In-Between the pages # 2

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Published: 1999
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Rating: ✮ ✮ ✮

I've always wanted to read this book only because I've heard and read so much about it. But before I go further, let me just warn you that I may spoil a lot of details about this book, so if you haven't read it yet, please press the X button and get yourself some daily dose of 9gag posts.

I've committed a lot of wrong first impressions about this novel. First of all, I thought it was written by a woman. Second of all, I thought the main character was a girl. Okay, spoiler alert: the speaker of the novel is a teenage boy going through all the rather "mundane" and familiar experiences during High School. I will not say much about the novel for I still want to give space to those who hasn't read it yet. What I admire about the book is the way Charlie (speaker) illustrates his thoughts and experiences clearly out of sheer randomness in a way that almost anyone of any age can relate to. Issues about friendships and love are one of the common themes in this book although it also tapped issues about drugs, sex and alcohol (yah, High School). But what's so nice about it is that Chbosky didn't make it sound so awkward or wrong in any way possible. Charlie's stories were written through a series of letters for his anonymous "friend" which, in a way, intriguing.


Basically, it's a story about growing up--mentally and emotionally. The crucial stage of adolescence is in the center of this novel, especially how Charlie managed to become the better and bigger person in spite of his "not so nice" experiences as a child. All in all, a good read, but not exactly the kind of book that'll make you want for more. Although it's intriguing but will not haunt your dreams. :))

Memorable Quotes:

I know that I brought this all on myself. I know that I deserve this. I'd do anything not to be this way. I'd do anything to make it up to everyone. And to not have to see a psychiatrist, who explains to me about being "passive agressive." And to not have to take the medicine he gives me, which is too expensive for my dad. And to not have to talk about bad memories with him. Or be nostalgic about bad things.


... And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.


I just need to know that someone out there listens and understands and doesn’t try to sleep with people even if they could have. I need to know that these people exist.



I think it was the first time in my life I ever felt like I looked “good.” Do you know what I mean? That nice feeling when you look in the mirror, and your hair’s right for the first time in your life?


I don’t know if you’ve ever felt like that. That you wanted to sleep for a thousand years. Or just not exist. Or just not be aware that you do exist. Or something like that. I think wanting that is very morbid, but I want it when I get like this. That’s why I’m trying not to think. I just want it all to stop spinning.

All I hope is that my sister feels beautiful, and her new guy makes her feel beautiful.

Things change. And friends leave. And life doesn’t stop for anybody.


I would die for you. But I won’t live for you.