I’m often amazed by the characters in the books I choose to
read. I’m always a sucker for a good hero, especially those one would never
expect to be so.
Lately, however (three times since I’ve started this column)
I’ve included characters with severe psychological disorders. I’m wondering
what that says about me.
I also wonder what it means when I’ve read something
multiple times. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is one such
book. It’s short and sweet, and easily accessible once you get around the
stream-of-consciousness writing.
Charlie tells the story of his first year of high school,
grueling and heartbreaking in the wake of a friend’s suicide. Coupled with the typical teen angst of
drinking, dating and trying to appease his peers, there’s something off about our
boy.
Amid the concerned characters revolving in and out of
Charlie’s life is his English teacher who keeps feeding him books and telling
him to “participate” in life. It’s funny that the books his teacher delves out
are those of folks living on the fringe.
Even funnier is that this book is one that he would recommend.
Charlie’s experiences are told through a series of letters
about the mish-mash of experiences and his reactions in the face of all this
change. You never get a handle on who he’s writing to, but it could be you as
you carefully pick among pieces of Charlie’s brain. He’s been through a lot,
but it is high school, so just go along for the ride.
(This review first appeared in The Lock Haven Express 12/06/12)
You may have finally convinced me to give this book a shot.
ReplyDeleteI may have finally decided to be your friend.
ReplyDelete