Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Publication: February 1, 1999

Publisher: MTV Books

Format: Purchased Kindle copy

Challenges: 2013 TBR Pile & 2013 Ebook Challenge

Rating: 4/5

[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 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.

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

I went into reading this with as much as a clean slate as I possibly could. I’ve heard so many amazing things about it that I had to read it for myself. I tried to avoid all reviews [which were hard] and the movie. The movie part was sort of easy, since I don’t really like seeing a movie adapted from books anyways.

I must say I adored this book! The writing was wonderfully done and the characters were beyond rich in depth. I loved how the characters were true to teens. It never downplayed or overplayed depictions of a modern day teen. Although I will say as much as I loved Charlie he was a bit winey for my taste. Understanding why he is the way he is, was a shock to me. I actually didn’t see that coming.

This is one of those coming of age books that everyone needs to read. The story is timeless. No matter who you are and how old you are you can truly understand the trials of growing up. Not to mention finding out who you are and who you are meant to be.