Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Plot (taken from waterstones.com)

Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is attempting to navigate his way 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. But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. 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. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

Rating 5*- I was given this book as an early Christmas present from my flatmate. We originally went to the cinema to see the film, which I loved. Emma Watson made a break out away from Harry Potter and the whole cast really were suitable for the characters introduced in the book.
I was expecting this novel to be very different to the film, as books usually are. However, what I did not know is the novel was written by a screenwriter and film director.
Being an English student I was surprised to pick out a minor typo of one of the characters names. Although I have not given this novel justice yet, this truly is worth a read. The coming of age story is unique in its plot and heartfelt, after finishing the novel I really do have a different outlook on life and the way in which people actually think and perceive things around them. I guess you become involved in the way you perceive your surroundings but seeing Charlie’s deep thoughts is something you don’t get a feel of with the film. If you loved the film, you really will love the book. But definitely be prepared for some very similar scenes, the film very much sticks to the book.