By Stephen Chbosky
Hello reader friends! So, a book opportunity fell into my lap, and while I don't want to jinx any good health issues we're having with Luke, he actually made it to school and had three very good days in a row last week -- Wed, Thurs, and Friday -- (which actually also meant I showered three days in a row!) and now we're winding down Sunday night so I have the time and the motivation, and as I said, this awesome book opportunity fell into my lap and I want to share it with you.
Have you guys seen The Perks of Being a Wallflower or have you read the book? I've recently seen it and also read and loved the book many years ago. And the movie was written and directed by the author of the book, so it makes for an equally great movie! On Facebook the other day, a friend of mine, who happens to be a friend of the author, Stephen Chbosky, has spearheaded this 'get the word out' about the book and I loved the book, loved the movie and want to help spread the word too! So, if you haven't read it, seen it, now's your chance to learn more. It's like a classic read for kids in high school these days. I like to think of it as the The Catcher in the Rye of our generation! But WAY better!
Here is what the book blurb is:
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.
Here's the AWESOME movie trailer -- there were so many talented stars in it - Really, go see it!
Awesome Movie Trailer for Perks:
Also, FYI, the music is AMAZING in this movie. Every.Single.Song!
If you want to know more about the movie, here's a great interview with the author.
Also, FYI, the music is AMAZING in this movie. Every.Single.Song!
If you want to know more about the movie, here's a great interview with the author.
So, we all went to high school right? We all have stories from high school right? Share one that has stayed with you for a long while, one that you think about a lot, one that has shaped you into the person you are today. Here's mine, that is a little similar to being a wallflower -- Charlie went to his Homecoming alone. I never went to a Homecoming or a Prom.
I got asked to my junior year Homecoming by a guy. I bought a dress. I don't really think I liked him all that much. I was probably scared of going because I think he was bragging to me that he was going to drink and there were rumors that he might have been into smoking pot. The Thursday before the dance he came over to my house and I told him I didn't want to go to the dance with him. I had a beautiful sea-foam green dress and even matching green mascara to wear. I returned that dress.
I got asked to my junior year Homecoming by a guy. I bought a dress. I don't really think I liked him all that much. I was probably scared of going because I think he was bragging to me that he was going to drink and there were rumors that he might have been into smoking pot. The Thursday before the dance he came over to my house and I told him I didn't want to go to the dance with him. I had a beautiful sea-foam green dress and even matching green mascara to wear. I returned that dress.
What is your high school story to share? Tell it and you will be one of FIVE winners who will get a personally signed copy of THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER book.
YAY!
Thanks for sticking around!
XO to you all!
NEW TO BOOKING WITH MANIC?
48 comments:
I try not to think about high school except for the last 2 years when I was in high school. I actually had my first friends and I was 16 years old. There were no cliques, no popular kids...everyone got a long and were friends with everyone. It gave me hope that there were people in this world who were genuine and truly cared.
My story is a victory of sorts and it has long stayed with me. I was kind of an exuberant nerd - in the 2nd tier of popularity (though was bullied in elementary school)- and a friendly looking type - smile is great but the rest at the time - eh.. and NO BUST lol. So though not picked on for looks, Prom was NOT going to be an option. Therefore my best friend who didnt want to go to Prom and another good friend got dolled up for a fancy dinner, made reservations at the Quiet Cannon ( a NICE restaurant overlooking the ocean) and had a totally awesome evening. No regrets (well - the 3rd girl was making do with us, she had desperately wanted to go to Prom). But we had such fun, no one at school disparaged us and it is such a GOOD memory today and my bff are still close in heart though not in miles. The ONLY regret is we didn't take pictures . .
Would so love a signed copy of this book - will read it and hand off to my 25 year old daughter . .
That is one of the good things about today's high school experience -in my day you ONLY went if you had a date .now groups of kids go regardless . .
Thanks for the memory, lol~
Perks of Being a Wallflower, well ... some of it looked A LOT like my high school experience, especially the fixation with cigarettes and Rocky Horror Picture Show. It's funny. I was editor of the school newspaper, star of school plays, and an honor student; yet on the weekends, I drank straight vodka, smoked cigarettes, and dressed like Magenta. Talk about a double life. I guess we all had several identities at that age. We were all still trying to figure ourselves out ... just like Charlie. Thanks for this opportunity, Stephanie! I would love to have a signed copy of this amazing book! Sara Dobie Bauer
I'm so glad to hear that Luke has had a few good days. Hopefully all the prayers, good wishes, and positive thoughts are making their ways to you!
High school was great! I enjoyed pretty much every minute. Ok, big fat lie!!! I had the usual mix of good and bad. The best thing though was meeting my husband. He has always been my constant!
Sarah
I don't really have many stories from High School. I didn't go to any dances -- Homecoming or Prom or the the one where the girls asked the boys (Girls' Athlete Association) formal. It really sucked. I didn't even have a date until college, so I'm just glad that it's (long) over, and I never have to live through that BS again!
Oh, high school. I was miserable, and I was insanely happy, and those two moods could switch multiple times a day. I went to both my junior and senior proms with no date... I was the 9th wheel in a group of my four best friends and their dates, and those group pictures are painful to look at. Thankfully, two of those friends also went dateless with me to our senior prom, so it was a wee bit less embarrassing. :)
I think my story is somewhat stereotypical. Sophomore year, I got asked to homecoming by a *rather* popular boy. I was thrilled, of course. He was very nice, or so it seemed. Acted like a gentleman, even for weeks before. We had a blast at the dance, hung out with all of our friends, danced, laughed. Afterwards, being that I never was a "partier" in HS, I just wanted to go home because I was exhausted. No big deal I thought, we were just friends and he was going to an afterparty with all of his best friends. He didn't seem irritated that I left after. Until the next 7 days straight when he TeePeed my house because I didn't go sleep with him at the after party.
I'll never forget that jerk. Ever.
Best year of high school was my senior year. Met my husband when we were both working on language club float for Homecoming. I was taking French, he was in Spanish. So, things are still good, been married for 36 years.
iambtinrb
I'm a bit glad HS is over. I didn't go to my senior prom because all of my friends had boyfriends and I didn't.
-tmd636
I had my 20 year reunion this past weekend. Small class of about 60 people so we all knew each other, but there was still the hierarchy. The bright spot for me was marching band. It was actually cool at my school. And we all still love it. If there was one reason I would do it again, it would be so I could be out on the field with a flag and rifle.
I went to a small private school and had a blast. We didn't have many cliques and it was just a fun place to be.
I was dating "the love of my life" and found out he was also dating someone else. She and I discussed it, dumped him, and remain best friends to this day (40 years later).
I am so so glad to hear that your son had a couple of good days in a row. I don't want to jinx it either but am glad you can appreciate the moments that you have that are good. I absolutely love the perks of being a wallflower. Such a great book and I can't wait to see the movie!
Let's see I had crushes in high school but never went out on a date or kissed a guy until college. I was extremely shy and now am just the opposite. Two of my major crushes I ended up going out with a few times after college and I just remember thinking if I could only tell my high school self, she would freak! haha
when my senior prom date showed up the entire crop of neighborhood kids were sitting across from house observing. gerry, my date, was carrying a large box which contained my bouquet (he worked at a florist so i had the most gorgeous flowers AND the gayest date...)one of the kids turned to the other and said i wonder hwat's in the box? and the other little guy said "it's his hat!" =)
H.S. was an okay experience. I went to both my junior and senior prom. My boyfriend for those 2 yrs was a complete jackass! Of course i couldn't see it then!! Glad i came to my senses!
Brannanflooring@aol.com
I worked in a record store and I lived on the wrong side of the tracks. Then this beautiful guy named Blaine from the rich part of town asked me to prom...but then bailed last minute. It was ok 'cause I made a homemade dress and danced with best guypal Duckie. Then Blaine told me he loved me and we necked out in the parking lot.
Oh wait that was a movie...well one day I had an all day detention... :D
Sorry I'm bored this morning. Ok my high school...well the first day of high school I was pretty lucky cause about four of the senior football players walked me to all of my classes (and were there after each class). But then when I went out on a date with the one who liked me, he stuck in a tape (yes a tape) of New Kids on the Block. Ok I loved New Kids, but yeah not really a fan of this guy listening to it--just seemed wrong and spent the rest of the night not really liking him, lol.
i was pretty much invisible to the opposite sex in high school. until late senior year, when, all of a sudden, the boys started to notice me. on grad night, i ended up making out with the guy i had a crush on all four years! and then i walked away and never called him, because victory was mine! :)
I LOVE "The Perks of Being A Wallflower". The first time I read it, I was in high school. My best friend loaned it to me, and I fell in love with it. I'm a sucker for all coming of ages story, but this one resonated with me far more than "The Catcher in the Rye".
I have say, my favorite high school memories are just hanging out with friends. At the time, they were like my family. Even in college, I manged to stay pretty close to all my high school friends. But now that we're in our late 20s we've lost touch. Thankfully, I'm still best friends with the same girl. It's nice having someone in your life that knows your history so well.
I have so many stories from high school...I did get stood up once for a Homecoming dance. Needless to say, the guy and I didn't talk much after that, and then I turned around and stood him up for a date too! KARMA!! One funny story that I will never forget, I played basketball and we went out to the football field to run bleachers and the guys were still on the field practicing. I tried to cross over a hand rail and my foot got caught and I flipped over the bar! Luckily I caught my self before face planting, but not before my tshirt came up over my head while I was upside down...exposing my purple bra to the ENTIRE FOOTBALL team! All the guys laughed, and applauded and hooted, and I graciously took a little curtsey and bow. I got lots of heys and head nods from the boys in the hallways after that for a while. I took it in good fun though since I was friends with the majority of them!
High school wasn't horrible but not top of the list either. Never went to Home Coming but that was because I had no interest. I was very picky about who my close friends were and couldn't be bothered with the "mean" girls.
Nicole
A friend of mine passed away in a horrible car accident the night after we had a huge argument. It has never left me, and I have conducted my life differently since that experience. Even as an adult, when I am angry, I think about his face, and always try to make amends. Life is short, so I guess what I learned from this high school experience are these words: get over it. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is often optional. Xo
I attended a small high school in a farming community. Really no complaints. Looking back, it was a fun time. Went to all my dances. Wish everything stayed that simple, but alas, real life is never that easy.
In high school, I was an honors student, active in my honor society and very awkward, skinny and sort of shy. While I wasn't a total nerd, I was far from a "popular" girl. I didn't have a lot of dates, but was ok with it. Anyway, my senior year, I discovered that one of the best looking guys in our class liked me. He was popular, but not really a vocal kid. Anyway, I didn't believe it until he finally approached me to go out on a date. He was very sweet and we went out a few times. We went to a party with a bunch of the popular kids one night and I was talking to a few of the football players and I distinctly remember one saying "I didn't realize what a cool girl you are. You were always so quiet, I thought you were kind of a b*!tch. I'm glad I got to know you better". To this day, it helps me realize that you should never judge people until you know them. It was also my one story of dating a really cute boy who seemed out of my league!
I went to a small school in a farming community, I knee all my classmates too well to want to date any of them. I ended up dating a guy I worked with my junior and senior years who claimed to be soo in love with me. I should've known better when my best friend wouldn't even hang out with me when I was with him, but like they say...love is blind. I took him to my junior and senior prom and both were horrible. I finally realized that he was worthless after I graduated and dumped him, never looking back! I kind of regret that I wasted the time with him that I could've spent with my true friends. I guess we all live and learn.
kndyer
I didn't go to any dances or games. Couldn't wait to get out. Now I'm back in high school with my kids and feel the same way.
I have many memories from HS. Two of them were...I fell in love for the first time. We had a thing but it never became official. Today he is my best friend and openly gay. Another one is of my parents losing everything. I had to live with a friend's family because my parents couldn't take care of my sister and I for alomost a year. It was tough but made me appreciate things more and not take anything for granted.
I remember my freshman year and being asked out to the winter ball by a Jr--I was so nervous and scared. Then a group of girls who like this boy started saying some pretty horrible things to me and I than prayed every day that some how I could get ou tof this dance--Yes!!--it was cancelled so relieved--funny part I ended up dating this guy when I was a Jr and he was out of school--girls can be so mean when they want something they can't have.
3I loved just about everything about high school. There were some downs for sure but I feel that the ups outweigh the downs. Sometimes I miss those days of having so many friends so close and spending so much time with them. Especially now that everyone is scattered across the country and my life is filled with work and homework. I guess the memory that stands out the most this time of year is going to haunted houses. We always had a huge group that would go together and I remember always being amazed at how many "big tough" guys would scream like little girls when they were scared! :)
Only seniors went to prom at my school - my boyfriend my junior year was a senior, and he broke up with me right before prom because he said he needed to take a senior with him to the dance. Weird????
kristen27
Your story reminds me of one from freshman year. My friend tried setting me up with this guy to go to the BBG (a Jewish girl's group, part of BBYO) invite dance with. We had a date beforehand, but it was one of the worst of my life and put me off guys for quite some time. I also found out that he was a lying a--hole and I called to tell him to forget about going to the dance.
Anyway, I had some good moments in HS too, including speech team, getting a play published in the literary magazine and performed in the directing class showcase, spending part of my summer before junior year in England, etc. I even had some Rocky Horror experiences toward the end of senior year, but that's a whole other set of stories, but it definitely put me back onto guys, if that makes sense. :)
Melissa A from CLC
We used to share books in high school, and perks was one of them! I love the book, but ended up loaning it out to someone and never got it back!
happy to hear your son is doing better! hopefully the good streak continues!
Quite funny because I was just thinking about this recently. I was asked by an old friend who I hadn't seen since grade school to his junior prom. I live farther out and he claimed he tried to find the house but couldn't so my mom had to give me a ride to the party. didn't really have much of a good time and actually I think I blocked most of it out.
I have a lot of good and bad high school memories, but none really stand out off of the top of my head. I had a really great friend all through junior high and high school and through the next 5+ years of my life. She helped make me the person I am today and none of those memories didn't involve her. It's sad to realize that we are just not in the same place in our lives anymore.
qweska8402
I was never in the "in" crowd at school. I wasn't an outcast either but I was just kind of a floater though the different clicks. Then for our senior dance I was elected to be one of the runner ups for Queen. I didn't win but it was so surprising to be elected. My school was very discriminatory and I never in a thousand years would have guessed it.
I never went to a dance with a boy. :( Just friends...but I LOVED going to the dances & getting dressed up. So much fun. Sometimes I wish I could redo HS now that I'm not as shy as I once was.
I was the artist, i was well liked but far from popular. My art was the talk of school.. To this day Im still Robin the artist, but now talked to by everyone as everyone realizes HS was just HS, 16 years ago it was popularity, now it's about being an actual grown up!
I had a lot of embarrassing and painful high school moments. However, one bright spot in my high school career was making the chorus of the school's annual musical. I had the best time being part of that group: the rehearsals, my family coming to watch and the cast parties (bowling alleys, pizza, dancing) after. I will always remember that time because it was one of the few where I really felt like I belonged.
I went to two different schools in my HS year. At my first one (the one I went to my whole school career) I was a victim of relational aggression (commonly known as bullying). Going to school with those girls was hard- some days I just wished to be anywhere else. During this time- girls were not known as "bullies"- and our teachers were ill-equipped to handle the situation. Finally, my 10th grade year I switched to a different school. I was worried the same things would happen- but it was great. My senior year I was voted on to the homecoming court and I had a great group of friends. Things I would never have had had I kept on at the first school.
Relational aggression is real and it hurts. Happily enough, my story did have a silver lining- but there are still days that I feel sadness for that girl I used to be. However, going through the situation made me stronger in the end.
High school was typical, big emotions that mean nothing once grown up :)
Man, high school was an emotional roller coaster. I felt connected, yet disconnected. I felt happy and sad. I felt like I wanted to get and stay put at the same time. I watched my friends change and shy become brave. I stood up to bullies and spoke my mind. I cherished it, but the memories have faded over time. It was a blur, but it made its mark! Man, high school is rough!
I am a new follower.
Emily Lewis AKA Mrs Mommy Booknerd
Mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews at gmail dot com
Senior year was the best because I learned so much about myself. I became so much more confident, met my best friend, and instead of going to prom my mom took me to Maine where we had the BEST weekend. My proudest moment was that I was awarded the best all around female scholarship and got to go to college in Chicago!
Eloisepeaches
All I'm gonna say about highschool is it was the 80's...which were AWESOME!!!!! School wasn't awesome...but the 80's WERE!! LOL!! That's all I got. '87 forever! :)
Nan XO
I worked hard on the decorating committee for Homecoming my senior year but did not have a date. So, I decided to go alone. My dear, sweet Dad bought me a beautiful corsage and dropped me off at the dance and picked me up afterwards. The Homecoming Dance was really fun, and I do not regret going.
I didn't do proms or homecoming dances either. For one homecoming, I decided to go on a date with a guy who also had no intention in going. I didn't like many guys at our school, but this guy was "ok" - I knew it wouldn't be more than a night of haunted houses (that's what we decided to do).
The night was awkward - I thought I was going to get kidnapped (we were in a bad part of town for the haunted houses), and he obviously felt more strongly about the evening than I did (I honestly had no idea). Anyway...the night ended. I hurried out of the car quickly before he tried to kiss me and hoped that would be the end. NOPE - he decided to start telling people that I slept with him...UH NO!!! I was angry beyond belief and very embarrassed. As quite an aggressive/hot tempered teen I came very close to boxing him out - OH I was so mad.
Eventually it died off and I have no idea what people believed...and decided I didn't care. One incident among many in my life that have lead me to know that it truly doesn't matter what other people believe or think about you...in the end those who love me know what I've done or haven't and I'm good with that.
I asked the cutest boy in school to homecoming and to my surprise he said YES! But the day before the dance he stopped me in the hall and told me he was sick and couldn't go. Then, I found out he went with one of the popular girls. I was crushed! :(
kelliescamera at gmail dot com
I was asked to go to my junior prom by a guy I had a huge crush on (who just broke up with his girlfriend), then a couple of weeks before prom, he got back together with his girlfriend, and went with her. Luckily, a friend of mine asked me, and I had a great time, though I gave stink eyes to the guy who originally asked me :)
And even though I didn't like his girlfriend back then, we're now friends!
I asked a guy to my senior prom and he said no. We were just friends but I thought we'd have fun. I didn't have another date or option so I took my best friend. She attended another high school so she prettied up and went with me.
Carly H
Post a Comment