The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999)
by Stephen Chbosky
The book is an epistolary novel about Charlie, as he battles his fears from the past, and faces every day struggles of a teenager at school and at home, along with his friends, Sam and Patrick.
Chbosky opened us into the world of adolescence, trauma, and teenage struggles with drugs and alcohol; easily making the story as awakening as it was haunting. Eye-opening, in a sense like it was written particularly for all the readers.
Aside from the story that we established was already perfection, the cultural references further empowered the emotions the book was inflicting upon its readers. The music, films, and books mentioned were equally illuminating. It was a natural response to want to hear, see, and read all of them to keep the connection. From films The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dead Poets Society; to shows like M*A*S*H; to the music of The Beatles, Nirvana, and The Smiths; you would grew even more attached to the book and its characters. It was nice to know many beautiful creations in one book.
When I reached the last page of the book, I did not want it to be over. You know that feeling you get when you cannot stop reading, but at the same time, you do not want it to end yet? Because it became a part of you in a short span of time.
I crave for more books of Chbosky. And oh, how I'd love to receive mixed tapes as presents (or even a lovely playlist).
Aside from the story that we established was already perfection, the cultural references further empowered the emotions the book was inflicting upon its readers. The music, films, and books mentioned were equally illuminating. It was a natural response to want to hear, see, and read all of them to keep the connection. From films The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dead Poets Society; to shows like M*A*S*H; to the music of The Beatles, Nirvana, and The Smiths; you would grew even more attached to the book and its characters. It was nice to know many beautiful creations in one book.
We are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them.
When I reached the last page of the book, I did not want it to be over. You know that feeling you get when you cannot stop reading, but at the same time, you do not want it to end yet? Because it became a part of you in a short span of time.
I crave for more books of Chbosky. And oh, how I'd love to receive mixed tapes as presents (or even a lovely playlist).
CUE IN: BACKGROUND MUSIC
(among the songs mentioned in the book; a favorite, classic Beatles)
(among the songs mentioned in the book; a favorite, classic Beatles)
I believe that things are good with him, because he said it is. And if it was not, I know, it will be.
(photo is owned by site; video from youtube)
(photo is owned by site; video from youtube)
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