There are Definitely Perks

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a part of the everyday life of a boy who is a freshman in high school?  This book is a set of letters written to an unknown recipient that “Charlie” pours his soul to during the course of his first year of high school.  We experience a lot of his firsts, his first kiss, date, new friends, drugs, and alcohol and the audience grows to love his character throughout the entire book.

I loved Charlie.  He was an excellent, honest, true character.  Although I could not relate to any character in the book I still found myself routing for Charlie, wanting what’s best for him and hoping that nothing bad ever happens to him.  I loved his friendships and the person he became through his relationships with his new friends, his teachers and even his family. 

This book reminded me a lot of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, that is a book in a different style, but about a girl going through a horrible time starting high school and feeling that she has no voice in her struggles.  This had the same tone, but entirely different take. 

I also loved how it was a 90’s book.  I remember going to my oldest cousin and my step-brother’s high school graduation in 1993.  I remember the style of the clothes and the attitude of the students and I can picture these parties and dances and everything Charlie was talking about I could see it through his eyes even though I was quite young during that time.  Rocky Horror Picture Show was a consistent section of the book.  I also remember loving RHPS about this time even though I was too young to know what was actually going on. 

I loved the suit.  The secret santa gift from Patrick.  I loved that Charlie wore it to school and was teased without mercy but his friends thought he looked great.  I loved that he got everyone a gift that Christmas and it matched their personality perfectly because Charlie was an excellent Wallflower.  He knew them all and he had these great perceptions about all of his friends that made sense and even if they didn’t know it was something they needed or wanted it would sting them down to their bone marrow because that’s just how Charlie was.  He knew them through and through. 

I have no criticism about this book.  I loved it.  I read it in 24 hours and I wish that I could turn around and re-read it immediately, although I cannot because I have my ever growing shelf that can get out of control if I don’t do something about it.

Thanks for reading and I hope this blog makes you want to read this book immediately.  Keep Reading my Friends!