The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, ISBN 0-671-02734-4, Pocket Books 1999

Plot Summary:

The story is an epistolary novel with the letters written by 15 year old Charlie. Charlie is a sensitive boy who describes the first year of high school. He’s dealing with the recent suicide of his closest friend, Michael and is still trying to come to terms with the death of his favorite aunt while he was still a child. Charlie is shy and doesn’t make friends easily, but he does finally connect with two seniors: Patrick and his stepsister Sam. Patrick is carrying on a secret relationship with a closeted member of the football team. Charlie has a crush on Sam but is hesitant to act on his feelings because of his timidity. As the school year ends, Charlie is nervous about what’s to come when Patrick and Sam are no longer in school with him. Trying to express his feelings to Sam opens up memories in Charlie that he had repressed and he’s left to uncover what his past potentially means for his future.

Critical Evaluation:

The use of letters in the novel makes Charlie’s story feel more like a journal and less of a first person narrative. The technique works well, because the reader is able to feel Charlie’s feelings, fear, sadness, exhilaration, and many more in a completely honest way. Chbosky’s language throughout the novel is a big part of making Charlie seem like an authentic teenager. Charlie deals with the emotions in the same way any teenager would; he’s kind of a basket case. He gets overwhelmed and the reader (especially teenagers) are able to connect to his search for the feeling of “being infinite.” One of the biggest themes of the book is how to cope with trauma. Charlie’s dealing with not only the suicide of his best friend, but he’s also starting to remember more about his childhood. The after effects of his Aunt Helen’s molestations are just beginning to take shape and Charlie is finally able to stop repressing those memories. Charlie’s method of coping is to simply check out of reality for a little bit, a response that surely rings true with many young adults. Charlie’s story is empowering because he’s someone that most young people can relate to. If he can overcome the extreme difficulties of his past, maybe the kids reading the book can find the power within themselves to do the same.

Reader’s Annotation:

Charlie has always been a wallflower. Is it finally his turn to shine?

Information about the Author:

From the author's page on the Simon & Schuster website:

Stephen Chbosky wrote and directed the feature film adaptation of his award-winning novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. He has worked in film and television, on projects including the film version of the smash-hit musical Rent; the TV show Jericho; and others. He also edited Pieces, a collection of short stories for Pocket Books. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chbosky graduated from the University of Southern California’s Filmic Writing Program. His first film, The Four Corners of Nowhere, premiered at Sundance Film Festival. Follow Stephen on Twitter @StephenChbosky.

Genre:

Coming of age, epistolary novel

Curriculum Ties:

Sexual abuse, fitting in at school, death of a friend

Challenge Issues:

This book could be challenged for its inclusion of sexual abuse as well as drug experimentation.

Creating a Defense:

• Make sure you have thorough knowledge of the library’s selection policy as well as a copy on hand. Your insight as well as pointing out specific portions of the policy will be helpful in discussion with the patron.
• Always have the library Bill of Rights close to show the patron your library’s commitment to providing all kinds of information.
• Have some reveiws on hand, both good and bad, from respected sources like YALSA or Amazon so both you and the patron can gain an understanding of both sides of the issue.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the books that might be challenged. Be prepared to discuss the book’s intended audience, its educational significance, purpose, and also some alternative titles to read.
• Don’t get defensive. The librarian can’t take the challenge personally and either party getting upset will cause the discussion to devolve into a fight.
• LISTEN. Even if you don’t agree with the patron, their views are as valid as yours and should be respected.

Reading Level:

Grades 9-12

Booktalking Ideas:

Do you know anyone who’s ever committed suicide? Have you ever experienced trauma in your life? How do you cope when bad things happen?

Why is the material included?:

This book is considered a new classic for teenagers. Charlie’s experiences are relatable to so many young adults. 

Image via Google