Perks of Being a Wallflower
Review by Clare D.
The definition of a wallflower is “A type of loner.” They’re seemingly shy folks who no one really knows. They are often some of the most interesting people if one actually talks to them. This is the premise for Stephen Chbosky’s young adult novel. Perks of Being a Wallflower follows Freshman Charlie Kelmeckis’ first year of high school through his struggles with friends, depression, and love.
This story is set up in letters that Charlie sends to an unknown (to the reader) person as a way to get things off of his chest. These letters give detailed accounts of Charlie's struggle after his only friend, Michael, commits suicide. Once the school year starts Charlie befriends his English teacher who sees past his awkward exterior and sees he’s a very intelligent kid underneath. Mr. Anderson tries to push Charlie not only in academics but also to open up to others and become more social. This leads him to go to a football game where he meets his future best friends Sam and Patrick. Throughout the book, Charlie befriends Sam and Patrick's group of misfit friends and self proclaimed wallflowers. They teach him that everyone has struggled and that's what makes people who they are.
I would recommend this book to everyone because no matter who you are there is a relatable character. Chbosky does a fantastic job of creating in-depth characters with their own backstories, features, and quirks. He also does a great job of making it sound like a freshman in high school is writing this book and not an adult. It is a quick read, not only because it just has 224 pages, but also because Chbosky’s detail and compelling storytelling makes you want to keep reading. For an easy read that really makes you think about what makes a person, choose Perks of Being a Wallflower.
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