Book Review #2: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I do realize that my first two book reviews are those of books with movie adaptations. But I Scout's Honor that I actually have read these books, have yet to see these movies, and was not aware of the movies until after finishing the books. In my defense, so as not to be seen as just following mainstream lit flicks, I believe that it is only some of the best told stories that become a film. At least the films I want to be watching.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story told from the perspective of an albeit awkward young man. His home life is not one I can relate to, his high school experience is not one I can relate to, and often times his feelings are not those which I can relate to. And yet, Stephen Chbosky has a way of creating a character with whom I empathize and was able to learn to understand.

As I started reading the first letters in this book - it is formatted as letters to an unspecified friend - I wondered if I would be able to enjoy reading this character, mostly because I found him boring and rather embarrassing. You may also feel this way, and it is probably not entirely out of the ordinary. But it is his candid speech, his vulnerability with you that eventually endears him to you.

I would suggest this book to anyone who has gone through high school, no matter how bullied, or unscathed, you came out of it. It is a unique tale with strong, original characters and an easy-to-read layout. I finished this book in less than a day.

And after you read it, let me know if you watch the movie. I am waiting for it to be available on Netflix or RedBox. There's no way I'm paying six dollars for a 24-hour rental On Demand.