The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

On Monday night, I had the most incredible experience, like, ever: I met Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and screenwriter and director of the movie adaptation. He was at my local Barnes and Noble for a Q&A session, so I attended. Let me just say, he was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. The moment he sat down at the front of the room I immediately wanted to become friends with him. He read a letter from Perks, answered questions, and signed our copies. All of that and he gave me advice on my writing! (!!!!!) 

For those of you who have not read and/or seen the trailer, Perks is told from the perspective of a fifteen year-old boy named Charlie. In the wake of his best friend’s suicide, he begins writing letters to a friend about the trials of high school and life in general. Two seniors, Patrick and Sam, take Charlie under their wing and provide him with so many opportunities to learn and to grow.

Even though I found it a little difficult to relate to Charlie, I loved him. He’s just so adorable and sensitive and fragile. How could you not love him? Although I have to admit, sometimes he cried just a bit too much. I especially loved his relationship with Bill, his English teacher. Bill is one of the first people to really appreciate Charlie’s talents and intelligence. Every time Bill gave Charlie a new book to read, it made my heart swell to see someone care about Charlie that way.

Sam and Patrick: what is there to say? I loved them both. I loved their relationship, their relationship with others, their antics. In short, they kinda were amazing. And from the trailers, I can tell that Emma Watson and particularly Ezra Miller rocked their roles.

It took me awhile to really immerse myself into the story, but once I did, I found it difficult to put down. The epistolary format made it easier to read. It also provided a wonderful insight into Charlie’s mind. Chbosky is an extremely talented writer. I only hope that he continues to write even more books.

Perks is one of those books where at first, you may not have really enjoyed, but after a while, you begin to fully appreciate its beauty. The story and characters stay with you, so much that pretty soon I’ll have to reread it again. And again and again. But first, I’m going to watch the movie. Saturday afternoon. 2:15 pm. Can not wait.

photo: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Perksofbeingwallflower1.jpg