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.This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course 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. Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.
I have heard SO MANY readers talk about The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I am serious. Almost everyone of my blogger friends has read this book, and raved about it. It is one popular book. Stephen Chobsky's novel is extremely controversial and has found itself on many banned book lists. And in all honesty, when I initially read the novel's blurb I didn't think I was going to read the book. I was like, this does not sound like anything special. I thought The Perks of Being a Wallflower was going to be your average run of the mill coming of age story. BIG DEAL.
The trailer did nothing to alter my perspective on this book. I found that it made the story appear even more like a boy finally finding friends and finding himself. I wasn't understanding the excitement that everyone was talking about.
But then I read the book.
I understand now. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an EPIC story. It had me in laughing hysterically on one page and in tears three pages later. It was incredible. Completely surprising! I read the book because I knew I knew that once the movie came out I would see it, and I HATE not reading a book before a movie comes out. And I was blown away. I was speechless when the book ended.
Now about the movie.
I am not sure about who they cast as Charlie- Logan Lerman- Why? Because I think he's to good looking. I don't know. I sort of see Charlie as being really geeky. I am sure he will be fine-perfect even. But this is my first response. I am NOT a fan of Emma Watson as Sam. I am not sure, but I believe that I might be one of those individuals that will always see her as Hermione Granger. I had a hard time picturing her as Sam. Again, I am sure she will be perfect.
I think the trailer as a whole is misleading. I don't believe it expressed the nature of the story, and I believe those who know nothing about The Perks of Being a Wallflower will be a little surprised when they realize what it is actually about.
I am excited for the movie and I am really curious to see where Hollywood is going to take this novel.
~Happy Reading Everyone!
**Don't forget about the TWO giveaways that are happening now at Just Another Story. Links to your right**
I think the trailer as a whole is misleading. I don't believe it expressed the nature of the story, and I believe those who know nothing about The Perks of Being a Wallflower will be a little surprised when they realize what it is actually about.
I am excited for the movie and I am really curious to see where Hollywood is going to take this novel.
~Happy Reading Everyone!
**Don't forget about the TWO giveaways that are happening now at Just Another Story. Links to your right**
I really want to read the book but I'm still not sure I'll see the movie. Anyway I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about it! :)
ReplyDeleteWell... I have never felt like reading the book but I did like the trailer of the movie - though I gather from your review that it might be a little misleading.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I'm actually the watch movie first, read book second kind of person so I guess I'll do just that. Otherwise I drive everyone insane saying "That's not how it happened in the book!!!" over and over :D
I have not read this yet! My other friend Sara RAVES about it all the time though and I REALLY need to get my hands on it!
ReplyDeleteI read this a while back but don't remember much about it except I liked it. Curious what the movie will be like.
ReplyDeleteBrandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I am in the minority who hasn't read this yet - what is wrong with me?! - but have always heard the best of things about it, like you. So happy to hear you thought it was epic! That goes a long way to encouraging me to finally get to reading it. Definitely before I see the movie because I'm with you - I hate watching the movie first.
ReplyDeleteI've seen The Perks of Being a Wallflower receive a lot of hype recently due to the movie release and I'm happy so many people love it. I read it a few years ago, I was sceptical about all the attention it received that time and just like you I understood the reasons why. I love Charlie and his friendship with Sam and Patrick made me not wanting to put this book down. Just thinking about it makes me want to reread the story. I remember when I finished it, it was like saying goodbye to a friend, really bittersweet and sad.
ReplyDeleteI am excited for the movie especially since Stephen Chbosky is directing it, I'm curious as to the way he'll adapt his book to a movie.
Sara-I had the opportunity to go see an advanced screening of the movie with a bunch of other Edmonton Book Bloggers, so I read the book quickly before going to see it. It really made me wish you were there because most of the other bloggers pretty much hated the book! I was really the only one who truly loved the book and it would've been nice to have you as an ally!
ReplyDelete