Saturday 4 February 2012

Book #13 The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is about a boy named Charlie and his first year of high school. During this year he sends regular letters to an anonymous and by the sounds of things random recipient, because he just needs to feel like someone's listening.

His best friend had in the previous year committed suicide, and upon joining high school Charlie becomes a hanger-on in an older group, but is still very much on the outside looking in. 

The sad thing about this book is that I am now 30, and I think I have now passed the point at which adolescent angst appeals to me, either in book form or in the movies. I read this book largely because I knew there was a forthcoming film featuring Emma Watson, and I prefer to read books first.
Having read The Perks Of Being A Wallflower I doubt I will bother with the film.

I have read many books about teenage girls and boys over the years, I spent most of my adolescence reading. There is nothing unique about The Perks Of Being A Wallflower in terms of subject matter that I haven't seen or read before. It covers the usual ground, teen relationships, sexuality, drug taking, school, family dynamics and a secret straight out of Fast Times At Ridgemont High. I also disliked the authorial voice of Charlie in his missives to the unknown correspondent. It was very childish despite his advanced academic status. I actually found myself wondering more about his recipient and whether they were interested in or profoundly irritated by his letters.

I appreciate that many first time comers to books of this type will have really loved it and identified with it, and I don't want to denigrate that experience. But, trust me fellow readers there are way better books of this type out there. 5/10

3 comments:

  1. I haven't read this book in about 12 years but I loved it as a teenager. I wonder how it'll hold up now? This review has inspired me to find out!

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  2. Hey hey,

    It has stunning reviews on Amazon. I am very much against popular opinion here. I think it's my age that is making me fail to care, plus the various books I read growing up. UK stuff has often been more up for risk taking than US stuff. I read this Young Adult book about a serial killer preying on the homeless when I was 11. I re-read, or rather tried to re-read one of my favourite YA books as a kid, Among Friends, needless to say it was not as amazing as I remembered it. LOL

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  3. Watch the film! The film was awesome I loved it and remember you reviewing the book so just came here to check out what you thought. Think I'll still give the book a chance if I can. Regardless the film is really good and I highly recomend.

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