"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 mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie 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."
Many times I've seen this book compared to The Catcher In The Rye (you can read my review on that here if you don't mind how utterly damning it is), hell, it's even referenced on the front of my copy by USA Today, and I can understand why, although the only two things they really have in common are 1) a male protagonist and 2) an 'adventure' during their high-school years. In my opinion, Charlie is a much more likeable character than Holden, so if you didn't like The Catcher In The Rye then don't be put off of reading Perks just because the two have been compared. Charlie is a wonderful narrative voice. He may be fifteen, but he seems younger; knowing next to nothing about friendships or how stimulating life can be. Naïve and unknowing as he may be, Charlie is also innocent, mature, humble, caring and accepting, all at the same time.
This bildungsroman novel comes as Chbosky's first, which he began some time after he studied Filmic Writing in University. Through the use of letters to tell the story, which is otherwise known as an epistolary, Chbosky utilises his filmic knowledge well. The pacing is fast in some places and slow in others, depending on what and how much is happening - very much resembling a climax or an increase/decrease in tension as in a movie. It can also be quite philosophical in places, especially when Charlie comes across people who are different to him and must come to a conclusion about them. Through Charlie's experience with these people, this book tackles a number of taboo subjects, such as: domestic abuse, child abuse, alcohol abuse, rape, homosexuality, abortion and infidelity - but all in a manner in which it doesn't depress you. Sure, you may be sad for a few seconds but luckily Charlie dwells on nothing for long (apart from one revelation which is kept secret, even from himself, until the end). But, I can tell you now that Charlie reserves all judgement when it comes to the life choices of others, which is probably my favourite thing about his character.
I didn't find anything cheesy about this novel - okay, maybe sticking their heads out of the car roof in the tunnel was a bit cliché - but otherwise, the characters were all very real and make very separate impacts on the reader. His best friends, Sam and Patrick, were just as loveable as Charlie, despite their struggles. I have even heard that some people recommend this book to others when they're feeling depressed, because Charlie is so natural and relatable when problems arise that it helps them to cope. I think that's amazing.
Rating: ★★★1/2
ISBN: 978-1-84739-407-1
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