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Saturday, May 11, 2013

Review- The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky


Goodreads Summary:

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.


REVIEW:

I am not going to say that The Perks Of Being A Wallflower left me speechless because it didn't. If anything, the book has only made me think, think and think some more.
I wasn't even aware of the book until I read that Emma Watson will be starring in a new movie, the on-screen rendition of Stephen Chbosky's The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. As insane as it may sound, anything I do is partially, if not entirely, decided by  Harry Potter. So just for Emma Watson, I decided I should read The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. And thank you so much, Emma, for simply being in the movie and for making me read this marvelous and absolutely priceless piece of literature.
I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved the book. And Charlie. Oh, dear God! The lovely, precious and truly special Charlie! I could connect with Charlie on such a personal level that I feel elated and blessed to have come across him. I seriously wish Charlie were real. 
Charlie was genuine. He was pure, innocent, sensitive, emotional, and just lovely. It was like I was right there, with Charlie, as Charlie, around Charlie, near Charlie, or whichever makes sense. 
On his journey, Charlie encounters friends who let him in and accept him for who he is. Sam and Patrick were simply superb. I loved them both. They were loving, kind, friendly and absolutely adorable. 
Sam was unique and mad in her own way. She made Charlie look at things with a new and clean perspective. She added a spark to the story. 
Patrick, on the other hand was so much of fun to have around. His life was a slight drama but his hilarious sense of humour brought freshness into the lives of others. 
Charlie's family was great too. I loved his warm and kind parents and his nutty and totally nice siblings. 
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is all about high school, drugs, parties, fitting in, being accepted, finding your place and most importantly it is about finding yourself. Finding yourself in a chaotic, emotional and utterly different world. It is a mature read because drugs, alcohol and homosexuality, although not the major focus, have a lot of prominence in the story.
Stephen Chbosky has done a stunning job. Although an old publication, the book is fresh, clean, delicate, light hearted, tender, tragic and truly hypnotic. It really is. You have to believe me.
I am in complete awe and I feel so delighted to have stumbled upon the world of Charlie, Sam and Patrick.
You know you've read a great book when you know it's going to stay with you for long. Long seems so short in this context. And The Perks Of Being A Wallflower wasn't just a great book, it was a supremely lovely and adorable book.
I'll just end by saying that The Perks Of Being A Wallflower was a special read and will remain so always. 

RATING:








11 comments:

  1. This was a great review for such a wonderful, wonderful book. I reviewed it on my blog as well. I'm so glad more people are reading it.

    ejreadsbooks.blogspot.com

    Em

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    1. I know, right! I sincerely wish everyone could read this book, Emma. Thank you! :)

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  2. I hope that someday comes sooner, Aman. You must read this one! Charlie was exceptional. Thank you! :)

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  3. I still haven't seen the movie and to be honest I've read the book just so I could see the movie later. Yeah I'm really good at this. Anyhow I don't remember crying much during this book it was just amazing on some level. I'm glad you've enjoyed this one! :) Amazing review Sarika :)

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    1. I haven't seen the movie yet, Tanja. I hope to, very soon! Glad to hear you liked the book too. Thank you! :)

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  4. I haven't read the book but saw the movie recently. Really liked it ! Now I need to read the book to compare the both of them. :-)

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    1. Oh wow! I'm glad to heard you liked the movie, Shaili. I can't wait to watch it! And you must check out the book. :)

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  5. Great Review.. This is one of my favorite books..
    I

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  6. "As insane as it may sound, anything I do is partially, if not entirely, decided by Harry Potter."

    NOPE. Not insane at all!! Heehee.

    SO HAPPY you agree with me on this one, Sarika!! Your thoughts were perfect, completely in line with my views. I loved Charlie so very, very much. I have read a few reviews that said he was pathetic and wimpy because of how often he cried, which made me so upset! He is an extremely sensitive boy and incredibly sweet and innocent. This book definitely holds a special place in my heart, as well.

    So what did you think of the movie and how it compared to the book?

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    1. Hahaha! I'm so happy you agree with me, Aylee. So many people didn't like Charlie as you pointed out, but he truly was special. Also, yay for Harry Potter! ♥ I completely agree with everything you've said. I haven't watched the movie yet, but I'm so looking to forward to it. Thank you! This has been an absolutely lovely comment. :D

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