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Saturday, November 17, 2012






When I heard there was a book about a teenager called The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I rolled my eyes. I pictured a mousy little 14-year-old girl who couldn't get her crush to notice her so I put off buying the book and didn't even try and read what it was about. However, during some Christmas shopping, I had a 20% off coupon and thought, 'Alright, my niece loved it and I know a lot of other people who loved it so I'll give it a go.' 

First, the protagonist is a boy. An unusually passive and loving kid with social awkwardness and a mental health issue that often gets in the way. But his mind is a sponge for reading some of the best books written and his relationship with a brother and sister pair pulls him into a world of masturbation, sex, fun, drugs, alcohol, music and life ... and as Charlie puts it a feeling that he is "infinite." This book deals with so many issues including death, abuse, assault, homosexuality, sexuality in general and it is all told via letters from Charlie to a person he only knows will "listen." His writing is blunt, childlike and real but with a deep(ish) meaning hidden in each letter. There is a ton of dark comedy including a particularly funny reaction when Charlie has his first girlfriend who won't shut up. I think this should be mandatory reading in high school. Take out Catcher in the Rye (which I hated) and throw this book in the mix.

I would write more but it's my husband's birthday and it's time for cake. :)

Rating: Oh!

2 comments:

Kimberly @ Midnight Book Girl said...

So glad you loved it! I can't wait to see the movie. Though I should probably reread the book first cause I'm sure I forgot lots!

Kate @Midnight Book Girl said...

Shamefully, I have not read this, but I totally want to! And I really want to see the movie too. ;)