🙁
Tbh I feel like just posting this title with the text just being that sad face. But I should probably write a little more than that.
I just finished "The perks of being a Wallflower" and I just feel sad. For so many reasons. I feel sad about some of the things I read in this book. I feel sad about the fact that I wish I read it when I was 14 and not 24, but in the sense of wish I could appreciate it the same as I do now, but back then. I just feel sad for Charlie.
When reading this story I grew to adore Charlie. He's such a sweet kid, honestly just thinking about him now as I write this makes me wonder who's cutting onions around me. He just seems so pure, and honest. I wanted the very best for him. I wanted to see in his letters everything work out for him.
But I knew what I was getting into, when I bought this book. I knew that it wasn't to end as I hoped it would. But even knowing that the entire time, I'd read about Charlie's victories and moments of happiness and just want it to last forever for him. I wanted everything to work out for him.
The book made me want to be 16 again, and try to participate more too. It made me think about all the times I chose not to do something, and here I sit years later wish I just went and did it. But even more so, I feel for Charlie because I wanted him to have Sam. Perhaps in a way he does. But you know what I mean. I wanted them to have eachother, and when Sam explained everything she really meant at the end. It felt like Sam was speaking to me. Not Charlie. On how I missed opportunity after opportunity because of inaction, or overthinking, or cowardice.
I wish I read this at 14. I wish someone handed me this book back then and told me this will mean more to you than you think.
I just need a place to sit with others who are willing to chat about this book. We don't need to discuss things if people don't want to. When a story is this good and is able to make you feel so connected and emotional, almost like it was meant for you, that's when you know it's a wonderful wonderful piece of work.
This post is just anyone who wants to say something about the story, or wants to chat, or just anything the feel like sharing.
Sometimes we need to be sad together. And that's okay too!
by Warrior4716_GTK
4 Comments
I remember loving the book. I should reread it.
I can’t remember how old I was when I first read it. Reading it makes me feel sublimely melancholy.
‘I feel infinite’
I loved this book as a teen.
It hit that melancholic feeling of the years going by too quickly perfectly and that loneliness that can only be cured by being around people that truly understand you.
All I’d say now, as someone in their thirties who still feels exactly as you do now is there’s still time. Those years hit as hard as they do because you’re still learning and everything just feels more impactful. As you get older, you get distractions like jobs, bills etc. but that feeling doesn’t have to stop. Reading it as an adult, you have that gift of nostalgia which is just as powerful.
It’s a beautiful sadness because it’s only possible if you acknowledge that there are things in this life that are capable of making your heart glow. And that’s hard but it’s so worth it.
I read that book when I was around 13. It has a very special place in my heart. It is also one of the very few books my best friend has read and loved.
Thank you for your thoughts, my heart kind of broke again just reading your descriptions.
Charlie is really sweet and you just want him to be well. And he is relatable for many people, unfortunately. And it is just so great seeing him get these experiences and friends, before it falls apart. And then him having friends and family when he gets worse is so heartwarming.
Time for a new reread soon. When I am ready to cry again