The Genesis

Posted byToviaPosted inArticlesTags:, , , ,

I present to you, my heart in words.
Wallflowers are generally known for blending in, telling the stories of others and hoarding secrets if Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower is any indication. I’ve read said novel twice and had to use double the amount of tissue the second time. Fortunately, the amount of tissue consumed wasn’t the only thing that changed; my whole conception of who exactly the wallflower is changed as well. At first try, I read the book as a sponge and absorbed every detail in between, furious at Stephen for painting the wallflower in such light ‘a bystander in his own life’ and despite my being in denial I knew I was a wallflower as much as Charlie was hence my thoughts:

How dare Stephen?

What exactly gave him the right?

How dare he insinuate that wallflowers don’t have stories?

I was convinced that the wallflower could tell you tales of time itself but had no sense of being; always struggling to find where he truly belonged, a feeling I knew all too well and so I was perplexed. I wanted a story, to belong somewhere, participate and stand for something and this fueled my hurt.
On second try, I read this book skimming through the words without the filter of my wound and so I was able to have a clearer understanding. You see, Charlie might not have been involved. He might’ve lived a nearly invisible life, carrying with him the secrets of one too many people but then here’s the catch; This story wasn’t Sam’s; the subject of Charlie’s unrequited love neither was it aunt Helen’s; Charlie’s aunt and favorite person who battled demons of her own and left Charlie with scars of his own. It was and will forever remain Charlie’s story, the wallflower does have a story after all.

Dear Stephen,
I don’t hate you so much anymore, I’d consider us friends now but I don’t like to get ahead of myself though I must say that I now understand why this book bears the title The Perks of Being a Wallflower against all odds.

Your friend,

Tovia.

Sitting on my bed that Friday night, the idea for this blog was born. So I urge you to join me as I write my story; the wallflower’s story. Expect the raw unpolished and threadbare pieces of my heart, I promise you it’s all rainbows and sunshine (or do I)

Quoted above is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite people.
If you’ve read this book or watched the movie, please share your thoughts, favorite quotes and just about anything with me in the comment section, I’ll be looking forward to it.

Remember,

There’s strength in vulnerability.

Do have an amazing day.

20 thoughts on “The Genesis”

  4. Apparently I’m not a fan of reading novels or stuffs like that but I found myself scrolling. I’m really intrigued babe. Nice one☺

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  6. “We accept the love we think deserve”. That’s definitely my favorite quote. Can’t wait to read more posts💜

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  8. Fortunately, the amount of tissue consumed wasn’t the only thing that changed; my whole conception of who exactly the wallflower is changed as well….. how do you feel now?

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    1. I was able to understand that being a wallflower doesn’t rob you of the privilege of having your own story, you can still participate and you can make things happen for you. The perks of being a wallflower is Charlie’s story afterall and so if Charlie the Wallflower can have a story, what stops the next Wallflower from doing so?

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  10. Pingback: 31/12/20 – Chronicles of a wallflower

  11. In vulnerability lies great courage. I loved reading your honest insight on this book. I haven’t read the book yet but I’ve watched the movie. And ever since I wanted to discuss it with someone who can relate to it as deeply as I did then. Glad, I found a this blog.

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