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