If you guys haven't already read part 1 of this post, I highly suggest that you read that first before reading this. If you haven't read the book yet, then I suggest you do that as well. Lol. There are major spoilers. Now, if you've read both (or don't care about the spoilers for the book) then I hope you enjoy reading the parts of this book that really made me reflect on life. I always said that this book reminded me of a modern day The Catcher in the Rye (even though I definitely hated that book in high school. Lol.).
The style of writing, the letter format, the ending...Was I the only one who couldn't spot the plot twist? Either way, the story and the writing are what made this book special for me. I 10/10 recommend. Now let's get into the quotes: "I think it's bad when a boy looks at a girl and thinks that the way he sees the girl is better than the girl actually is. And I think it's bad when the most honest way a boy can look at a girl is through a camera. It's very hard for me to see Sam feel better about herself just because an older boy sees her that way." "...the scientists found out was that the rat of mouse would out up with a lot more voltage for the pleasure. Even for the food." (This concept was interesting to me because it makes you realize that even for animals, where their survival is based on pure instinct, happiness in life holds more value than even survival. Things such as money, (food for the rats) a steady job, etc. don't matter if you're not enjoying the life you're living, even the little things. Imagine if we chose pleasure all the time?) Thoughts: Charlie says he wants to be anonymous but the first thing he mentions is the death of his friend "Michael" by the cause of suicide. Since it was such a huge event at his school doesn't he think who he's writing to will know who he is since she was there? December 21, 1991 -after he read the poem- "And I think they knew." "And I think that's all you can ever ask from a friend." (Looking back on this quote I can't help but think what did they know? Did they know about Helen?) Thoughts: December 26, 1991 What happens to him after he found out Aunt Helen died? "I would die for you, but I won't live for you." (I love this.) "I think the idea that every person has to live for his or her own life and then make the choice to share it with other people. Maybe that is what makes people "participate."" (…And this.) "I just want you to know that you're very special...and the only reason I'm telling you is that I don't know if anyone else ever has." "I think that should be the tradition. The kid gets gifts from everybody, and he buys one present for his mom since she was there, too. I think that would be nice." (I love his use of simple words to describe an emotion so deep. "nice".) "...called me a "teacher's pet" in the hallway after Bill's class, but I didn't mind because I think he missed the point somewhere." (I wish I even had simple words to describe this emotion.) "It's strange the times people choose to be generous." "Remember when we all felt infinite?" (The first time it was said had an impact but when this was said and the "remember" is what hit me. There was nostalgia for such a glorious moment in his life but also so much pain and longing.) "I just remember walking between them and feeling for the first time that I belonged somewhere." (I love that feeling. That feeling of "I love you", "I love me", "I love this life" because this makes me feel ALIVE.) "I thought that your being sad was much more important to me than Craig not being your boyfriend anymore. And if that meant that I would never get to think of you that way, as long as you were happy, it was okay. That's when I realized I really loved you." (What is love? Is it this like he described? Is it what Sam told him it really was? How do you know?) "If somebody likes me, I want them to like the real me, not what they think I am. And I don't want them to carry it around inside. I want them to be able to do whatever they want around me. And if they do something I don't like, I'll tell them." (Authenticity.) "I wasn't being honest. So, why would I care whether or not he loved me when he didn't even really know me?" (Sadness.) "I'm going to be who I really am. And I'm going to figure out what that is." (We all have those moments. The journey never ends. We continue to grow.) "But right now I'm here with you. And I want to know where you are, what you need, and what you want to do." (We all need people like this.) "I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn't try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have." (Being a good person can have a long lasting impression on someone, no matter how small.) Thoughts: I wonder if her life changed after getting these letters. I hope she read them. "And I was really there. And that was enough to make me feel infinite." Until Next Time! With love, Arianna
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Wallflower (Noun)- a person who has no one to dance with or who feels shy, awkward, or excluded at a party.
[wol-flour] Do you guys like my made up pronunciation of the word? I thought it was pretty clever. Lol. Anyways... I am not a wallflower, and I'm glad for that I guess, but I do think that any modern day teenager can relate to some of the thoughts and emotions Charlie was feeling in this book. I'm writing about this book because this book meant so much to me when I read it. I didn't know how much of a tough time I was having until I finished the book at two o'clock in the morning and I was just...numb. But I'm learning to be more vulnerable with the world and trusting with myself which is why I'm sharing my thoughts on here with you. And I'm learning to trust myself to handle my emotions and allowing people in to help me with the things I can't do on my own. Aside from that, Perks of a Wallflower inspired me to write. It inspired passion and emotion and creativity. When you go through these growing pains, as I like to call them-when you begin to question your confidence and your identity- I feel like books like this one are the books you need that will bring you to that dark place of self reflection. It will help you discover what you need. I needed to confide in someone in that moment, and the next day I did. I've never felt better. But my journey isn't over. Maybe one day I'll be able to share all of it with you guys but for right now I appreciate the constant support of always sticking by me and reading whatever midnight thoughts fly through my brain. I'm at college right now, learning how HARD it really is and I really love it here but I'm not 100%. It has nothing to do with the place or the people but just because of me. I'm trying though, and I know I'll get there eventually but a professor of mine recently told me that I've always been confident because I've never had a moment where I've needed to challenge that confidence. Who am I really? And the truth is, I don't know. I'm trying to learn that that's okay. I've been giving some pretty not-so-subtle hints about my struggle with mental health through my Instagram so definitely follow me on there, but college is teaching me that this part of my life is a new, fresh start and I get to chose who I want to be, so I refuse to waste it. As a result, I've made a list. Four steps to emotional success: 1. Have a good cry at least once a week. (Preferably with someone close to me so I can learn that it's okay to trust people who care for you.) 2. Confide in someone close to you. (I need to learn that it's okay to be vulnerable because the lack thereof will only make it hard for me to build real, genuine relationships and I don't want to live my life like this.) 3. Take a chance. (I need to take emotional risks and fail if I ever want to gain my confidence back.) 4. Go to therapy. (This is an idea I've already committed to and I'm very excited and nervous. But I know I can't do everything on my own so, it's time to go to a professional.) 5. Try something new every week (Whether it be yoga, working out, running, throwing karaoke and movie night in my dorm, I have to allow myself to take advantage of how great life is because it's phenomenal.) These are four tips I wrote for myself but if you're going through anything I highly encourage making a list of your own or using mine to help you through your journey. Just know that doing everything alone only makes you lonely. And even if you're not going through anything right now, you can never be too confident or self-assured. Let yourself be 100% authentic and real with your emotions. Treat them as a part of you, don't shun or turn them away. Embrace them and they'll only help you grow more strong in the long run. So, I realize I've been talking to you guys for awhile now and you're probably tired of reading by now so stayed tuned for PART 2. That's where I'll share all the quotes and paragraphs I absolutely adored from this book. Until Next Time! With love, Arianna |
AuthorI'm an 21 year old girl who lives in NY. I love to read and write and fashion is my life. Follow me to find out more! Archives
January 2023
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