source:purchased
rating:★★★★★
Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But he can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.
my review:
charlie took a risk that night at the football game introducing himself to the funny guy, patrick, from shop class and his sister, sam. charlie, sam and patrick click immediately, the shy freshman finally felt like he belongs. sam and patrick aren't the type of people charlie would typically hang out with. trying to cope with things going on in his life, he soon became accustomed to the things they do.
the thing i liked the most about this book is the way it's written. its like a personal, not so personal, diary. patrick, also known as "nothing", and bill, charlie's advanced english teacher, were my favorite characters. bill is someone i'd love to personally meet; i'd love to have a teacher, better yet a friend like bill, to confide in. the friendship between charlie and patrick was my personal favorite; they're the true meaning of a "wallflower".
the perks of being a wallflower describes the roller-coaster ride of growing up. being a "wallflower" is accepting and understanding people for who they are. "you see things. you keep quiet about them. and you understand." this book is easily one of my favorites, i couldn't put it down for the life of me. i'd definitely recommend this to anyone, especially to those who love a realistic book about a high school teenagers life.
favorite quotes:
"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 accept the love we think we deserve."
"i feel infinite."