The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
My review
The Perks of being a Wallflower is a book that really read itself. It is short, well written, in a particular style, and you get easily attached to Charlie’s character.
Although, the characters are portrayed particularly. If you’re interested in emotionally transcendental books, this isn’t for you. The story is not emphasized by the lack of emotion in the writing.
Also, some triggering themes are mentioned in the book (like rape and addiction) but not explored. They do not have further explanation nor consequences for the story. It feels a little light to just mention all those themes just because they come close to the ‘coming-to-age’ narrative without dealing with those in depth.
I gave it 3 stars because I loved the writing, but it can still be a strange book to read if you do not know what you are getting into. Some serious subject can be triggering and are not talked about with care. I would have loved a more psychological approach to Charlie’s life, which could have helped to emphasize more with his life and struggles. With The Perks of being a Wallflower, you feel life an outsider in a story that does not belong to you nor to Charlie himself.
Summary (Goodreads)
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 mixed 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.
Related articles: After The Forest by Kell Woods.