A review by renny_59
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Literally the best book I’ve ever read. It is written in the form of letters and it makes the story and characters feel much more personal. Charlie is the narrator and he’s honestly so relatable. I have never felt more understood by anyone real or fictional than Charlie, and no one really understands him either. I suggest getting the copy with the 2012 bonus letter because Chbosky addresses this. This book taught me how to break out of my comfort zone and it’s honestly given me so much encouragement. The story is so complex yet so simple at the same time, I don’t even know how to explain it. Like, it’s really serious but his way of telling us about things make it so much easier to think about. It’s funny and sad and is written extremely well. Charlie is young and the writing reflects this, which makes it an easier book to read. The characters are fun and are all people you could see in real life. I’d also recommend listening to the songs Charlie references. Personally it helped me understand him more as a character and I actually really liked the music that was mentioned. Music has played a huge role in my life so it was really cool to see that in a book as well. I could easily read this book over and over it’s just that good.

Also, the movie doesn’t do it justice (at least not in my opinion)

So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.
I guess I’m pretty emotional.
Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.
Then, I turned around and walked to my room and closed my door and put my head under my pillow and let the quiet put things where they are supposed to be.
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