Before reading The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, I had read a few reviews about it and felt that my opinion about it was truly divided. While some really loved the book, others felt that it was annoying and overrated. So, I decided to read the book and understand why there were so many mixed reviews about it.

The Bigger Picture

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is written from the point of view of Charlie, who has just begun high school. A shy and introverted teenager, Charlie is trying to cope with the suicide of his friend, Michael. To lessen the grief and pain that he is undergoing, he shares his story through a series of letters to an anonymous reader known as ‘Friend.’ Through these letters, Charlie tells us everything about his life, from his love for reading to his crushes and newfound friendships with Patrick and Samantha. Dealing with diverse sensitive topics like drugs, love, sexuality, childhood abuse, etc., I felt that the book truly captures what teenagers feel like while growing up and how, with some patience and sensibility, they can deal with their problems more maturely and sensibly. Written intensely and poignantly, I liked how the author has etched out the characters. So, overall, I enjoyed The Perks of Being a Wallflower to a great extent, and I feel that it is an excellent book for young and older adults alike. (It goes without saying that I am in that category of people who loved The Perks of Being A Wallflower as opposed to those who did not like it.)

Another aspect of the book I enjoyed was that Charlie was a passionate reader who read books across various categories. I liked that through this novel, the author highlighted some major books that everyone should read at least once during their lifetime. So, from classics like To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee to The Catcher in the Eye by F. Scott Fitzgerald to The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand to Walden by Henry David Thoreau, each book is highlighted in a manner that makes the readers who have not read the book, to pick it up at the next available opportunity. Similarly, I love the part about how music plays a vital role in the life of Charlie and his friends. Good books and amazing music: what a truly fantastic combination!!!

So, as Charlie’s story progresses, we gain a more profound and better understanding of his life, problems, and why he became the person he is today. There were many levels on which I connected to Charlie and a few where I did not. But then that is expected as Charlie is not a character with definite shades of black and white. As with all of us, Charlie is complex, which is precisely what adds to the beauty and charm of the book. In short, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower deals with Charlie’s life’s ups and downs and stands out as one of the best coming-of-age books.

Final Verdict

So, would I recommend this book? Yes, if you are a teenager and feel that life is much more complicated than it looks. Yes, if you are an introvert and a misfit who thinks that few people understand you. Yes, if you are struggling with life and want to overcome it by drawing inspiration from the life of another person!!!

This book is perfect for youngsters above 14 years old, especially those who want a book that mirrors their problems and situations in a realistic yet engaging manner.