Wallflower

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower written by Stephen Chbosky, follows a socially awkward 15 year old boy named Charlie as he breaks from his cocoon and soars higher than could have ever been anticipated. The coming of age novel became Stephen Chbosky’s gem, selling seven hundred thousand copies early on in the books journey. Wallflower may be his only novel written to date, but Stephen has contributed to film as well, with works such as the screenplay for his own novel and creator of the television series Jericho. The story surrounds protagonist Charlie through his letters written to only who is described as “friend”. Patrick, a happy go lucky guy with an eternal smile. One of Charlie’s best and only friends, the pair find themselves in situations even an adult might find challenging. Lastly, there is Sam. Wonderful, sweet, caring Sam. Charlie was smitten from the moment he laid eyes on her. Sam is a huge supporter in breaking Charlie free of his shyness and encourages him to really live life without being worrisome. The novel follows Charlie as he faces new experiences, good and bad. Experiences along the lines of first love, drugs and alcohol, suicide and facing difficulties of adulthood and coming of age. Charlie is a Wallflower, but eventually will fully bloom.
Charlie writes letters to an unknown “friend” throughout the novel, revealing the loss of his friend Michael Dobson to suicide and the hurt he still feels over the loss of his favorite aunt Helen eight years prior. Charlie is shy, yet witty and curious of the world around him. He starts these letters as a way to cope with starting high school, the thought of doing it alone frightens him. Once he starts high school he connects with his English teacher, bill. Bill realizes...

... middle of paper ...

... have a sexual encounter before Charlie has thoughts of his Aunt touching him. He is scared so he leaves. Charlie has a serious break down before his parents find him and he is taken to a mental facility. The doctors reveal that he was molested, something they assumed he made up as a child. He is released after two months and comes to terms with his horrible past. This ends his letters.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower touches every imaginable thing a teenager faces during growing years. This is and will be an important novel in teen culture for a long time. The story shows that you may have gone through things, there may be drastic changes you face daily and it is painful and hard, but you can make it through. There is light at the end of the tunnel and our mistakes and flaws don’t define us. There is help for someone struggling and friends who will get you through.

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