The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a book about teenagers trying to find their place in the world. Charlie, a freshman, integrates himself into the world of seniors Patrick and Sam. He is introduced to things he had not previously considered and, in turn, finds an eccentric group of friends. Charlie lives the good times with the joy of a child and the bad times in a bout of depression enough to destroy him. He is hesitant to allow the full bond of friendship to take root without understanding his own hesitation. When everything comes to light with the help of Sam, who he has loved almost from the beginning, it is almost too much for him to handle. Will Charlie be able to accept not only his friends, but himself as well?
This novel is a realistic portrayal of what it means to be a teenager. It admittedly shows a very controversial side to Charlie, Sam and Patrick's world; however, it is exactly this reason that I would recommend this book to be read and taught to teens today. The novel is written in the format of a compilation of letters from Charlie to an anonymous friend and does a wonderful job of capturing the voice of an adolescent. Though some of the subject matter shows the darker side of teenage life, the novel is a fast read and flows easily. Below I've included an interview with the author and another blog post from another reader.
Interview with Stephen Chbosky
Perks Blog
This video is the song Asleep by The Smiths. In the novel it was Charlie's favorite song and something he shared with everyone he cared about.
And finally, a quote that carries throughout the novel:
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