Synopsis: "Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is attempting to navigate through the uncharted territory of high school. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and music - when all one requires to feel infinite is that perfect song on that perfect drive. Standing on the fringes of life Charlie has a unique perspective of the world around him, but there comes a time to stop being a wallflower and see what it looks like from the dance floor."
The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows the story of a timid, reclusive yet intelligent 15-year-old boy called Charlie who is about to start his freshman year at high school. Following the suicide of his best friend, Charlie goes into his freshman year friendless and alone, that is until he finds an unexpected friendship with his English teacher, Mr Anderson, and two seniors, Sam and Patrick. His connection with Sam and Patrick in particular leads to a roller coaster ride of friendship, drugs, sexual experimentation and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Despite this however Charlie has a dark past that he repressed following the death of his aunt and soon finds the memories catching up with him.
It's great to find a story that breaks the boundaries of teenagers today, particularly of the female population, who are often stereotypically perceived to face issues such as mental instability, sexual harassment and the desire to inflict harm upon one's self, whereas males aren't. However the protagonist of this novel is a teenage boy named Charlie who faces those exact problems and it's simply refreshing to come across an author who understands the importance of scrutinising stigmas and educating people on the 'less common' obstacles that anyone can face.
The novel is written in the style of a series of letters from Charlie to an anonymous receiver and works well with the story as it brings a great sense emotion and intimacy, allowing the reader to feel as if Charlie is personally addressing them throughout the story. Charlie's letters range from deeply affectionate to hilarious to saddening and as a result the novel becomes a unique and alternative read that flows through a manner of emotions.
Despite being written in first person there is a fantastic development of both important and minor characters thus allowing the reader to build a connection with all of them and the story as a whole. Each character faces their own obstacles, displaying a different aspect of growing up, making this a modern classic that appeals to readers of all ages despite being a coming-of-age story.
Chbosky's portrayal of Charlie, Sam and Patrick's friendship in particular is so heartwarming to read. All three characters are perceived as misfits by their school peers yet they don't allow the views of others to effect their friendship, what they enjoy and most importantly themselves. The three teens become an inseparable trio who stick by and support each other in times of bullying, arguments, indecisive futures and emotional and mental breakdowns.
Furthermore, the way in which Chbosky deals with the themes present in this story is rather fascinating and awe-inspiring as a mixture of dark and light themes such as drugs, alcohol, love, passivity, friendship and abuse are used throughout, but in a manner that is mature yet easily understood and appreciated by younger readers; Chbosky doesn't glorify any of the themes used, he simply gives an accurate portrayal of them all and that is very rare to find in a story.
Overall this is an incredibly eye opening, fun, wistful, hilarious and joyous read that addresses a realistic coming-of-age story.
I give Stephen Chbosky and The Perks of Being a Wallflower ★★★★★
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