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Book Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
theotherjamie avatar reviewed on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3


I just finished reading "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" and I want to turn back to page one and read it again.

"The Perks of Being A Wallflower" is the coming of age story of Charlie, aged 15, told through letters he is writing to an anonymous friend. Charlie is a wallflower who observes people and feels very deeply for the experiences occuring around him. At the request of his English teacher, he is trying to participate more in his own life. Charlie is sometimes very overwhelmed by his depression and the other emotions that he feels.

Charlie speaks very honestly about what he observes, feels, and experiences. He becomes friends with two seniors (Patrick and Sam) and begins to experience dances, parties, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. He talks about his favorite Aunt Helen who died when he was seven and his best friend who committed suicide a year before he began writing the letters.

As the story unfolded, I thought, "This is a terrific story." and "This kid is really, really insightful." The full impact of the novel kicked me in the stomach in the final ten pages as all the threads came together. This book is a keeper!