I was at the airport looking for a book for my flight, and I picked up Stephen Chbosky’s debut The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which was turned into a movie (out now) starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman. It looked short. I wanted short. It’s a young adult novel, but a quick, engrossing read. I finished it on the 2 hour flight. 
According to the Amazon review:
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. This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
This is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed 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.
Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.
My assessment: If you like YA, or you’re looking for a good quick read, or you prefer to read books before you see the movie, Perks of Being A Wallflower is a good choice. Even better, pick up something by John Green.
Do you like coming of age stories? Don’t you just love Emma Watson? Do you read Young Adult books? Have a favorite YA recommendation?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Love Emma Watson–she’s lovely, talented, and seems to have her head on straight. I enjoy adding some YA into my reading mix. Loved Hunger Games and have a Sarah Dressen book in my TBR pile.
I don’t read coming-of-age stories — maybe something sordid in my past? LOL And I don’t read YA books — though I pass a bunch onto my niece and to my daughter-in-law who teaches high school English and reads what her kids are reading…..
We saw posters for the movie all over London when we were there. So now I want to see it. And you’ve made me think I should read it first! Cool!
I read most anything that catches my eye. I am writing a YA book right now. I am a bit hung up with the names but anyway.
I loved the Eragon series (with Dragons of course) and I LOVED the Harry Potter series and the Twilight (yes I admit I am a team Edward AND Jacob fan) and I even bought the Little House on the Prairie series for my daughter in the hopes she would give it a go. (Nope she loves Darren Shan).
I think I am just going to go with silly names for my characters. Like Button. And Nut. So much easier. lol
Emma is a remarkable young lady and I am glad to see someone that my daughter has grown up with become a young lady and not some horrible little drug addicted alcoholic like most child stars seem to do.