The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Rating:
Summary: Everything I've Ever Wanted to Say
Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the most intimate and truthful novel I have ever read. It is not often that an author can captivate a teenage reader, but I believe Stephen Chbosky has done it with his debut novel. Charlie is unique, yet incredibly easy to identify with. I know that I was certainly able to relate to several of his encounters. The intense crush you cannot get over; the unfamiliar, more mature experiences that come with high school; those two best friends and that infinite drive - I felt as if I were watching my own life happen on paper. Charlie seems to say everything I would like to, but can't express.

Because the song was that great and because we all really paid attention to it. Five minutes of a lifetime were truly spent, and we felt young in a good way. I have since bought the record, and I would tell you what it was, but truthfully, it's not the same unless you're driving to your first real party, and you're sitting in the middle seat of a pickup with two nice people when it starts to rain. 33

That is one of my favorite quotes from the book and I'm sharing it because when I read it, I had a distinct flashback directly followed by a fulfilling moment, where I had finally found the words to describe my life. This type of moment continued to occur until the last page of the book. I loved how Chbosky tied every theme he touched on in with one another. What I took away from the book was a sense of comfort that at least one adult understands my generation and one kid goes through what I go through. Sure, he's fiction, but to be honest, I forgot that while I was reading because that is how realistic the novel is. Coming from a girl who normally regards reading as a burden, this book was different from any other I've read and I could not put it down, nor could I stop quoting it. The Perks of Being A Wallflower was a quick read that I wish lasted much longer.


Rating:
Summary: The Perks of Being A Wallflower
Review: The book "The Perks of Being a Wallflower was a good book. This book was also very similar to the book "A Catcher in the Rye." This book takes you through the life of a boy, that as you read more and more you grow to think that you know everything about him, but then after reading it you realize that you never really understood anything about him. This book has interesting characters, a descriptive plot, and a good theme to go along with all of that. I recommend this book to many readers, because it is an excellent book to read! -Greg

Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Last year when I was in AP English 11, my teacher recommended this book to one of my best friends. After she finished reading it, she could not stop raving about how awesome it was (and this is coming from a girl that apsolutly HATES books). For almost a year she kept bugging me to read it, but I could not get past the $13.00 price tag. One day I found the novel used at my library, and I picked it up. I started reading the book durring my first period Anatomy class, and I didn't stop until 1 o'clock in the morning when I finished the book (I got into a lot of trouble showing up the next day with none of my homework done), but it was that great of a book.

The story follows a very naive boy named Charlie, and how he survive's his freshman year of high school be befriending a couple of outcast senior, that bring him into the world. On top of that though he has to deal with all the problems that plague him at home as well.

This book is very layered a rich, and takes a few reads to be fully comprehended on the outside what seems like a charming novel about a boy growing up turns into a bittersweat cautionary tale, finally becoming a devestating psychological breakdown of the character. And It is the small detail that really make this book what it is. I made the mistake of skimming a few of the "slow pages" which later made it impossible to comprehend the future plot.

This is a definate must read for anyone who has gone through the peril of their freshman year of high school, and eventhough it may be over alot of people's heads, it will still make an impact none the less...

And don't forget to read the hidden ending on the last page!

Rating:
Summary: My Review
Review: When I first started reading this book I thought, wow I don't need to read this, I live this. Almost every teenager would probably agree. But the books becomes so much more than that. It all starts out with this boy named Charlie who is writing letters to this person who's name is never mentioned. But basically the book covers every aspect of life as a teenager. From Charlie's first date to the first time he did drugs. I think that maybe some adults should read this book. It could answer every question every parent would ever ask. The book spans Charlie's freshman year and me, being a freshman, completely understood and felt and still do feel like Charlie sometimes. This is probably the best book I have ever read and would recommend it to all ages. Everyone at some point in their life is a "Charlie".

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, passionate and heartbreaking story
Review:
Possibly the best book I've ever read, The Perks of Being a Wallflower captures exactly what it is to be a teenager. The story itself is raw, Charlie one of the most honest characters I've come across in years. It is my belief that this book outdoes any other coming-of-age story I've ever read, even in its comparison to Catcher in the Rye. Perks is an insightful and vivid journey through the life of a high school freshman, and although people may think, 'There is no way a fifteen year old thinks that way,' there is. With the exception of Salinger, it was hard for me to imagine anyone truly understanding what it is to be a teenager unless they themselves are one, until I read this book. Chbosky has done a wonderful job, this book has changed the way I think and see the world - possibly my life - just in reading it. I love it! Let me also say thanks to the other reviewer who recommended The Losers Club: Complete Restored Edition by Richard Perez -- another great one.