I decided that since I really like reading books and often am very appreciative of them (or at least parts of them) I'd start doing short book reviews of sorts. Just some of my thoughts on my past literary consumptions. So for starters, here's the latest of the books I've read:
The Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Reason:
I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie, it was short so it didn't seem like it would be too tough to do.
Thoughts:
I thought this book was pretty good. I enjoyed getting a taste of a random someone's introspective thoughts, as if a stranger was opening up to me about anything and everything in life and how they felt about it. It reminded me that people are unique and alike, all at the same time.
I appreciate how the book isn't cliche. It isn't a love story although it does contain love. And even though it does contain love, it isn't the cliche love that seems to be marketed so hard in the society of today. It's a selfless, enduring, friendship kind of love and I appreciate that. It contrasts the differences of having your back to the wall or being in the center of the party.
There are a few things in this book that I wouldn't do or say are okay, but they are real life things that happen and although I personally wasn't offended by them, some people would be.
I have read books that I believe would be much better movie material than this one and yet, this was made into a movie and those haven't (yet). I haven't seen the movie and I don't know if I will (I probably eventually will), but I think this is one of those stories that could've just stayed in book form and been fine.
Favorite Quote(s):
"Then I turned around and walked to my room and closed the door and put my head under my pillow and let the quiet put things where they are supposed to be."
and now on to...
The Soundtrack:
(Mind you, this is the soundtrack for the movie, not the book). Honestly, I didn't like the soundtrack all too much (note my iffy facial expression in the background). There were two or three songs that actually caught my ear - But a lot of the songs just seemed mediocre for what was going on in the book.
The songs I did like:
Come on Eileen- Dexy's Midnight Runners (probably only because its catchy and familliar).
Asleep-The Smiths
and the song called Charlie's Last Letter which is .... Well, Charlie, reading his last letter with some background music by Michael Brook. But I like it. Even though it's not really a song, I think it captures the essence of the book and the person who is supposed to have written all the letters really well.
A few songs I would've added to the soundtrack had I been in charge (Mostly cause I just really like these songs and I would add them to any soundtrack, but a lot of them I actually think fit the vibe of the book quite well.)
Noises - Mike Mains and the Branches
In A Cave- Tokyo Police Club
July- YOUTH LAGOON
Lady Love - Mike Mains and the Branches
Alive - Margo Margo
No One's Gonna Love You - Band of Horses
Sleep Alone - Two Door Cinema Club
The Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie, it was short so it didn't seem like it would be too tough to do.
Thoughts:
I thought this book was pretty good. I enjoyed getting a taste of a random someone's introspective thoughts, as if a stranger was opening up to me about anything and everything in life and how they felt about it. It reminded me that people are unique and alike, all at the same time.
I appreciate how the book isn't cliche. It isn't a love story although it does contain love. And even though it does contain love, it isn't the cliche love that seems to be marketed so hard in the society of today. It's a selfless, enduring, friendship kind of love and I appreciate that. It contrasts the differences of having your back to the wall or being in the center of the party.
There are a few things in this book that I wouldn't do or say are okay, but they are real life things that happen and although I personally wasn't offended by them, some people would be.
I have read books that I believe would be much better movie material than this one and yet, this was made into a movie and those haven't (yet). I haven't seen the movie and I don't know if I will (I probably eventually will), but I think this is one of those stories that could've just stayed in book form and been fine.
Favorite Quote(s):
"Then I turned around and walked to my room and closed the door and put my head under my pillow and let the quiet put things where they are supposed to be."
and now on to...
The Soundtrack:
(Mind you, this is the soundtrack for the movie, not the book). Honestly, I didn't like the soundtrack all too much (note my iffy facial expression in the background). There were two or three songs that actually caught my ear - But a lot of the songs just seemed mediocre for what was going on in the book.The songs I did like:
Come on Eileen- Dexy's Midnight Runners (probably only because its catchy and familliar).
Asleep-The Smiths
and the song called Charlie's Last Letter which is .... Well, Charlie, reading his last letter with some background music by Michael Brook. But I like it. Even though it's not really a song, I think it captures the essence of the book and the person who is supposed to have written all the letters really well.
A few songs I would've added to the soundtrack had I been in charge (Mostly cause I just really like these songs and I would add them to any soundtrack, but a lot of them I actually think fit the vibe of the book quite well.)
Noises - Mike Mains and the Branches
In A Cave- Tokyo Police Club
July- YOUTH LAGOON
Lady Love - Mike Mains and the Branches
Alive - Margo Margo
No One's Gonna Love You - Band of Horses
Sleep Alone - Two Door Cinema Club