The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. New York: MTV, 1999. ISBN-10: 0-671-02734-4

Summary
In letters addressed to "A friend" Charlie talks about his freshman year of high school. Charlie is shy kid who is also very intelligent and very observant. Since his friend Michael committed suicide in middle school, Charlie hasn't had any friends, but he would like to change that. Charlie is constantly aware of his emotions and concentrates on keeping the depression at bay. At school, Charlie makes friends with Patrick and Sam, who introduce Charlie to their friends, their music and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Charlie's English teacher Bill assigns Charlie extra books to read but also reminds him to "participate" in life. At home, Charlie has a supportive family, but his parents has less than idyllic childhoods. In particular, Charlie's Aunt Helen, who is now deceased, was molested as a child and had a series of abusive relationships. The Perks of Being a Wallflower simultaneously celebrates Charlie's quiet reflections and encourages readers to open up and share their thoughts with others.


Critical Evaluation 
Charlie is an extreme case of shy. Although it isn't clear until the end, Charlie is suffering from repressed trauma. Nonetheless, Charlie, with the help of his family and friends, breaks out of his shell and begins to share some of his thoughts and feelings. But trauma aside, the process that Charlie undergoes in his freshman year will be familiar to many many kids, even those who lead relatively easy lives. In fact, Charlie even acknowledges that everyone has his own problems and its not right to compare problems. Just because someone else has bigger problems doesn't make your problems less. The story is written in a conversational tone, including run on sentences, that is annoying at times. Overall recommended. This older story is still relevant.

Reader's Annotation
Charlie has been trying to participate in life more and although its hard work, it seems to be working. Charlie doesn't have to be a wallflower.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness
Dealing with repressed trauma. Also, general shyness at a new situation, especially the transition to high school or a new group of friends.


Genre and Subject
High school friendships. Dating, family, abuse. Homosexual relationships.


Why I read it
This book makes being shy okay.