So far in the past two weeks we have read...
- Forever
- Then Again, Maybe I Won't
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- Seventeenth Summer
For yesterday we had to have The Perks of Being a Wallflower done, and I am only sad that I didn't read this book sooner. It was FANTASTIC. Seriously, so good.The book is written in epistolary format and the narrator is Charlie, a high school freshman that doesn't "participate" and is described as a wallflower. Charlie is a little quirky, a little awkward and extremely smart. Except, he doesn't really realize anything positive about himself. He's not intelligent in an I'm-A-Nerd-And-I-Know-I'm-Smart cocky kind of way. He's more just floating through life, trying to survive and trying figure out where he belongs. Or, trying to "participate" like his favorite teacher encourages him to do.
This book is not for the faint of heart. There are many issues that teens today face that I found heartbreaking. Some issues are not explicit either. Sometimes when things I happen I found myself stopping and thinking, "did that really just happen?!" There is a lot left to the imagination here, and I really like that.
Since reading this book, I have looked up the movie trailer and I think it looks great.... but, I also think it's one of those movies where the book accompanies the movie. Similar to One Day, with that the movie and book complemented each other. I think it will be the same with Wallflowers. Also, the author is directing the movie, so ... if it's completely different, then he will have completely sold out and I will hate him. (Dramatic, eh?)
Bottom line, if you don't read the book before seeing the movie I will be seriously shaking my head at your idiocy.
This will be a great book to suggest for book clubs, and I'm definitely suggesting it for mine! Although I borrowed my copy from the library I am definitely going to be buying it soon. I can see myself rereading it, and I can also see myself encouraging students to read it. (If I can. It's a regularly banned book. Sad.)
Happy reading, everyone. I hope you had a great week!
Today I am linking up with Heather at Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday
Ooo I've heard good things about this book before but haven't read it and honestly had kind of forgotten about it. I'm totally putting it on my to read list on goodreads now. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSaying "hi" from the Book Club hop.
ReplyDeleteI read this book a few months ago and LOVED it. I wish I would have read it sooner. It made me feel so much compassion for the "weird kid" at school. Charlie was just so sweet and kind, yet so misunderstood.
What a cool class to take!! Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteone of my all time favorites and am always suggesting it to people!! so excited for the movie :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds right up my alley! Adding it to my reading list :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite books!! Love!
ReplyDeleteJust added it to my reading list! I'm a new follower and fellow Midwestern girl :) Would love for you to check out my blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://theaustinfamilydiary.blogspot.com/
I have been meaning to read this for years. I had no idea it was YA! Sounds like a great book, and if you've endorsed it, I've got to check it out! You should suggest it for our July book club!!
ReplyDeleteThis book means a lot to me. I received it as a gift from a boy in high school accompanied with a mix tape he had made for me to listen to while I read the book. That boy went on to be my first love and longest and dearest relationship I've had so far. I found so many ways in which I related to Charlie and Sam and each character as they struggled to find themselves . I'm happy this book is being made into a movie, but also somewhat sad that people won't get to 'find' the book in their own way and experience it personally like I got to do.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good book. I had never even heard of it, but am putting it on my reading list now! I love books where you get into them easily and they are pretty quick reads!
ReplyDeleteI read this book a couple of summers ago and I absolutely loved it. I had heard about it for a long time and finally had to read it.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for the movie, and also excited to see Emma Watson in something new!
I loved my Young Adult Lit class too and I don't even teach that age, but I got to read 1 Ya book per week and I loved it, so many good books out there! I don't think I read this one though so I'll have to give it a try. It seems like most good YA books are banned somewhere!
ReplyDeleteI remember back in high school the boy I had a HUGE crush on telling me this was his favorite book. So obviously since then I've wanted to read it. HA! I still haven't but whenever I think about this book I can't help thinking of him. And I'm sure at some point I will eventually pick it up.
ReplyDeleteI really wanna read this.
ReplyDeleteI need to read this then!
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