Contemporary YA discussion

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 year 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 he 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.

1. Did you like the book?
2. Was it easy to get into to?
3. How did you feel while reading this book?
4. Which characters did you like or dislike and why?
5. Have you read other books by the same author?
- If so how does this book compare.
- If not, does this book inspire you to read others?
6. If you've watched the movie, which was better and why?

Also one of my favorite ya. a classic. The movie was good too.

I have to pick this one up.

Yes! You should. It is very simple but also amazing.

While I was reading it, at first, I thought maybe Charlie was autism spectrum, because his way of speaking reminded me of the boy in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. But once I got used to it, I realized that wasn't the case. I loved all the characters so much.

I'm hoping to like the movie a little better, because the book was a disappointment. I started it hoping to love it and it didn't quite got me.

book is woooooww
It was way to easy to get me into it.
I felt kinda sad, i was wondering how nobody from that cute family didnt notice that something was going on? am i the only one who thinks that way?
I liked Charlie! he has that innocent view on life and you have to keep those people close to you! Patrick is my second favourite but Sam kinda got on my nerves
i really wanna know are the other books from Chbosky good????
BOOK IS BETTER!!!!!!! except patrick i love him more in the movie (supercute)
i think I love the book very much, because i kinda am a wallflower :) or i just feel that way

nina wrote: "book is woooooww
It was way to easy to get me into it.
I felt kinda sad, i was wondering how nobody from that cute family didnt notice that something was going on? am i the only one who thinks that..."

I'm glad you liked it! I haven't read it. I'm really looking forward to listening to the book and then watching the movie. I'm in line to get it next at my library...hopefully it will be soon.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I finished the book and watched the movie over the weekend. They were both really good. I loved them both for different reasons. I loved the music in movie, but they didn't play Another Brick in the Wall when school let out. That was a let down. I also enjoyed seeing the characters brought to life. Casting was great. The book was way more emotional. It was also a 7 hour audiobook vs a 90 minute film. I think the film hit the best parts of the book to tell Charlie's story.

Charlie was a very unique main character. He was naive, caring, emotional, innocent and smart in both IQ and EQ, yet he cried all the time. He was also a very messed up teenager. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. Yes, he was very shy and a "wallflower" and he had several traumatic events, but there was something else. He seemed like a little boy in a 15 year old body. Did he stop emotionally maturing after one of the earlier traumatic events?

Charlie found a great group of eclectic friends who helped him experience teen issues and live more like a teen. In fact, the book covers almost every issue a teen might face. If I listed them all it would sound like overkill, but the the author did a great job sliding them in. They were all handled with real honesty.

One thing I loved about Charlie, was his extreme thoughtfulness when creating his mix tape and in selecting gifts for his friends and family. That is really rare and showed how deep he feels about everyone. He really appreciated and noticed all the little things in life not just the big picture.

I would love to know who he was writing to (who doesn't?) and I would also love to know how he is doing now.

The audio version was narrated by actor Noah Galvin. He currently plays 'Kenny' in ABC's comedy "The Real O'Neals." He was a fantastic narrator.

It sounds good. I'm starting the book now yay!

I really enjoyed The Perks of Being a Wallflower. It exceeded my expectations.

It was a fairly heavy book for being so short. There were times when I felt sorry for Charlie and times he surprised and impressed me. At first I thought Patrick and Sam where going to pick on Charlie. I was relieved when they welcomed him and they became true friends. They were just the right friends to help Charlie move from a wallflower to a participant in life.

I want to know who he was writing to too. Anyone have any guesses?

Molly wrote: "I really enjoyed The Perks of Being a Wallflower. It exceeded my expectations.

It was a fairly heavy book for being so short. There were times when I felt sorry for Charlie and times he surprised..."

I'm glad you like it.