Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Source: Purchased.
(I don't have this cover...but I think it's adorable, so I'm using it ;D haha)

Publisher: MTV Books and Pocket Books

Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 213 (Paperback)

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

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.

This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course 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, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

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Wow...this book was amazing. There were so many subjects in it that made your really think, and empathize with the characters. It's seriously such a moving story.

Charlie has such a unique voice, and his perspective is so innocent, yet convoluted at the same time. I'm just in awe of this book. It's told in the format of letters to an anonymous person, addressed as "Dear friend" in the letters and Charlie isn't even really the main character's name...and all of the characters' names aren't their names either! I think that the anonymity really changes your whole perspective on the book, and it allows Charlie to be so open about everything that he says. The letters also add such a personal effect, and you feel as if you're the anonymous person that Charlie's chosen to write to (even though he clearly is writing to a guy, I still felt like I was the one being addressed). I found Charlie's voice so touching, and so honest. I couldn't help but be moved by everything in the story. It touches on serious topics, and some taboo things that people don't always want to hear about...even though we all know they're there, but I really appreciated Charlie's perspective. He treats the reader as a friend, and when something is unclear he clarifies for you. In some cases, you know more of what something means than Charlie, and I think his innocent perspective in those cases really make the story even more powerful.

I wanted to read this even before I knew they were making it into a movie, but I'm so glad that the film is coming out and has pushed me to read it before I see the film. It'll be interesting how the filmmakers choose to adapt this book to film though. It covers a lot of serious subject matter, and the format could be tricky, but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what they've done with it. I'd definitely recommend this book, even if you aren't planning on seeing the film. This story is incredibly touching, and will definitely challenge your perspectives and make you think about how you live you life. Do you sit back or do you stand out?

Have you already read The Perks of Being a Wallflower? Thoughts?
If you haven't read it, do you plan to?
And since it's almost in theatres...are you planning on seeing the movie?