Hello there and welcome to The Turndog Review: the books I read, reviewed.

I aren’t a professional critic, instead all I offer is my honest opinion into everything I read. However, I do this with a difference, as I don’t only offer my personal views on the Writing, Plot, and Story, but also the Book Cover, Book Marketing, and Author Website.

We live in a modern world where being a writer is different to years gone by, and I feel the whole experience of the book matters. This covers everything from the initial find, the actual read, and everything that follows. Therefore I hope this review not only offers a great insight into the book and author, but also into my own mind and what makes me tick.

So without further ado let’s begin, and today I focus on The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

 

Published: 1999

Read: May 2012

Discovered: Part of the Goodreads May Book Challenge

 

Overview:

I read this book cover to cover. I have never done this before, but I couldn’t put it down. I was having an awful day and hid my head in books. This, quite frankly, was the book perfect book for me to read.

I loved it!

When I first began reading it I wasn’t sure if I would like it. It follows Charlie as he sends letters to a ‘stranger’, discussing his venture into adolescence. He is awkward and slightly un-hinged, and you know there are deeper lying issues that lay within.

Because the entire story is told through letters, I began with a cautious mind.

I needn’t’, though, and eventually you find out what these issues are, and wow is it heartbreaking. Stephen Chbosky creates a most compelling read, and one I feel most people can relate to.

Charlie’s issues are extreme, but the teenage years are tough for most people. It sent me back to this awkward time when I had no idea what I wanted or what my place was.

It’s being made into a movie, but because Stephen is involved, it should remain true to its purpose. If it does, I can’t wait to see it. Plus it has Emma Watson in, which is never a bad thing.

 

The Good:

The voice is the main selling point. It’s awkward and innocent, and this genius/lost teenager offers such an amazing insight into the mind of a troubled boy.

Yeah he cries a lot, and yeah he says some pretty insane things, but what young lad doesn’t?

This is a story that immerses you fully and doesn’t let you turn away. The premise, the nature of the voice, the references to amazing music and ideas… it’s all fantastic!

 

The Bad:

There isn’t much I can say. I’m sat here writing this very sentence, and the only reason I’m doing so is to stall as I think of a negative.

I can’t do it…sorry

 

Book Cover:

I read the paperback and like the cover very much. As an Ebook cover it’s terrible, though.

The font isn’t ideal and the name of the book and author role into one. Yet the colours are good, and the text in the background draws your attention. Like I say, great for the bookshelf, but not for an Ebook.

Attention all Self Published Authors, this is not the kind of cover I’d suggest you mimic.

 

Book Marketing:

When it comes to pretty much no marketing within a book, this is it. A quick bio in the back about the author, some website addresses for the publisher, and yep, that’s it.

However, I’m not too upset. This is literary fiction, and it’s rather arty and angsty. This is the sort of book that will be spread through word of mouth, and its mysterious ways can seriously help.

It reminds me of the movie ‘Brick’, which is one of my all time fave films, and part of my love is how not many people know about it. It’s the sort of thing you discover, rather than have it pushed upon you. I feel this is where the book shines…from a marketing point of view, at least.

In other words, it’s great for hipsters.

 

Author Website & Engagement:

My main gripe is here. I love this book, I really do, but what I’m about to tell you annoyed me…a lot.

After reading all I wanted to do was to email the author. I wanted to say how much I enjoyed it, how it was the perfect read for that particular day, and how I read it cover to cover. So I went online, searched for him, and found no way in reaching out.

No email or Twitter or Blog. And it’s for this reason why even big authors need to reach out. Because I can tell you, there are people like me each day looking to connect with the people they love. When you can’t, it’s annoying as hell.

I wasn’t even bothered about receiving a reply (although it would be nice), merely a means to let him know my love for his work. I’m sure I could unearth his email with enough research, but I shouldn’t have to do this. It should be there. Even if it’s one dedicated to fans sending him thanks and questions. Even if it’s one he never replies to. Give people an option to care for Gods sake!

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I love this book. Stephen’s lack of engagement really annoys me, but I can’t take it away from the amazingness of the read. This review isn’t all about the story or writing, but even with a huge faux pas like this, it still remains great. I have little more to say, other than to give it…

                   5 Turndogs out of 5

 

Thanks for reading this version of The Turndog Review. I review every book I read, not only for the writing, but the marketing, website, and general communication from the author.

Turndog Millionaire – @turndog_million