You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.

Stephen Chbosky’s coming of age novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one that most anybody can relate to.
Written in letters, the book tells the story of “wallflower” Charlie. He’s trying to find his place in the world. Torn between wanting to experience life and being scared of it, the novel follows Charlie throughout his freshman year of high school.
If you are looking for a light and fluffy “beach read” this book is not for you. The Perks of Being a Wallflower addresses some surprisingly heavy topics. Charlie learns some things about life, about the future, and about his past. Some of the things he discovers will pull him out of his introverted nature while some will drag him back down.

Lucky for Charlie, he has some great friends and family members to help him through everything that occurs. Raw, touching, and heartbreakingly honest- this book is sure to leave a lasting impact on all.

Though the writing style takes a bit of getting used to as it is rather choppy, once fully immersed in the book, it’s nearly impossible to stop reading. This novel is filled with hauntingly beautiful writing. It’s one of those books that will make you think.

Everybody takes something different from this book. It’s not unlike the writing of John Green in that it tackles teenage issues in a relatable manner.

On September 21st, the movie will be released in the U.S. The cast looks very promising, with Logan Lerman starring as Charlie and supporting roles played by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller. However, it will be hard to make the movie live up to the book.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a devastatingly poignant novel. Nothing that happens in the book is ideal. But that is what makes it perfect.