Perks of being a wallflower

The book of the month for July is: Perks of being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky


I chose this book for book of the month because it is a brilliant novel and film. Many people have watched the film which came out a few years ago, but not as many will have read the book. The book basically consists of letters to a friend from the main character, Charlie, and is almost like a memoir of his Highschool years. There are also many issues dealt with throughout, such as bereavement, loneliness, and mental health issues and just really captures the difficult years in growing up. It tells the story of a truly kind person who is willing to sacrifice anything for his friends. However, Charlie has his own story to tell and through the book slowly begins to realise his problems and how he deals with them. 


Here is the blurb/ summary:


"Charlie is a freshman.
And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it.
Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But he can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor."


I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an uplifting story which is also sad at the same time, or anyone who ever feels lonely. It definitely puts a perspective on things and makes you think differently about the people around you and the demons they might be dealing with. Readers 14+ I would suggest also, as there are sexual references, drug use and images of sexual abuse.


-Elle x