I saw the movie when I was in my teens and I am reading the book now that I am well into my adulthood. And even though it is a coming of age story, I am able to appreciate this after coming into age. 

I like how the story really came into its own. I really love sweet sensitive Charlie and how he feels things and tells people that he loves them with all his honesty. He sees and observes and understands. It was gut wrenching to see him navigate this world with all his thoughts and fears but equally heartwarming to see people coming together to help him understand the world a little bit better. I keep on saying how hard it is being a teenager. There’s so much we discover while growing up and making mistakes - how to choose our friends, what we are learning from them, who to put up with, self esteem and how it affects our relationship etc etc. This life is difficult to live but if you are born into the right family, make good friends and right choices, I think it gets a little bit easier.