Adolescent Melancholy: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
My Rating: 5/5

"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 year 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.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up."

This quote made me cry for an hour. no joke.

"I know that you know that I like Craig. And I know that I told you not to think of me that way. And I know that we can't be together like that. But I want to forget all those things for a minute. Okay?"

"Okay."

"I want to make sure that the first person you kiss loves you, Okay?"

"Okay."

'Nuff said.

Question Wednesday: What makes a good book "good?"

The title is pretty much self-explanatory in my opinion.

I'm sure everyone has their favorite books, or books that they think are "good" (or fabulous or awe-inspiring or life-changing, dot dot dot). The question is, what exactly makes a good book "good?"

First of all, I think the writing matters a lot. Every author has a different style, and not essentially every bestselling author's style suits your liking. However, generally speaking, a natural, established flow of story is fundamental. There should also at least be some conflict, and enough character interactions to push the plot along. For me personally, I have an obsession with first-person narratives (well I do still lovelovelove the Harry Potter series), particularly if it's a girl's perspective. Well, for the most part because I'm a girl.

Aside from the actual writing, I do think there's much more to a "good" story. Maybe one particular character (preferably the protagonist, or maybe the villain! You never know) connects to you in a certain way--most likely because it reflects some of your own qualities--you just bond with the book/character instantly. I think that's the case with a lot of books that I like. Say, the Perks of Being a Wallflower. I just felt so sympathetic towards Charlie and Sam, because I think their high school days, although crazy like mine, are splattered with the dark dangers of being a teenager, the almost inevitable melancholy that often accompanies adolescence. Another example, the Fault in Our Stars, I was constantly amazed by the wit the two main characters bring to the table. I was so invested in them and their relationship that I cried buckets for the turnout of the story (sobbbbbbb!).

So, I think a good story not only has to be solid in writing, but also has to be able to evoke some personal, emotional response from the reader. 

What do you think?

xx

Vanessa :]