What are "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" ?

For no reason at all, while browsing for a book to read at the library, I came across this book. The librarian told me that it was a great book. I told her that I have already watched the movie and I am just curious if the book is the same as the movie. I have watched the movie once, out of curiosity as well. From a list of the greatest movie for 2012, The Perks of Being a Wallflower came into number fourteen.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower was written by Stephen Chbosky, who also directed the film. The story is about an introverted and intelligent boy in the name of "Charlie" and his life in his first year in high school. The story also depicts the lives of high school students - the struggle to be popular, being an outcast, parties, drugs and sex. 

The story was told by Charlie in the form that he was writing letters to an unknown recipient - narrating his life, his first day in high school, how he loss his friend Michael, how he met Patrick and Sam, how he learn to smoke, began addicted to drugs, his first girlfriend - Mary Elizabeth and how his pasts haunts him. Charlie was tagged by Sam as a wallflower, during a party after a football game, upon learning that Charlie has no other friends.This is the start of Charlie being a part of the group of Sam and Patrick which is composed of senior students. And since, he is an introvert and tagged as a wallflower, nobody in his family have the slightest idea that he was sexually molested by his aunt, that he did drugs, and he smokes.

In the epilogue, Charlie was admitted to a mental institution when he was flooded with memories of his Aunt Helen, and emotions that he have suppressed for a long-time. While at the institution, family and friends visits him helping in his fast recovery.

Aside from setting awareness in the problem of teens, the book also introduces readers with other literature classics (books Charlie's teacher assigns him to read) and songs (mixtapes that Charlie makes). Here are some of the books that was mentioned in the story:

- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- Naked Lunch by William Burroughs
- Walden by Henry David Thoreau
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Some of the music mentioned in the book are:

- Asleep by The Smiths
- Where Eagles Dare by The Misfits
- Dear Prudence by The Beatles
- Scarborough Fair by Simon and Garfunkel
- Heroes by David Bowie
- MLK by U2
- Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole
- Something by The Beatles
- Blackbird by The Beatles
- Daydream by The Smashing Pumpkin
- Broken Wings by Mr. Mister

This is one of the famous quote from the movie that I think everyone can relate to. This was said to Charlie by his teacher while telling him that his sister was hurt by his boyfriend.

" We accept the love we think we deserve.”

Note: Picture credit from the site below:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lshdgsC7D91qav9ywo1_500.jpg

Pardon me for borrowing the pictures, I was not able to take a picture of the book that I borrowed from the library.

A Second Visit to Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove is becoming a go-to vacation place in Zambales. My first visit was in June of 2010 and because I was awed by it's beauty, I returned to the Cove last December 2012.

Anawangin Cove

going to Anawangin Cove

Anawangin is best known by it's white sands that is like Boracay and the pine-like trees lining along the shores. It's like Boracay and Baguio rolled into one place. Also, one of the best thing about Anawangin is the tranquility it offers. Being away from commercialism, one can enjoy every little things that nature can give.

From the fishing village of Pundaquit, you can hire a banca that will bring you to Anawangin. It's a 45 to 60 minute ride. The ride can be relaxing that it will make you feel sleepy. But don't dare close your eyes you might miss seeing some of  nature's beauty like a school of fish simultaneously jumping out of the water, the lighthouse on top of Capones Island, the beautiful cloud formation on a clear sky and the wonderful rock formations. If you don't like  a boat ride, you can hire a guide that will help you take a hike at the mountain.

passing by a rock formation

Aside from the usual beach bumming, one can enjoy trailing the mountains, put up a campsite, and become nature's survivor in an instant. As Anawangin is far from commercialism, you should bring the basic necessity like food, water, towels, and toiletries. Though there is a store, the price is expensive. There is a common comfort room but there is no shower, you must use a bucket and dipper.

the cottages

the wooden bridge

Although Anawangin is becoming a popular beach destination, during my two visits, the place is not as crowded as the other beaches that I have gone too. Activities are limitless when there are only few people on the beach. There is non-stop photo-ops, games, non-stop swimming, it's like you can do anything you want. 

Unlike my first visit, where we swim at the beach of the cove, this time we went hiking at the mountain just beside the beach. There is a path to follow in climbing the mountain; and this path is slippery. My advice, don't climb the mountain after you swim or wallow at the water. 

And in here we truly appreciate the beauty of the place. 

the view from the top

at the other side of Anawangin Cove

How to get there:

1. Ride a victory liner bus bound to Iba, Zambales (php 375.00)
2. From Iba, Zambales ride a tricycle that will bring you to Pundaquit.
3. Hire a boat to take you to Pundaquit (Php 2,000.00 negotiable)

Important Things to Bring:

1. food
2. lots of water
3. tent, blankets, towels (for camp-goers)
4. sun block lotion and anti-mosquito lotion (for camp-goers)
5. matches, lighter, flashlight (for camp-goers)
6. camera
7. toiletries