A review by solliereads
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I think this might be one of the most beautifully and brilliantly written coming-of-age stories that I've ever read, and I truly believe that it will haunt me for the rest of my life. 

I loved the format of a story being told through letters to a mysterious person, whom we never discover the identity of, I feel like it gives the story a truly unique feeling to it that wouldn't be the same if it was written through a typical narrative. Charlie's complexity unfolded like the petals of a flower, delicately and with grace, and his story really moved me - when I reached the halfway point, I found myself physically unable to put the book down until I'd finished it, and even then I was left wanting more. In a good way. This book both spoke to the teenage version of myself inside of me who is still longing for acceptance and a space just to be, and the adult version of myself who found both of those things. 

Thank you, Charlie, for your story and thank you, Chbosky, for letting me be a listener to it.

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