Emma Watson found worldwide fame for portraying the role of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. Showcasing her exceptional skills, Watson found herself getting recognized in public but only as Hermione Granger.

Wanting to break out of the shell, Emma Watson was approached by author Stephen Chbosky who wanted her in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Developing a unique bond, the actress talked about a special gift that she received from the director who she calls “the nicest man in the world”.

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger

Emma Watson Was Gifted A Special Book By Stephen Chbosky

After starring in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the actress developed a friendly bond with the author-turned-director of the 2012 movie. Stephen Chbosky, the author of the 1999 novel also wrote the screenplay of the movie as well as directing it himself!

Emma Watson as Meg March in Little Women

In a video with Vogue, the actress was asked to empty her bag and reveal what things she carried with her most of the time. From rose mist to Gin, the actress had plenty of things in her bag but she also had a book titled “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Elliot. Stating how this copy had a special inscription on it, the actress proceeded to read a special note that Stephen Chbosky had written for her.

“But actually this copy has an inscription in it from Steve Chbosky who I did ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ with, and it’s so sweet, the note that he wrote, so I have to read it.”
She further continued.

“He gave this to me for my graduation and he said ‘For Emma, on her graduation, these words by T.S. Elliot are forever, so is your passion for learning, for living, for literature. I couldn’t be happier for or proud of you for this accomplishment. You inspire me every day. Please enjoy this limited edition for an unlimited life. You are my dear Sam infinite. Steve Chbosky’”.

The actress put the book down and proceeded to tell how “he’s [Steve Chbosky] just the nicest man in the world”. That wasn’t all that the director gave her for the role of Sam in his 2012 movie as Watson recalled her first few meetings with Chbosky.

Stephen Chbosky Promised Emma Watson A New Life

Emma Watson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower

It is no surprise that Watson felt pigeonholed with the role of Hermione Granger in Hollywood. Stephen Chbosky, while in his talks to convince Emma Watson, stated that this would be a life-changing experience for her. As per Entertainment Weekly, Watson stated that she felt as if she graduated from the Hermione Granger phase of her life.

“At our initial meeting, he said, ‘Okay, not only is this going to be one of the most important parts you play, you’re also going to have the summer of your life and meet some of your best friends.’ I thought, ‘That’s quite a claim. Who is this guy? Everything he said came true.”

She further continued talking about a particular scene when she went through a tunnel in the 2012 movie.

“I started as Emma with some Hermione still left in my system. I went through the tunnel and I came out ready to start something new.”

The Perks of Being a Wallflower received a rating of 7.9/10 on IMDB and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie is available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.