Emma Watson reveals the book “Perks of Being a Wallflower” director gave her as a graduation gift
Emma Watson is sharing the sweet graduation gift that she received from Perks of Being a Wallflower writer and director Stephen Chbosky.
As part of Vogue's recurring "What's In My Bag" segment, the Harry Potter actress showcased some of the items that she's packed for an upcoming trip to London. Tucked in amongst her collection of personal diaries — and a whole array of Zicam nasal swabs — was a limited edition copy of T. S. Eliot's poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, which she revealed Chbosky gave her after she graduated from Brown University in 2014.
"Actually, this copy has an inscription in it from Steve Chbosky who I did the Perks of Being A Wallflower with," Watson explained. "And it's so sweet the note that he wrote, so I have to read it."
"For Emma on her graduation. These words by T.S. Eliot are forever. So is your passion for learning, for living, for literature," Chbosky wrote on its opening page. "I couldn't be happier or prouder of you for this accomplishment. You inspire me everyday. Please enjoy this limited edition for an unlimited life."
The writer concluded his inscription with the words, "You, my dear Sam, are infinite," a nod to Watson's character in the 2012 film and one of its most popular lines: "And in that moment, I swear we were infinite."
Watson appeared touched by Chbosky's words after reading them aloud. "I mean, that…" she trailed off. "He's just the nicest man in the world. Inscriptions in books is my favorite thing."
Everett Collection Emma Watson in 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'
Based on Chbosky's 1999 novel of the same name, The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows the shy Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he embarks on his freshman year of high school after being recently discharged from a mental health institution. Along the way, he befriends senior Patrick (Ezra Miller) and his step-sister Sam, who he quickly begins crushing on.
In addition to Chbosky's gift, Watson also packed a copy of Kevin Kelly's recent novel Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I'd Known Earlier, which she acknowledged was "a little battered" around the edges, and a Kindle too.
A noted avid reader, Watson has a history of recommending books that she's enjoyed to her fanbase and created Our Shared Shelf, an intersectional feminist book club, in 2016.
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