Spoonie Reads discussion

This is the official thread for discussion of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Guided discussion will begin June 1, but for today feel free to discuss any feelings you may have about the book, movie, or anything related to the two. No spoilers, please, as not everyone has read the book.

I am excited to reread this book. First time I read itI was a freshman in hs before I got cancer and I have a hard time remembering life before cancer.

I enjoyed the movie but I don't remember the book so this will be nice.

My library (which is a huge database, not a small local library) doesn't have this book in any form...anyone else find this odd? Any ideas on where to "rent" it from ideally for kindle use, I would love to read this along with y'all!

I can't find it on my library either, I can't find it to borrow anywhere. I don't want to buy it because I am afraid I won't like it.

I did find this site where you can read it online

http://www.readfreeonline.net/OnlineB...

That's really odd that your libraries don't have it! I mean, it's definitely a YA classic, and since the movie came out recently... Weird.

I agree, i was surprised. Will keep looking or will probably ultimately just end up buying it if no other option.

Looking forward to rereading this one! I haven't read it since long before watching the movie!

I just read the review and could relate to the last thought - that living life on the sidelines offers a unique perspective but it's time to get on the dance floor.

For many of us that's not possible - I guess the key is figuring out a different way to dance.

Pretty sure I have a digital copy either in ePub or PDF one, if anybody needs it. Just shoot me an email and I can give you a Dropbox link. [email protected]

That's nice of you, Devin!

Devin wrote: "Pretty sure I have a digital copy either in ePub or PDF one, if anybody needs it. Just shoot me an email and I can give you a Dropbox link. [email protected]"

do you know if either of those versions can be downloaded onto a kindle paperwhite?

Will wrote: "Devin wrote: "Pretty sure I have a digital copy either in ePub or PDF one, if anybody needs it. Just shoot me an email and I can give you a Dropbox link. [email protected]"

do you know if eith..."

you can, you just have to convert it using calibre
How to convert

I can't believe people are having a hard time finding the book! My library had three copies of it! Thanks for sharing, Devin.

Brittie wrote: "Will wrote: "Devin wrote: "Pretty sure I have a digital copy either in ePub or PDF one, if anybody needs it. Just shoot me an email and I can give you a Dropbox link. [email protected]"

do you..."
I have no idea how Calibre works, but I use ePub format just fine of my Kindle Fire and my phone with the Overdrive app. Just open the file it if my Dropbox and t automatically loads into it! Overdrive is pretty compatable with most devices I've found, but I can't speak for papetwhite.

ePub, Calibre, Overdrive app, Dropbox - I can tell I'm one of the less computer literate oldsters of the group. :-). My library had copies of the book, audio version, movie and movie soundtrack....

Betsy wrote: "ePub, Calibre, Overdrive app, Dropbox - I can tell I'm one of the less computer literate oldsters of the group. :-). My library had copies of the book, audio version, movie and movie soundtrack...."

it is okay Betsy.
ePub is a type of ebook
Dropbox is a place to share and download files
Calibre is a program to convert your ebooks
Overdrive app is the digital library app for your phone

Has anyone started the book?

Brittie wrote: "Has anyone started the book?"

I read it several times over the past few years and glazed over my highlights to make sure I was fresh for any chats here. You were rereading it as well, Brittie? I'm trying to decide how differently I feel about it (because I certainly feel different about it now than when I was 15, or 18, or whatever).

The first time, I loved it so much. It resonated with every ounce of me.

The second time, I was first starting college. I enjoyed it, but didn't feel that intense reverence for it like the first time. Now I look back, and appreciate it for what it is, and what it was to me, but I can't say I enjoy it as much now. I guess I have enough hindsight now to almost be sad for myself that it resonated so much with me back then. Same with plenty of other lonely or self destructive fiction I used to love. I don't want to relate to that anymore, I want to forget those years. It was actually really painful and triggering to just skim, because all of the hurt that kind of encapsulated me at that time came flooding back. It was really hard, I don't regret going through this, but it wasn't easy at all. I'm kind of proud of myself for rereading it, and processing that I HAVE moved past that, and that things are different now. It's cathartic, really. I hope. Maybe just trying to shake off the weirdness.

I still have favorite quotes and sections marked, and as one liners I still love them. I remember writing the "infinite" quote on my bedroom wall in sharpie in high school, long before tumblr hipsters had it plastered on every faded scenic landscape photo. There is a lot of really profound insight and clarity of what high school is really like, in my experience. It will always be a really powerful work to me.

Yes, I reread this week.

The first time, I also loved it so much, I was a freshman. I related to it so much.

This time, it was just okay. I want to forget my past, too. It wasn't a great time for me and reading Perks of Being a Wallflower brought up high school memories for me. I even remember where I was when I was reading it.

My favorite thing in the book was the poem.

I think I prefer the movie over the book now, but the book is still good. I just don't have the same feeling about it.

I guess that is what people mean when they say "_____ ruined their childhood."

Brittie wrote: "Yes, I reread this week.

The first time, I also loved it so much, I was a freshman. I related to it so much.

This time, it was just okay. I want to forget my past, too. It wasn't a great time fo..."

I was really impressed with the movie version as well, it was very good but different enough from how I pictured the book that I don't think of them as the same story, almost.

I read it late in high school or maybe just after, but I didn't relate at all to it then. I had my troubles then but I was never shy, and I went to a tiny, wonderful, boarding school which was just heaven for a weird, creative kid like me.

I'm a little afraid I'll relate to it more now! I am going to try to read it this month but I'm going to finish a few other things before I start it.

I completely understand!

Books can be scary to read ,sometimes. It took me a year to read TFIOS because I was afraid it would bring up bad memories.

The BOTM is optional because of that reason. This is a laid back book club. So whenever you are ready.

Started reading this yesterday. Downloaded it on iBooks and it didn't work so will have to get my money back on that but found it for free online.

I'm finding it a bit difficult to get into as I saw the film first and the characters are a lot more different to that than I was expecting.

I just got back from the honeymoon, so I'm just now starting my reread- sorry I disappeared on everyone like that! So far I don't like it as much as I remembered, but I feel like I almost never like books as much the second time, so we'll see!

Brittany wrote: "I just got back from the honeymoon, so I'm just now starting my reread- sorry I disappeared on everyone like that! So far I don't like it as much as I remembered, but I feel like I almost never lik..."

It seems like that is how it always is for me. Rereading. When we read books when we are younger, our interests and priorities have changed.

I loved this book as a high schooler but now that I am older ,I find that my priorities have changed.

How is everyone doing so far with the book? Did you read it? Rent it, Borrow it, Buy it? Almost done? Don't want to read it? Thoughts?