The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

What is it like to be a wallflower? For Charlie, the socially awkward freshman student, being a wallflower means something, more of an identity to him and being a wallflower has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Stephen Chbosky explores life in this really different and brand new experience. An epistolary, The Perks of Being a Wallflower reminds readers the importance of true friendship, family and the true meaning of love without any label.

Charlie is a wallflower. He’s a really gifted kid, however, fitting in as a freshman seems to be hard, especially that his best friend just committed suicide prior to the events of the book. He explores the different aspects of life, love and even drugs, sex and homosexuality through various experiences and literary allusions from movies, plays and music albums. Together with his new bestfriends, Sam and Patrick, Charlie will be able to experience the most out of being a wallflower.

When I was reading the book, I found it weird at first. The character of Charlie seems to be really weird and sometimes, I can’t picture the things he is doing like randomly crying or really reading a book more than enough and more things like that. However, I simply can’t put the book down. There’s something in Stephen’s words that allowed me to really immerse into every chapters. It is a fun read and you’ll simply love how Stephen manufactured this great story.

For those people who loves reading, you can’t just simply miss this book.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

What is it like to catch a star? Nearly impossible but not completely impossible. At least for Tristran Thorn, the main protagonist of the book. And because the love of his life is in stake for this, he’ll do anything just to get back the fallen star. Written by acclaimed author, Neil Gaiman, Stardust will bring fantasy to everyone’s heart in a way so unique and amazing.

Tristran Thorn is courting Victoria Forester. And when she asked for the fallen star in exchange for her yes, Tristran had no doubts. What’s interesting about this book is how this journey will transform Tristran’s life. Aside from the fallen star that Tristran will meet, he’ll be able to meet the ghosts of the murdered sons of a legendary king and even three evil witches who hunt, too, for the star.

I enjoyed how Neil Gaiman has put all the twists and plot in the book. You can notice how short the novel was but you’ll be amazed to find that the subplots of the book, including the witches, the pirates and the murdered sons, are all connected. What I enjoyed the most probably was the ending – how everything got connected and how every conflict got fixed.

Stardust is one magnificent work of art. And though full of fantasy and mystery, an adult would surely enjoy it too as it tells a story similar to what is happening to the society. An epic work of art and really a must-read.