The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (Banned Book Week!)

 

Charlie… prefers to observe.  Well, observe and carry on discussions on paper written to “Dear Friend” about the people he sees, how funny some people act now that he is in 10th grade, why things are the way they are, the girl he likes, the discrimination he sees, why does he always respond by crying, and his quirky family dynamics. 

Charlie, alone is just fine as he is quite self motivated and can find plenty to do.  His English teacher seems to pick up on Charlies gift of reading and writing and assigns his additional reports to write on books that he chooses for Charlie which is well… fine, and maybe a little weird as Charlie really doesn’t want his only friend to be his English teacher.

That’s just awkward.

And then Charlie meets Sam and Patrick and things get a little easier.  Sam is Patrick’s (beautiful!) sister and they too seem to stand a bit to the sidelines, but somehow – they make it look cool to be on the outside of the clicks and the trends.  As their friendship grows Charlie becomes more sure of himself and more comfortable in his own skin.

 

 

Why did I want to read this book?  This one was on my radar for last years Banned Book Week and I just never got to it.  Now that it is a movie (released Sept 14th of this year) I knew I really had to make time for it.

 

Why oh why does it take me so long to read some books that I know I want to and them when I do…. wow, I have to say what took me so long?  Perks Of Being A Wallflower on audio made me laugh, sigh, and yeah, like Charlie, it made me cry… but in a good way.  Narrated by Noah Galvin I had goosebumpy (my word) feelings of a John Green novel – and that is a BIG compliment.

The book is smart and witty.  Charlie’s character is the perfect mix of teenage awkwardness, low self-esteem, and the push to be something more because you know inside… you are something more.  I love books that talk about books and when (yes when!) I listen to this one again I will need to write down all the book references because there is something about books that talk about books that makes me want to read the books that were discussed.   To Kill A Mockingbird, Catcher In The Rye, Walden, The Fountainhead, Naked Lunch, Peter Pan…  (and I love that some of them are banned books as this one is too!).

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is about growing up and growing strong.  It is about friendships that don’t relay on status or stereotypes.  It is a book I think we all need to read in our lifetime and sit back and bask in what true friendship is.  It is heartbreaking at times and it is heartwarming.  Looking for a great audio?  Pick this one up and thank me later. 

 

Why was Perks Of Being A Wallflower Challenged/Banned?

According to the Marshall University Library the book has been banned and challenged since 2003 for sexually explicit conduct, drug use, and a rape scene.

 

 

Amazon Rating

Goodreads Review

 

Book’d Out is reviewing this one today too

At Owl Tell You All About is a review and a giveaway for a copy of this book!

Banned Book Week Day 2 Posts And Giveaways!

Good morning!  I normally do not post on Mondays but instead let the Monday meme ride, but it is banned book week so if you are looking for Monday, What Are You Reading, link up here to that.

However – if you are those book readers who enjoy bad horrible filthy books… this is where you want to be.   

LOL…. just kidding… but if you have followed the Banned Books lists and reviews then you know… there are some WONDERFUL and AMAZING books that have been banned and challenged through the years and honestly?  I just think it is really fun to celebrate them!

Today I have a whole other group of Banned Book reviews and giveaways and I am hoping you will take time to show them some comment love and check out what they have to say!    Remember, I am running a giveaway package this week and all comments on all the banned book posts that I have shared with you during this week will be entered. 

 

 

Here are todays posts:

 

Liesel from Musings On Fantasia has a post up called:  Three Reasons Why Banning Is Not The Answer and a sweet giveaway!

 

Tracy from Pen and Paper (she cracks me up!) has a post up of Dr. Suess’s Green Eggs and Ham – see I told you the bans would surprise you!

 

Sarah from Sawcats Book Blog shares her thoughts on the book 1984 (one I have yet to read!) and a great giveaway!

 

Charity from The Bookworm Fairy continues her banned book series with Catching Fire and if you have not seen the awesome package she is giving away you really need to check it out!

 

Shannon from Giraffe Days is talking about The Color Purple (amazing book if you have not read it yet!) and another great giveaway!

 

Rachel at Resistance Is Futile has a post about The Headless Cupid (new to me) and it looks interesting!

 

Stacy from A Novel Source is posting about The Dead Zone (perfect for Halloween!!!) and she is also having a giveaway!

 

Shelly Rae at Book’d Out is sharing her thoughts on The Perks Of Being A Wallflower  ( a book I will be reviewing this week too!) 

 

 

So that is today’s list!  I have several reviews ready, not sure which way I am going today yet but know… there will be something banned going on here  

In recap – all of yesterdays posts and giveaways  from Banned Book Day 1 are still going all week so please stop by and check them out as well!

Do you see any books on this list today that surprise you?