Throughout my time as a person who appreciates literature, I have come across several works by a range of authors that resonated with me in a different way than normal content.
To put it another way, I’ve stumbled across several “life changing” works. And, considering the wonders they’ve worked for me and my personal thought processes, I’m planning a series to review them and recommend them to you. Because each and every one is truly worth the read.
First and foremost, Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephan Chbosky. This book completely altered how I perceive the world around me, people and my relationships with them, and even my own self and my identity. I cannot even begin to describe the feelings this book produced in me, and reading this absolutely amazing story for the first time is an experience I envy any soul lucky enough to do so.
The story of Charlie is a deceptively simple high school tale, told from the perspective of a uniquely keen eyed teenager who struggles to be “present” among other people. More commonly, a “wallflower”.
Throughout the book, Charlie tells his story through a series of letters to an anonymous “Friend”, formatted to seem like he’s speaking directly to the reader in these installments. This detail alone brings so much depth and meaning into the telling of this story, and completely alters the way it would have been received had it been written traditionally. It’s my personal favorite touch of the book, because it’s inclusive.
From there, you go on to actually hear Charlie’s story about his trauma upon trauma, high school experiences, his thinking and feeling processes, and what it is like to live as a wallflower.
However, there is one specific quote that really sticks to me. If you’ve seen the movie, or even the preview, you know it.
“I would swear, in that moment, we were infinite.”
The ability of such a simple phrase to completely encapsulate a feeling of such depth that I cannot even begin to express it after dozens of pieces written in attempt speaks volumes as to the effects this book has had on me, and could have on you. If this does not convey what this book can offer you, and entice you to read it.
Cannot recommend it enough.
Sincerely, a wannabe “wallflower”.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is also one of my favs!! #wannabewallflowerforever :’)
Fascinating! I’ll absolutely have to check out this book. I’ve definitely heard of it before but I was never too sure whether or not I wanted to read it. Reading this was the deciding factor.
I have always heard of the title “Perks of Being a Wallflower” and its a name that sticks out to me, yet I have never taken the time to explore what it’s about. Though after reading about how it has had its impact on you, I’ll most definitely will have to make some spare time to read this piece of art.
I absolutely love this book! You described it in such a beautiful way <3
easily one of my favorite works as well – so refreshing to hear new perspectives on it. great work, and i’m excited to see where you go next!!