I do think that I liked the movie more, however, I also think that the last 20 pages of this book made up for every "eh" feeling I had previously. There's something so incredibly impactful about Sam's speech to Charlie that got me in the movie and in the book. While watching the movie, I hadn't been expecting what Sam would say, about how Charlie let things happen to him, about doing what you want in life and not going with what everyone wanted of you. And somehow, even though I'd seen the movie before reading it, I had forgotten what Sam said to him, and was surprised all over again at the end. I had been just as complicit in Charlie's sadness. And...I dunno, but there's something about realizing you have to do what you want in life and enjoy it and everything that really resonates with me.

I know this book is old. I know it's flawed. I know the epistolary format didn't work for me as well. I know I was bored at times. But I also know that this is one of those books that I am never, ever going to forget, even if I never have the emotional strength to reread it.

That's all, I guess.

I don't think I need to recommend this book to anyone because I'm pretty sure I'm the last person on earth to read it, but if you haven't, then yeah, I definitely recommend it.

(I am now also learning that John Green really did rip off Stephen Chbosky's writing style hmm)

-Book Hugger