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

challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I think the book makes a very touching of age story, mainly for those going through the same time period as Charlie. Since everything is new and exciting all the time, and its quite heartwarming how he was able to find "his people." People who want the best for him even if it doesn't benefit them, and people who don't judge him for the way he is.

I have seen a lot of people mention how it is written, I find the formatting unique. Charlie is writing letters to an unknown recipient, that seem much more like diary entries. The story is extremely personal, but it's also funny seeing the way Charlie views everything new. For instance,
when Charlie first discovers masturbation. My favorite line from this moment, "Masturbation is when you rub your genitals until you have an orgasm. Wow!... I meant the "wow" though."


The main aspect I dislike about this book is who Charlie's in love with; it's not uncommon to have a crush on an older person. However, having it reciprocated is weird and the crush knows this and still doesn't hold back. We don't know how old they are but they are a senior while Charlie a freshman (15-16). Oh! and same with another one of Charlie's friends.
Yes, he's a good person but you don't have to kiss him to let him know.
I see a really common theme with characters having their first year of highschool and having sex, using drugs, etc. All those things don't need to happen in a book to make it a coming of age! Charlie just left middle school, I'm sure he doesn't need to have sex his first year of highschool. 

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I also haven't watched the movie, but based on a few clips they're a lot of changes made. So, I would be mindful if I'm trying to read this after watching the movie.
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