Xavier High SchoolA & E12

Freshman Iman Juenger

Who’s in the hallway?

Maddie SmithA&E Editor

Q: How would you best describe yourself in three words?A: “Tori’s little brother.”

Q: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be

and why?A: “Reading minds so I could tell

what others think about me.”

Perks of Being a Wallflower

Cedar Rapids spectacle shines againPayton Janney

A&E Writer

Meghan GerkeA&E Writer

A: “A panda, because I’m black, white and Asian.”

After watching the movie Perks of Being a Wallflower which was released on September 21, 2012 and based on Stephen Chbosky’s bestselling novel, I knew I had to get the novel at the local bookstore. The way the movie enhances the characters’ personalities and follows the book layout is astonishing. The flow of the easy to read text allowed me to read a 200 page book in only three days.

The novel focuses on a number of high school students who are struggling to make a change in their lives. Charlie is only a freshman and he has suffered a lot already in his life. At the start of high school, he decides to participate in school activities and to make new friends. Sam is a senior who has a reputation and is ready to put that behind her and start fresh. Her step brother Patrick is bursting at the seams to show the real him. The three best friends struggle with being accepted and finally decide to embrace the way of the wallflower by not caring what people think of them.

The book takes the readers into the world of Charlie. Charlie is writing to his “friend” and tells this person every thought he has ever felt. Along with Sam and Patrick, this friend is the only one keeping him away from the “dark” but no matter how hard Charlie tries, the dark is still there. As the pieces of Charlie’s life come together, Chbosky hits the readers with a BAM, a twist that made my jaw drop. The dark catches up with Charlie and holds on tight. Chbosky lets us feel every emotion of the characters so I felt like I was

feeling what Charlie was experiencing. Although the book was serious

and dealt with the real issues of an American teenager, I often found myself laughing into the pages of the New York Times Best seller. Patrick’s witty jokes lighten an otherwise intense mood and the three friends together “click,” making their everyday conversations funny and interesting.

I would give Perks of Being a Wallflower five out of five stars. This is a book for all ages and hits the heart in just the right spot. This book was psychologically thrilling and overall amazing. Perks of Being a Wallflower has romance, tragedy, wonderful taste in ‘90s music, and a relatable journey.

On November 3, the Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids reopened its doors for the first time since it was flooded in 2008.

The Paramount has been one of Cedar Rapids’ most popular cultural hot spots since its opening in 1928. It took two years to construct the famous building. The Paramount was originally named Capitol Theatre, but it was changed a year later after Paramount Studios bought it. In 1979, the theatre was gifted to the city of Cedar Rapids.

In 2001, the Friends of the Paramount Committee met to discuss a renovation plan. Two years later, the $7.8 million plan was finalized. However, before the renovation was complete, the flood of 2008 destroyed the first floor of

the six-story building. At the crest of the flood, the main lobby was underneath eight feet of water and the basement and sub basement were completely underwater. The flood caused $16 million in damage to the historic theatre.

Shortly after the flood, a team of professionals started to redesign the theatre. The interior of the building was destroyed, but the structure of the theatre remained intact. The reconstruction of the Paramount was completely funded by historical grants and FEMA.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was on October 26 and the concert season started on November 3. The open houses started on November 11. The first show in the new theatre was a Harry Connick Jr.

concert. The Paramount chose him because of his involvement with recovering from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. At an open house, people are able to follow a free tour of the newly renovated Paramount. To find out more information about the Paramount’s open houses and upcoming concerts, go to www.paramounttheatrecr.com.

Actress Emma Watson plays Sam in the movie Perks of Being a Wallflower.

The Paramount Theatre publicizes upcoming events and displays their brand new lights and signs.Meghan Gerke photos

AP Images photo

Thanksgiving Candlelight Tour

Ushers FerrySaturday, November 17th, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.Sunday, November 18th 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Buy a 2012-2013

YEARBOOKwww.jostensyearbooks.com