I feel that it is rare that we get to experience a coming of age story that we can empathize with and really touch our lives in a positive way. In a lot of ways, this is not just the story of Charlie, but also you, me, and the people around us. Haven't we all, even at one point in our lives, felt like we were outcasts and just wanted to find some place that we can say we belong?
Charlie never stood out. He was just that guy who sat by himself and observes people from the outside-- but that was before he met Patrick and Sam, the two best friends anyone could ever hope for. They're a wacky and fun-loving lot, and thanks to them, Charlie in his first ever year in highschool got to a taste of what's it like to 'participate' and experience the time of his life.
The Book and The Movie
I was fortunate enough to have been able to read the book before watching the movie, but I have to say that it wouldn't have mattered very much-- it was such a good adaptation and all the key elements were seamlessly translated into the big screen.
