Summary:
"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 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."
Okay, I understand this is a beloved "coming of age" book to many. However, I personally just couldn't finish this book. The narration by Charlie was absolutely horrendous. I felt no empathy for him. Which is hard for me. Yes, I do understand that he is most likely autistic. I picked up on this within the first few pages. I just don't think Chobosky accurately portrayed life for an autistic teen in high school. And for those who are saying "well how do you know" I know pretty well (although I am no expert) I grew up with a neighbor who had Autisum, which lead to me working we kids with Autisum and then I ended up having a relative who is on the spectrum. Anyways, which is why I stopped 30 pages in. I did, look up the rest of the plot of the book, and I feel I made the right choice for me, nothing about the rest of the plot appealed to me.
I really enjoyed this one, so I'm sorry to hear you didn't have the same experience as me. Although I recently read a review from someone else who wasn't a fan either, so I guess there are a lot of people who feel strongly (both positively and negatively) towards this one.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad that this book didn't work out well for you! I read it myself, although I can definitely understand what you mean. I'm not sure I really connected with Charlie. I just knew it was a fast read and a movie was being made and the book definitely has its fair share of thought-provoking parts. Maybe the movie would be a better investment of your time? Still, it is good to know what you like and what you dislike.
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