“He’s a wallflower. You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.”
― Stephen Chbosky
Why I’m Reading this Book?
Came across this story through movie first. Didn’t find that exceptional, but in movie review, people were crazy about the book it was based on. I forgot all about it before I see the the name popped up again as one of the smaller books worth reading. So, even though I knew story, I thought to give it a try because a book almost always surpasses a movie
Synopsis
Story about a boy named Charlie, who has gone through some pretty difficult stuff. On top of that ,he is starting high school and is under tremendous pressure of going to a new place, meeting new people, learning new things. Like any high schooler, he undergoes several experiences, some good, some bad, some happy, some sad and during the process he finds himself.
My Review…
Charlie is writing letters to an unknown person, and through those letters we come to know about Charlie’s life and what goes on in his mind. Though disturbed, Charlie has a sweet personality and he accommodates everyone. He is a good student, dutiful son, loving sibling, loyal friend and is always there for everyone. He does everything what he is told to, yet he feels empty.
But he keeps on going through motion and sometimes discovers true emotion and not the hollowed out version of them he usually feels. Once he finds his place, it seem like he is finally settled, but there is something sinister lurking in his past and shadow of that is marring everything. But what is that? Will he be able to overcome that? Will he finally find peace?
When I first started this book, I thought it average. As I immersed myself in Charlie’s life and his thoughts, I loved the book. And by end, I understood why so many people liked this book. It creates the nostalgia of growing up, reader can go back to their own past and live it again. That confusion, hope, ambition, learning, we all experienced in our teen-age life, comes alive. And I think that makes this novel so good, to experience that wonderful time of eternal hopefulness again.
My Rating — 5
On the scale of: (1- Hate , 2- Neither like nor dislike, 3- Like, 4- Love, 5- Gaga)
Why anyone else should read this Book?
With just 200 pages, it’s a very small book to read. Story is not overtly complex, but have an interesting concept of being told through letters. And who doesn’t like reading letters?
If you liked the movie (Which is actually good), its a must read. There are so many things a movie can’t convey, you have to read this to fully understand the brilliance of this simple yet a powerful story.
We all look towards future, but we constantly live in past. This story is a good way to live that sweet past again, when we were young (quite young :))
Story gives a lesson too. That is hidden in Charlie’s past , So I can’t give that away. But that lesson is too important to learn. For that to understand, one should give this book a try.
Even though there are high school incidents which may seem quite ordinary, this story can also be categorized as thriller. Because throughout book, something is looming over Charlie and it gets disclosed in the end. And that was actually quite shocking. So if you like suspense, go for it.
In book, Charlie keeps getting classic books from his teacher as assignment to read. There are a lot of good book references throughout the story. I’ve actually started ‘Death of a salesman’ after reading this. I really like a book which opens portal for another. So many new books I’ve added in my to-read list after this book.
And last but not the least, read for the pleasure of knowing Charlie. In today’s world , we come across such sweet kid quite less. A humble, intelligent, kind, helping and understanding kid, quite the right kind this world needs. I’ve seen so many brats running around in real/reel life that this was actually a plus point for me.
Overall this is a well rounded book and anyone can read it. Everyone can find something relatable. A must read in my opinion!
Wear the mask, Stay home, Stay Safe!!!
Have you read it? Are you planning to? What is your opinion? Share them here. Till next time, Happy Reading Folks!!!
Love, Richa
Musings of a Book Savant 