A review by themelaniewaite
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

There’s just something about re-reading a book that you love and having the chance to revisit the story and all the ways it once made you feel. Though this is far from a comforting storyline, taking the time to read it again, through an adult lens and distanced from the teen that once needed this story, it’s like visiting an old friend that made you feel safe and seen in their presence. 
I have so much love for this book (and the movie tbh), and have been recommending it from the moment I first read it. Even all these years later, it holds such a special place in my heart. Charlie will always be a character I resonate with. The storytelling format being in the style of letters - as though the reader is the receiver - makes it so much more personal, and adds a layer of relatability to Charlie’s character. He shares and expresses so much I wish I had been brave enough to share at fifteen - or even when I first read this (and now!). 
It is such a unique method of writing and truly captures the turmoils in those formidable coming-of-age years. I do wonder how life may have turned out if I had the chance to read this earlier sooner, but I truly believe this story found me just when I needed it and I will be forever grateful to Stephen Chbosky for this remarkable, beautiful book. 


TW: 
There are a lot of heavy themes within this book, including (but not limited to): SA, r-pe, child SA, mental health, homophobia, ab-se, ab-rtion. 
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