GenX Book Club: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Hosts: Paul Stroessner & Suzanne Mattaboni

In this episode of the GenX Book Club, Paul is joined by fellow GenX writer Suzanne Mattaboni (Once in a Lifetime) for a heartfelt, honest, and occasionally hilarious discussion about The Perks of Being a Wallflower—Stephen Chbosky’s raw and unforgettable coming-of-age story.

We unpack the novel’s unique letter-based format and how it allows us to experience Charlie’s inner world with startling intimacy. Then we turn to the film adaptation—talking about the pitch-perfect cast (hello, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller), the soundtrack that’s pure mixtape magic, and those unforgettable Rocky Horror scenes that made us feel like we were right there in the audience.

And yes, we get into that tunnel scene… Suzanne couldn’t help but slip into full-on mom mode at the sight of Sam standing in the back of a moving pickup truck. (“WHERE ARE THE SEATBELTS?!”)

📚 In this episode:

• Why the book’s format hits so hard

• How the movie lives up to the source material

• GenX reflections on being a "wallflower"

• Rocky Horror, David Bowie, and that tunnel scene

If you’ve ever felt unseen, awkward, or like you were on the outside looking in—this story is for you.

🎧 Press play and relive the feels.

 

More from the GenX Book Club Crew

📖 Suzanne Mattaboni (Author of Once in a Lifetime)
🔹 Get her book anywhere books are sold, including Kindle Unlimited and onceinalifetimenovel.com
🔹 Visit her at suzannemattaboni.com
🔹 Follow Suzanne:

• 📷 Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s
• 🐦 X: @suzmattaboni
• 📘 Facebook: Suzanne Mattaboni

🎙️ Del Roehling (Host of 80s at 8 on 91.1 WEDM FM)
🔹 Tune in to 80s at 8