The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Audiobook Review
In The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky crafts an epistolary memoir giving voice to the anxieties and joys of adolescence. Narrated tenderly by Noah Galvin, the audiobook brings these themes of trauma, sexuality and first love vibrantly to life.
Told through the eyes of introspective teenager Charlie, listeners gain insight into his mental health challenges as he navigates high school in the early 1990s. Galvin perfectly inhabits Charlie’s quirky yet profound perspective, highlighting complexities residing “on the wall” and observing peers. Letters to an unknown recipient highlight Charlie finding solace in books and music.
When befriended by thoughtful seniors Patrick and Sam, Charlie experiences love’s intoxicating qualities while confronting sorrow’s wounds. Galvin ensures each character resonates profoundly as they carve spaces for Charlie among high school’s superficialities. Memorable vignettes leave imprints examining sexuality’s fluidity and mental illness’ stigmatization with empathy.
Since publishing, The Perks of Being a Wallflower widely resonated among diverse readers for normalising adolescent pains society oft marginalises. Galvin nurtures a haven where the vulnerability comes across, amplifying Chbosky’s ode to compassion’s power to heal even the deepest traumas.
For any listener reflecting on self-discovery, The Perks of Being a Wallflower brought unforgettably to life by Galvin offers comfort that even the most sensitive souls find places of belonging by opening hearts to understand each other.
The success of The Perks of Being a Wallflower novel led to it being adapted into a film in 2012, starring Emam Watson the budding young actress from the Harry Potter films.
