Book Review
Summary: Charlie is an incoming freshman, mature for his age, and an introvert. His best, and only, friend Michael committed suicide the previous year, which he is trying to cope with. At the beginning of the school year he is taken under the wing of two seniors who introduce him to a social world many teenagers are used to. First drinks, first kisses, first love. The book follows Charlie as he finds his friends and a social circle that accepts and appreciates him, as he works through his own problems and sees the problems of others. He sees things and he understands. He is a Wallflower.
Review: Okay I adore this book. It is definitely on my list of favourites, might even be my absolute favourite. I think it's fair to say this book changed me. Not completely, and I don't think it's a change maybe other people can see, but as cheesy as it is it's made me feel more hopeful, less alone *cue the throwing of rotten tomatoes*. I know, I know, I couldn't be more cliche, but I do mean it, I'm not just saying that! Stephen Chbosky captured Charlie's character perfectly, balancing the teenage boy in him with the damaged introvert. He touched on a lot of heavy topics in the book, including abuse in relationships and abortion among others. Don't let there scare you away, though! He doesn't over-do any of the topics, in my opinion. And he doesn't send the book spiralling into a soap-opera style drama. I remember reading somewhere that Stephen Chbosky said he wants to show teenagers that there's a light at the end of the tunnel, that they're not alone, and I can honestly say that for me, he did that. I think this book is a triumph in young adult literature and every teen, who is mature enough to handle the book, should definitely read it.
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