Stephen Chbosky was there to sign books and introduce the movie! I first read Perks when I was a sophomore in high school and immediately fell in love with Charlie, the main character. Seeing the story on the big screen was such an awesome experience. This is a bit embarrassing but I pretty much cried the entire last half of the film. There are some really emotional parts through the end that overwhelmed the entire audience (no really, everyone was sniffling!). Stephen both wrote the screenplay and directed it, and it definitely made a difference. I may go as far as to say this is the best book to film adaptation I've ever seen.
I've always thought this novel would be great to teach in a high school class. Sure, it has some controversial/suggestive topics, but nothing that the typical high school won't experience. It addresses adolescent and universal issues in a really creative way through a down-to-earth character to whom we can all relate. I guarantee you will love this movie.
So jealous of this! I can't wait to go see the movie since I love the book as well.If I could get it approved, I would definitely choose to use it in my classroom
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing it myself. Did you get to meet Stephen?
ReplyDeleteYes we did! We actually got to see him a second time the following day because he showed up the Rocky Horror Picture Show. My friends and I always go, but seeing him there was awesome, especially because it was the theater where they filmed the Rocky scenes in the movie!
DeleteThis is one of my favorite books of all time! I believe that it is one of the most honest portrayals of young adults. It kills me that it is considered a “banned” book due to its content. I think that books with controversial material are often the ones that can be used to teach what cannot be taught in the classroom; life.
ReplyDeleteI also love Rocky Horror! I went with my friends when we were in high school and I made some of my best memories at that theater. It really is a place for outcasts to feel part of something greater and for wallflowers to break out and be heard. Well, and a great excuse to throw bread at a movie screen!