The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by: Stephen Chbosky

Blurb

       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 he 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 (86%) has been a book that I have been wanting to read for a long time. I have to admit, the wait was totally worth it. I really enjoyed Charlie's story and his adventure through high school. It was really relatable considering I just finished my freshman year of high school, and reading about Charlie's freshman year was a little nostalgic for me.
       One of the reasons I enjoyed this novel was Stephen Chbosky's writing style. The book is set up in letter format, and documents different events throughout Charlie's freshman year in high school. Charlie's introverted personality doesn't lend him to meeting many friends, but he does meet his two soon-to-be best friends at a football game, which brings him out of his shell. It was interesting to view high school from the point of view of an introverted person, because I am a very involved and outgoing person.
​       I am glad I picked this book up, and am very excited to read more of Chbosky's work.

Review

Movie Review

       On the movie side of things, I really loved the resemblance from the book to the movie. Although, to be fair, having it directed and written by Chbosky helped immensely. This movie really did bring the book to life.
       The actors also did a wonderful job portraying their characters. Logan Lerman is quirky, innocent, and is a perfect fit for the role of Charlie. Emma Watson slips into the role of Sam better than I thought she would. The way she plays Sam is a little more vulnerable than I anticipated while reading the book, but she pulled it off wonderfully. Ezra Miller is not at all what I envisioned Patrick looking like, but was exactly what I imagined him acting like. He did a wonderful job with playing Patrick, and his chemistry with Emma Watson really caps off the whole deal.
       I adored Perks as both a movie and a book, and definitely recommend it if you haven't experienced it.

       What do you think of Chbosky's cult novel and the movie? Let me know in the comments below!

​From her vacation,
Ashton

It's strange because sometimes, I read a book, and I think I am the people in the book.” 
― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower