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It's that time again, the last Friday of the month, when all of us Book Club Bloggers state our piece about whatever book we read this month. The wonderful Charlotte over at "The Daily Snapshot" runs the book club and this year we are diving into the world of BANNED BOOKS! It's quite an exciting world so far, if I do say so myself. If you love to read you can find the list of this years books HERE.
This month we dove into the deep question, what are "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower"? This novel by Stephen Chbosky takes a look into the life of Charlie as he navigates his first year of high school in 1991. This book is a series of letters to an unknown source, sent by Charlie. Somehow, Scbosky manages to pull you into the story by making you feel that YOU were the one the letters where intended for. I think this is why as a reader I connected with Charlie so well.
I would be lying if I said that I didn't know why this book has been banned. Charlie takes you on a journey. In this journey he is introduced to things like drugs, sex, homosexuality and, on top of all that, dealing with a friends suicide, right off the bat. Though, I think a few parts could have been toned down a bit, it's all a huge part of the story. It all happens, whether or not you choose to participate in it or not, it's all there and in your face. That being said it was the tone that Charlie used to tell us about his life, friends and misadventures that softens the situations. Sometimes he makes you laugh, cringe or want to give him a HUGE hug!
It's kind of wonderful how you are able to experience Charlie in all of his friendship/relationships without them seeming one sided. I think that is only pulled off well, because as we all know Charlie is an observer. And he tells us everything he sees, and he sees a lot more than anyone else would have. Though his friends are all seniors, he thrives in the setting, he's an old soul. His love of music a books also showed that he is touched by what others put hard work into. The fact that so many of the gifts he gives are made from music and books, shows just how much he loves them.
No matter what, there is always this feeling that something isn't quite right with Charlie. But unlike Holden in "The Catcher And The Rye", Charlie lives life to the fullest, or at least as full as he possibly can. Yes, he does seem to fall into a panic out of the blue at times, but I believe the end of the book answers the question of why Charlie is like this. I love how the bomb didn't drop till the very end of the book. How one little encounter brought everything from Charlie's past flooding back, which allowed him to begin the healing process. (I won't say what happened, in case you haven't read it). I was shocked for him. It was a fantastic way to end the book.
I didn't really want to leave Charlie in the end, I wanted to know what else happens to him. If he and Sam got together and got married and if Patrick ever found true love? And if they would have had a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" themed, double wedding? How cool would that be?
I'm also linking up with Heather here for "Book Club Friday":
16 comments:
yes.yes.yes!!!
i agree there are definitely some parts that can be toned down, but reading perks right after reading catcher was a great idea. (i did the same thing!!) i like how they're both stream of consciousness but charlie DEFINITELY enjoys life whereas everything "depresses the hell" out of holden. love this.
I loved this book and I'm excited for the movie. Did you know Stephen Chbowsky wrote the screenplay for the movie version of RENT? I'm a fan!
I read this last month, after putting it off for a while. I am not sure what I expected it to be like, and I swear my feelings about it change on a daily basis, but overall I really liked it. Loved reading this post!
I hadn't heard of this book before, but I'll definitely check it out!!
I have been wanting to read this book for the longest time.
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This is one of those books that has been on my must read list for sooo long. I need to pick up a copy soon. It sounds like a book that I would really enjoy.
wow! i had no idea! I'm a teacher and the 10th grade English students have an option to read this book (among 5 others) ... no idea it was so scandalous! Gotta borrow one from the English teacher (the perks of being friends with an English teacher!)
I remember hearing about this back in high school and wanting to read it then. Although never did, and still haven't. Eventually though, it's still one I'd love to read.
Great review! You tied so many of the book's main points together. I like what you said about feeling like the letters are addressed to you, which I think helps feeling connected to Charlie.
I added a couple things to my review about Charlie's family and possible sequels, if you'd like to see the updates!
Also, did you listen to any of Charlie's songs? I listen to "Asleep" by The Smiths, and I want to make his winter playlist to listen to as well. I'd love to hear if you did, and what you thought about the songs!
Great review, I'll check it out!
I've heard of the film that's soon to be released, didn't know it was based on the book! Thanks for sharing.
This is one of those books I always knew the title of but had no idea what its about. Thanks for the review!
I had not heard of this, putting it on my must read!
It's been awhile since I read this book but I remember liking it. Excited for the movie!
i would disagree with your assessment that charlie "lives life to the fullest," as the point of the story -- starting right off in the title -- is that he's an observer, silently watching while life happens around him.
i think the story shows his progression out of that -- his growth through entirely walled-off to learning to start to live, and the heartening thing is that he keeps at it, even if he gets hurt a few times along the way. i would agree with you that the healing he is clearly beginning at the end of the book is very encouraging, and leaves the book on a note of hope, whereas "catcher" was kind of left with a note of "well, now what?" =)
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