by Stephen Chbosky
Book Type: YA, Fiction, Epistolary Novel
Summary: 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.
It 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, family dramas, and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where all you need is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.
My Review: If you look into this book you'll find that it has rave reviews up the wazoo! I personally did not enjoy it that much. Let's explore the many reasons why shall we? Charlie is supposed to be a 15 year old boy but I felt like I reading a story from the perspective of a 7 year old. He expresses him as a child would with a childish understanding of the world. He is an awkward and limp character. He is so bland and detached as he discusses these dramatic events that occur. You feel no connection to any of the characters because of the style of writing employed. It feels as though Charlie has no connection to his friends or family so it is difficult to care when bad things happen to people. Charlie cries. A LOT. What 15 year old boy finds himself crying about everything all the time? It seems as though they have two emotions in this story. Sad and crying or unfeeling and blank. His private world is as boring and unimportant as his dealings with other people, he has zero social skills or understanding of the world around him, and still everybody just thinks he's great and talented and special. All he needs, they say, is to just 'participate' more or not be afraid to 'do things'. Basically it is supposed to be a big dramatic story with lots of drama but all I felt was bored. AND the book is full of sex, drugs, and alcohol. These kids are doped up the entire story. I don't know if this story is sharing a typical high school experience or an unique one... But if this is average and ordinary I had a strange high school experience. I didn't ever feel like I had to drink or do drugs to fit in. I know most people at least experimented a bit with those things, but was everyone deeply involved in them all of high school? I don't know. Basically this story was dull and unaffecting and stock full of sexual exploits and more details than I ever needed to read. I don't know why this book did so well. It is not well developed or executed.
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