the type of person Charlie is -- a sensitive guy who’s going through a change, just a kid who’s about to step foot in high school with fear. In other words, ordinary. We hear Charlie’s most private thoughts and we witness his actions and the reasons behind them as he goes through high school. He is an outsider of life but delves into the deepest of life as the story progresses. There is at least one trait Charlie possesses that we can all relate to or we might even envy. For me, I would like to experience the feeling of being infinite Charlie has felt. What it means, who knows? I have a generic idea, but it’s nothing if not experienced.

I’m aware this may not seem like a review but mostly an expression of my scattered thoughts. I just wanted to make you wonder. Just wonder. Because I would like you to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower.