The Perks of Being a Wallflower
"So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be."
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is another favourite of mine, the story is written as a series of letters from fifteen year old freshman Charlie to a 'friend' (the reader). Charlie writes his letters in an almost stream of conciousness style, making it a cult novel similar to that of the Catcher in the Rye, making it almost an immediate favourite of mine. Charlie's character is a reclusive sort of bookworm, he befriends a group of senior students and his letters are a record of his friendship with them.
The book highlights a series of teenage issues, such as sex, drug abuse, drinking, homosexuality, bullying, and family issues. However the one topic I favoured throughout the novel was the importance placed on friendship despite the age differences between the characters. Throughout the novel the characters seem to watch out for each other despite what happens. They buy each other the most wonderful thoughtful presents for different events, they look out for each other and when Sam goes through her boyfriend cheating on her they band together and they care for her, when Charlie becomes sick towards the end of the novel they go to visit him in hospital. When on a drive with Patrick and Sam, Charlie says, "And in that moment, I swear we were infinite" which is just how friendship makes someone feel, especially at such a young age.
Chbosky's classic coming of age tale, despite being a little depressing, actually made me feel brilliant after reading it. In a sense the novel made me realise the joys of being young, that we are free to make mistakes and still live through it. The sub plots of the book are a wonderful mixture of traditional teenage mess ups and perks, allowing for some insight into the joys of being young and the need to take hold of life.
Upon comparing this teenage novel to self help books, I think Chbosky comes out on top.
No comments:
Post a Comment