Reading a Book – The Perks of Being a Wallflower

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I watched the movie by Stephen Chobsky as soon as it was launched in the cinemas, in 2012, and I loved it. I always said I wanted to read the book, and I finally bought it. I have to say, this is one of those rare occasions where the movie is as good as the book; maybe because its director is the book writer himself.

The main character of the book is Charlie, a teenager socially awkward, a “wallflower” who watches the life from outside, but never participates, never truly lives it. Then, Sam and her stepbrother Patrick enter his life, and they teach Charlie the joys of friendship, love, music.

The book is written as a series of letters that Charlie addresses to a mysterious person, to whom he talks about his life, and confesses his hidden fears, love, hopes. The major theme is adolescence and its difficulties, drug use, family, friendship, death, love. Throughout the book the author leaves endless quotations from music, pop culture, cinema and literary works, like To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Hamlet, Peter and Wendy, just to mention a few.

Friendship plays a very important role, and its the key for Charlie to take up his life again and live it for real instead of watching other people living theirs. But family plays a huge role as well, and deeply explores the relationship of Charlie with his brother and sister, as well as his parents, and his very special aunt.

If the book explores the inner life of Charlie and his fears and hopes, the movie is great in creating the most perfect atmosphere thanks to its music choice, great acting and beautiful locations.

I find it a beautiful path from adolescence to adulthood; Sam and Patrick take Charlie by his hand and lead him, giving him suggestions, making him try new experiences, making him live his own life, and not just look at others from the outside.

If you haven’t already, give a try to this beautiful book, you won’t be disappointed.