Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
MTV Books (2012), Edition: Media Tie-In, 224 pages
Description
A haunting coming of age novel told in a series of letters to an unknown correspondent reveals the life of Charlie, a freshman in high school who is a wallflower, shy and introspective, and very intelligent. It's a story of what it's like to grow up in high school, tracing a course through uncharted territory in the world of first dates, family dramas and new friends.
User reviews
LibraryThing member cestovatela
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is like eating a bowl of homemade chicken soup on a cold day: it's familiar, comforting and best of all, it makes you feel warm inside. If you read much coming of age fiction, you can guess the broad outlines of the plot: first girlfriends, favorite teachers, family
What makes this book special is the narrator, Charlie. Keenly observant of everyone but himself, Charlie struggles with both uncontrollable anger and extreme passivity. To say too much would spoil the book, but this is a survivor story as much as it is a coming of age story. You will probably figure out the "surprise" ending before you reach the end of the book, but I think this is a sign of how well the book is written. Author Stephen Chbosky leaves plenty of clues and that fact that we can unravel them while Charlie cannot shows you exactly what kind of person he is. This is my second time reading the book and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I recommend this for a quick but still substantive Sunday afternoon read.
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drama and adolescent angst told from the perspective of a brilliant outsider. What makes this book special is the narrator, Charlie. Keenly observant of everyone but himself, Charlie struggles with both uncontrollable anger and extreme passivity. To say too much would spoil the book, but this is a survivor story as much as it is a coming of age story. You will probably figure out the "surprise" ending before you reach the end of the book, but I think this is a sign of how well the book is written. Author Stephen Chbosky leaves plenty of clues and that fact that we can unravel them while Charlie cannot shows you exactly what kind of person he is. This is my second time reading the book and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I recommend this for a quick but still substantive Sunday afternoon read.
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LibraryThing member jnwelch
Most of us can remember at some point in high school feeling like we were on the outside looking in. In The Perks of Being a Wallflower main character Charlie seems stuck there, even though he wants to "participate". The book starts with the suicide of his friend Mike, and we learn the relative
His world improves when step-siblings Patrick and Sam take him under their wing. Patrick is funny and proudly gay, although his athlete boyfriend is secretive and ashamed, and step-sister Sam is thoughtful and beautiful. Charlie is irretrievably smitten by Sam even when she warns him not to think of her that way.
Charlie struggles with periodic despondency. "I'm really glad that Christmas and my birthday are soon because that means they will be over soon because I can already feel myself going to a bad place I used to go. After my Aunt Helen was gone, I went to that place. It got so bad that my mom had to take me to a doctor, and I was held back a grade. But now I'm trying not to think about it too much because that makes it worse."
This is a moving and believable story about Charlie and others growing up. It has many ups as well as downs, with Charlie and his growing group of friends going to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and exchanging poems and mixed tapes. Normally reticent, he is always ready to step up to protect his friends. An English teacher recognizes his special ability, and gives him books like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye.
Their story is told in a series of Charlie's letters to a mystery recipient. Charlie, with the help of his friends, family members and a psychiatrist, gradually begins to come to grips with his inner turmoil. His relationship with Sam deepens even as it threatens to break through to memories he's buried and forgotten. The ending of the book changes everything in an all too believable revelation that casts all that came before in an entirely new light.
I found this a remarkable book, much better and deeper than I expected. It's not always easy to live those high school years, or revisit them, but Charlie and those close to him have a lot to teach us even now.
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Charlie was closest to, Aunt Helen, has also died. Entering his freshman year, he's further hobbled by his extreme sensitivity and propensity for breaking into tears. But he's also one of the nicest, most decent guys you'll ever meet.His world improves when step-siblings Patrick and Sam take him under their wing. Patrick is funny and proudly gay, although his athlete boyfriend is secretive and ashamed, and step-sister Sam is thoughtful and beautiful. Charlie is irretrievably smitten by Sam even when she warns him not to think of her that way.
Charlie struggles with periodic despondency. "I'm really glad that Christmas and my birthday are soon because that means they will be over soon because I can already feel myself going to a bad place I used to go. After my Aunt Helen was gone, I went to that place. It got so bad that my mom had to take me to a doctor, and I was held back a grade. But now I'm trying not to think about it too much because that makes it worse."
This is a moving and believable story about Charlie and others growing up. It has many ups as well as downs, with Charlie and his growing group of friends going to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and exchanging poems and mixed tapes. Normally reticent, he is always ready to step up to protect his friends. An English teacher recognizes his special ability, and gives him books like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye.
Their story is told in a series of Charlie's letters to a mystery recipient. Charlie, with the help of his friends, family members and a psychiatrist, gradually begins to come to grips with his inner turmoil. His relationship with Sam deepens even as it threatens to break through to memories he's buried and forgotten. The ending of the book changes everything in an all too believable revelation that casts all that came before in an entirely new light.
I found this a remarkable book, much better and deeper than I expected. It's not always easy to live those high school years, or revisit them, but Charlie and those close to him have a lot to teach us even now.
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LibraryThing member Whisper1
Thanks to Joe for recommending this book. While well written, it is not an easy read. Charlie's life is spinning out of control His mind is like a tightly wound spring, ready to fly in the air, hitting an object or person with the potential to harm.
The author was excellent in placing the reader
Through a series of letters to an unknown "friend", Charlie writes about his feelings and thoughts.
Feeling like a supreme outsider, Charlie has no way of knowing why others find him weird or different. The filters are gone for Charlie and he struggles with even the most common social skills.
There is a tad of everything here, including teen age sex, feelings of depression, family members who seem distant, the challenge of making and keeping friends and teachers who can make a difference.
Recommended.
The author was excellent in placing the reader
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inside Charlie's mind and to understand just how hyper and out of control his emotions are.Through a series of letters to an unknown "friend", Charlie writes about his feelings and thoughts.
Feeling like a supreme outsider, Charlie has no way of knowing why others find him weird or different. The filters are gone for Charlie and he struggles with even the most common social skills.
There is a tad of everything here, including teen age sex, feelings of depression, family members who seem distant, the challenge of making and keeping friends and teachers who can make a difference.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member Raven
Perhaps I should have read it younger. In fact, I know I should have; if I had picked it up aged sixteen, I would have thought it astonishing, seminal, a book that spoke to me. Reading it at the ancient age of twenty-two, I think it's a book that captures a zeitgeist. It hasn't captured me the way
There is of course a darker undercurrent to Charlie's occasionally stilted narration, and I've seen him described as autistic, as severely disturbed, but that doesn't ring true for me; he reads as introverted and occasionally seriously depressed, and the portrayal of mental illness is also well-realised, sharing some rhetorical techniques with The Bell Jar and drawing the reader down into Charlie's mental crawlspace with him, but the illness is not the focus of the book. Somewhat clichedly, it's a coming-of-age story. And it didn't change my life, but it cheered one afternoon.
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it would have done years ago, but it is a small, sweet, touching novel, well-written and worth reading. The eponymous wallflower, Charlie, narrates his life in epistolary fashion, discussing the strangnesses of the world through the filter of the books he reads, his friends, his family and teachers, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. And that is all it is - but it's executed well, delightfully in places, and Charlie's friend Patrick, an urbane-but-sweet gay high-school sophisticate, is alone worth the price of admission.There is of course a darker undercurrent to Charlie's occasionally stilted narration, and I've seen him described as autistic, as severely disturbed, but that doesn't ring true for me; he reads as introverted and occasionally seriously depressed, and the portrayal of mental illness is also well-realised, sharing some rhetorical techniques with The Bell Jar and drawing the reader down into Charlie's mental crawlspace with him, but the illness is not the focus of the book. Somewhat clichedly, it's a coming-of-age story. And it didn't change my life, but it cheered one afternoon.
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LibraryThing member msf59
Charlie is the quintessential wallflower. Quiet, brilliant and a dedicated observer. Quite content in his comfortable world of books and music. As he enters high school, he meets senior siblings Sam and Patrick. The sister and brother duo take him under their collective wing and his solitary life
This is YA territory, the classic “coming of age” story and it contains the usual suspects, teen sex, alcohol and drug use but it also dips into very dark places, like death, suicide, and depression, some of it veering into heavy-handedness, but still remaining a thoughtful and engaging read.
Charlie is a terrific voice and narrator. Plus he is a lover of Harper Lee and The Smiths. You can’t beat that combo.
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begins to change, finding love, friendship and heartache.This is YA territory, the classic “coming of age” story and it contains the usual suspects, teen sex, alcohol and drug use but it also dips into very dark places, like death, suicide, and depression, some of it veering into heavy-handedness, but still remaining a thoughtful and engaging read.
Charlie is a terrific voice and narrator. Plus he is a lover of Harper Lee and The Smiths. You can’t beat that combo.
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LibraryThing member deargreenplace
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started to read this book. I vaguely knew that it was about an outsider at school (as so many of my preferred books are!). It's set in the early 1990s and the book is an MTV publication, which made me think it was of that time when corporations were
Our narrator is 15 year-old Charlie, and the book takes the form of a series of letters he is writing to an unknown person. Charlie has a history of mental illness, but he's back at school, enjoying advanced English classes, reading and making new friends. He has a loving and supportive family.
Charlie's English teacher advises him to participate in life, so he begins to attend dances, and befriends Sam and Patrick, a brother and sister who are slightly older than him, and who open his eyes to a life outside of school and the possibility of girlfriends and other new experiences. We are to believe that Charlie's innate sensitivity and thoughtfulness are the qualities that endear him to two older students who already appear to have their own lives.
However believable you think Charlie's character is, the book is undeniably sweet and moving in its descriptions of Charlie's family life and in his relationships with others, and particularly when he begins to realise the roots of his illness. I found Charlie's voice strange at first - maybe too young and naive for a 15 year-old, but the reasons for this become apparent as the book moves on. I definitely liked it more than I thought I would.
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desperately trying to make money out of the grunge music scene. The music in this book stays in the background though, unlike say Well by Matthew McIntosh or Bongwater by Michael Hornburg.Our narrator is 15 year-old Charlie, and the book takes the form of a series of letters he is writing to an unknown person. Charlie has a history of mental illness, but he's back at school, enjoying advanced English classes, reading and making new friends. He has a loving and supportive family.
Charlie's English teacher advises him to participate in life, so he begins to attend dances, and befriends Sam and Patrick, a brother and sister who are slightly older than him, and who open his eyes to a life outside of school and the possibility of girlfriends and other new experiences. We are to believe that Charlie's innate sensitivity and thoughtfulness are the qualities that endear him to two older students who already appear to have their own lives.
However believable you think Charlie's character is, the book is undeniably sweet and moving in its descriptions of Charlie's family life and in his relationships with others, and particularly when he begins to realise the roots of his illness. I found Charlie's voice strange at first - maybe too young and naive for a 15 year-old, but the reasons for this become apparent as the book moves on. I definitely liked it more than I thought I would.
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LibraryThing member elliepotten
"He's a wallflower... You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand."
I've never met a single person - friend, blogger, librarian or bookseller - who has read The Perks of Being a Wallflower and not fallen in love. This is such a wonderful book, and it's perfect summer reading too.
This is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of the year. I adored Charlie and found myself underlining things on almost every page as his thoughtful exploration of the world around him prompted me to stop and reflect. I also noted down dozens of movie, book and music references to check out later, which was a bit of an unexpected bonus! Through his letters we can see Charlie's style mature as he does, and our involvement becomes deeply personal because it feels like he's writing just for us. Chbosky's characters are complex and painfully real, and no one is all good or all bad, even Charlie himself. I think Patrick was my favourite, because he was all heart even when he wasn't necessarily doing the right thing! I loved Bill too - I think every student should have a Bill to see their strengths and provide a shining light of knowledge and hope during the difficult school years. Some really serious teen issues are discussed throughout the book - rape, drugs, gay identity, abuse - without ever feeling too heavy or gratuitous, and I can well understand the reputation it has gained as a positive, even life-saving cult classic for young readers.
The only thing I didn't like - and the reason for the half-star drop - were those occasional moments when I felt like my heart would break because SURELY no one could be so naive at fifteen? The book becomes quite difficult to read at times as Charlie's naivety is stripped away - this is the true meaning of the word 'bittersweet'! But it really is an unmissable novel. Charlie is such an intuitive character, and the writing is beautiful; he thinks outside the box and it's a pleasure to read! He is inspiring and generous, and accepts everything with a high level of tolerance and emotional intelligence, even if he is very childlike in other ways. There is something for everyone here, whether you are 15 or 50 - and I can't WAIT until 2013 when Chbosky's adaptation finally hits the big screens. I'll be first in line to laugh and cry all over again... :)
I've never met a single person - friend, blogger, librarian or bookseller - who has read The Perks of Being a Wallflower and not fallen in love. This is such a wonderful book, and it's perfect summer reading too.
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It's the coming-of-age story of a fifteen year-old boy called Charlie, told entirely in epistolary form via letters to an unnamed friend-of-a-friend. Quiet, introspective and naive, Charlie is surely one of the most loveable and achingly sweet characters I've ever come across in my reading life. It is his freshman year, and to his surprise his largely solitary existence is turned upside down when he is 'adopted' by worldly older stepsiblings Patrick and Sam. At the same time his English teacher, Bill, begins to draw him out of his academic shell with some well-timed encouragement. Slowly, his new friends nudge Charlie out into the big wide world, into a bountiful land of music and books, love and longing, parties and The Rocky Horror Picture Show - and stand beside him through the hardships that teenage life and his own past conspire to throw his way. This is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of the year. I adored Charlie and found myself underlining things on almost every page as his thoughtful exploration of the world around him prompted me to stop and reflect. I also noted down dozens of movie, book and music references to check out later, which was a bit of an unexpected bonus! Through his letters we can see Charlie's style mature as he does, and our involvement becomes deeply personal because it feels like he's writing just for us. Chbosky's characters are complex and painfully real, and no one is all good or all bad, even Charlie himself. I think Patrick was my favourite, because he was all heart even when he wasn't necessarily doing the right thing! I loved Bill too - I think every student should have a Bill to see their strengths and provide a shining light of knowledge and hope during the difficult school years. Some really serious teen issues are discussed throughout the book - rape, drugs, gay identity, abuse - without ever feeling too heavy or gratuitous, and I can well understand the reputation it has gained as a positive, even life-saving cult classic for young readers.
The only thing I didn't like - and the reason for the half-star drop - were those occasional moments when I felt like my heart would break because SURELY no one could be so naive at fifteen? The book becomes quite difficult to read at times as Charlie's naivety is stripped away - this is the true meaning of the word 'bittersweet'! But it really is an unmissable novel. Charlie is such an intuitive character, and the writing is beautiful; he thinks outside the box and it's a pleasure to read! He is inspiring and generous, and accepts everything with a high level of tolerance and emotional intelligence, even if he is very childlike in other ways. There is something for everyone here, whether you are 15 or 50 - and I can't WAIT until 2013 when Chbosky's adaptation finally hits the big screens. I'll be first in line to laugh and cry all over again... :)
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LibraryThing member Nickelini
It is the early 1990s, and Charlie is a socially awkward 15 year old starting high school. For some unexplainable reason, two seniors, Patrick and Sam (who also happen to be brother and sister) take him under their wing. They drive around listening to music and being "infinite." And they go to
The story is written in a series of letters to someone called "Dear friend." Not sure why that was necessary. I also think this book was written in order to get banned, and therefore sell more copies. All the hot button issues are here--in addition to sex & drugs & rock and roll, there is domestic violence, rape, abortion, and homosexuality. Oh, and Charlie reads Ayn Rand. Please. Like the world needs to publicize her philosophy to more confused teenagers.
Rating: Meh. I've seen all these topics done better in other places. 2/5 stars.
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parties where they drink, do drugs, and have sex.The story is written in a series of letters to someone called "Dear friend." Not sure why that was necessary. I also think this book was written in order to get banned, and therefore sell more copies. All the hot button issues are here--in addition to sex & drugs & rock and roll, there is domestic violence, rape, abortion, and homosexuality. Oh, and Charlie reads Ayn Rand. Please. Like the world needs to publicize her philosophy to more confused teenagers.
Rating: Meh. I've seen all these topics done better in other places. 2/5 stars.
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LibraryThing member janersm
I had wanted to read this book since it came out, back when I was in high school. I finally got the chance and it was worth the wait. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of the most amazing and inspiring books that I've ever read. I can understand why it has amassed such a following.
Through the
I can honestly say that this book made me laugh and cry. It was so heart-breaking when a character would go through something painful, but it was also so wonderful because there was always a lesson learned from it. Chbosky gave insight and strength to the sufferers in a way that made them heroes, instead of just victims. And that was just beautiful.
I would definitely recommend this novel to young people and to adults. It is incredible and should be something that everyone tries to read at some point in his or her life.
Through the
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letters by Charlie, Chbosky is able to express the excitement and pain of being a teenager. This book doesn't gloss over tough issues like rape, abuse, and suicide. It actually deals with them in a way that so many other books don't. Actually, it is more respectful of them than even some therapists are.I can honestly say that this book made me laugh and cry. It was so heart-breaking when a character would go through something painful, but it was also so wonderful because there was always a lesson learned from it. Chbosky gave insight and strength to the sufferers in a way that made them heroes, instead of just victims. And that was just beautiful.
I would definitely recommend this novel to young people and to adults. It is incredible and should be something that everyone tries to read at some point in his or her life.
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LibraryThing member gali894
An amazing book about the struggles of growing up and the effects of abusive events during childhood. Stephen Chbosky delivers a haunting read using the voice of Charlie. You don't know where he lives or who he's writing the letters to. All you know is with each letter he pulls you closer into his
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elusive world. You get to read about his first experiences with sex, drugs, and love. Chbosky captures the essence of being a teenager rather beautifully. I never get tired of this great read. Show Less
LibraryThing member elissajanine
I didn't fall in love with this book, though I know a lot of people (young adults and not-so-young adults) who have. I can see what they enjoy about it--a candid portrayal of teenage life, sex and drugs without a preachy tone, lots of references to pop culture and counter-culture, and the
The book as a whole was fine, and I know that this is a case of either loving the main character--Charlie--or not loving him, and I fall into the latter camp. Charlie's voice felt off, somehow. There was much talk of how smart he was (and how very gifted and special he was), but his voice doesn't show that. Even aside from his complete lack of sophistication and social awareness (I would have sworn the boy was on the autism spectrum), there just isn't a general feel of intelligence, from his vocabulary and sentence structure to the way he talks about literary concepts. It's feels as though the author is trying so hard to create this wide-eyed innocence in Charlie to contrast with the whirlwind of abusive behaviors going on around him, but such naivete is hard to believe.
The book also suffers from a glut of issues, most of them relating to one type of abusive or self-destructive behavior or another. I'm completely okay with books portraying teens in realistic ways; it's true that alcohol, drug use, and sex are a part of their experiences. But every single issue--teen pregnancy and abortion, physical abuse, rape and other forms of sexual assault, drinking/driving, gay bashing, sexual experimentation, suicide, the use of various drugs, infidelity, accidental death, pedophilia--every one plays a part in the plot, and to what end? I'm not looking for a moral or a lesson, but to me it seemed like the abuse was only there to give characterization or to justify the characters' reactions or behaviors. But in the end, Charlie's revelation seemed to say that you can't blame those abuses for who you are.
Overall, I think the book had some interesting moments, and I can see its appeal with readers who enjoy the voice of the main character, but it doesn't make my list of favorites.
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diary-like feel of the letters that gets the reader inside Charlie's wallflower experience.The book as a whole was fine, and I know that this is a case of either loving the main character--Charlie--or not loving him, and I fall into the latter camp. Charlie's voice felt off, somehow. There was much talk of how smart he was (and how very gifted and special he was), but his voice doesn't show that. Even aside from his complete lack of sophistication and social awareness (I would have sworn the boy was on the autism spectrum), there just isn't a general feel of intelligence, from his vocabulary and sentence structure to the way he talks about literary concepts. It's feels as though the author is trying so hard to create this wide-eyed innocence in Charlie to contrast with the whirlwind of abusive behaviors going on around him, but such naivete is hard to believe.
The book also suffers from a glut of issues, most of them relating to one type of abusive or self-destructive behavior or another. I'm completely okay with books portraying teens in realistic ways; it's true that alcohol, drug use, and sex are a part of their experiences. But every single issue--teen pregnancy and abortion, physical abuse, rape and other forms of sexual assault, drinking/driving, gay bashing, sexual experimentation, suicide, the use of various drugs, infidelity, accidental death, pedophilia--every one plays a part in the plot, and to what end? I'm not looking for a moral or a lesson, but to me it seemed like the abuse was only there to give characterization or to justify the characters' reactions or behaviors. But in the end, Charlie's revelation seemed to say that you can't blame those abuses for who you are.
Overall, I think the book had some interesting moments, and I can see its appeal with readers who enjoy the voice of the main character, but it doesn't make my list of favorites.
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
Dear friend,
I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn't try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have.
Thus begins the story of Charlie's freshmen year in college. Told entirely in letters he writes to this anonymous individual, Charlie
This book frequently crops up on lists of banned YA fiction for the many crimes of discussing things like abuse, suicide, gays, masturbation, sex, and use of drugs and/or alcohol. But the book doesn't just use these issues for the sake of having Issues, instead they are a realistic aspect of the novel that reflects many of the common experiences of teens in high school. Chbosky does an excellent job of utilising Charlie's simplistic and straight-forward narrative voice to tell a beautiful story of a year in high school and Charlie's efforts to move from always watching from the periphery to actively participating in his own life, while also drawing in a small group of characters whose arcs are equally fascinating to watch. Also noteworthy for the many references to the books that Charlie reads, many of which were favourites of mine or are on the TBR list. While some of the subject matter is dark, the book itself is ultimately uplifting and an eloquent tale of growing up.
I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn't try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have.
Thus begins the story of Charlie's freshmen year in college. Told entirely in letters he writes to this anonymous individual, Charlie
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chronicles his experiences and his attempts to move from watching to participating. And in the process he becomes part of a group of friends whose experiences are equally difficult and yet who make every effort to help each other through the vagaries of the high school experience.This book frequently crops up on lists of banned YA fiction for the many crimes of discussing things like abuse, suicide, gays, masturbation, sex, and use of drugs and/or alcohol. But the book doesn't just use these issues for the sake of having Issues, instead they are a realistic aspect of the novel that reflects many of the common experiences of teens in high school. Chbosky does an excellent job of utilising Charlie's simplistic and straight-forward narrative voice to tell a beautiful story of a year in high school and Charlie's efforts to move from always watching from the periphery to actively participating in his own life, while also drawing in a small group of characters whose arcs are equally fascinating to watch. Also noteworthy for the many references to the books that Charlie reads, many of which were favourites of mine or are on the TBR list. While some of the subject matter is dark, the book itself is ultimately uplifting and an eloquent tale of growing up.
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LibraryThing member LiterateHousewife
Charlie is the misfit of his family. His older siblings, a football star who has gone on to play for Penn State and a socially popular sister, have seemingly made a success of their high school careers. Charlie has had a more difficult time. The death of his maternal aunt has had a huge impact on
If there was one section of this book that spoke to me of my own adolescents and made me want to take Charlie in my arms for a long hug, it was the Secret Santa. Being a newbie to this group of friends, the Secret Santa meant so much to him. He took pains to select just the right things and his desire to please his friends was not necessarily returned. You feel like such a fool when something like that happens. You’re exposed as if you have played all of your cards. I know I did. One year that I spent all of my money buying gifts for each of the girls in my circle of friends. Unfortunately, if I got anything from most of the girls, it was a candy cane. The disappointment isn’t about not getting anything in return. It is just a hard way to learn that your feelings are not returned.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower contains course language, sexual content, drug use, and violence toward women, but these very adult topics are not glamorized. You see how miserable the older sister or friend is when she is mistreated. You see how drugs have paralyzed people’s lives. You see how everyone’s heart can be broken, be they hetero or homosexual. While reading this novel it’s pretty clear that the worst thing you can do is to repeatedly make the same mistakes, never learning from them or coming to terms with yourself. Just because you’ve fallen in a trap doesn’t mean you are stuck there. I understand the concerns around this novel. Read the book. It opens the door to a great deal of conversation. If only you’re ready, you can learn a lot about where your children are emotionally. If you’re open, they might just learn a lot about you, too.
I purchased this novel after it was removed from the library of William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. I would personally like to thank disgruntled parent, Mr. John Davis, for bringing this novel to my attention. This book was for me what The Catcher in the Rye never was. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the conversation it fostered with me and some of my best friends. I can only imagine how this book might impact me if I were closer to my adolescent years. Young adult novels do not have to be benign or puritanical to be appropriate. So much is happening emotionally during high school and fiction is one of the safest environments in which to explore new feelings and ideas. I think we ought to give teenagers more credit when it comes to comprehending and responding to fiction. This is definitely one challenged book that I would challenge you to read.
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his life and his mental stability. Despite having to deal with the death of a close loved one and the things he’s seen as a result of having older siblings, Charlie is painfully naive. At the same time, his intuition is good. He runs into a stroke of luck when he becomes friends with Patrick and his half-sister Sam. These unlikely friendships provide Charlie with a larger, much more experienced social group. They become the framework through which he comes to terms with his past and embraces his future.If there was one section of this book that spoke to me of my own adolescents and made me want to take Charlie in my arms for a long hug, it was the Secret Santa. Being a newbie to this group of friends, the Secret Santa meant so much to him. He took pains to select just the right things and his desire to please his friends was not necessarily returned. You feel like such a fool when something like that happens. You’re exposed as if you have played all of your cards. I know I did. One year that I spent all of my money buying gifts for each of the girls in my circle of friends. Unfortunately, if I got anything from most of the girls, it was a candy cane. The disappointment isn’t about not getting anything in return. It is just a hard way to learn that your feelings are not returned.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower contains course language, sexual content, drug use, and violence toward women, but these very adult topics are not glamorized. You see how miserable the older sister or friend is when she is mistreated. You see how drugs have paralyzed people’s lives. You see how everyone’s heart can be broken, be they hetero or homosexual. While reading this novel it’s pretty clear that the worst thing you can do is to repeatedly make the same mistakes, never learning from them or coming to terms with yourself. Just because you’ve fallen in a trap doesn’t mean you are stuck there. I understand the concerns around this novel. Read the book. It opens the door to a great deal of conversation. If only you’re ready, you can learn a lot about where your children are emotionally. If you’re open, they might just learn a lot about you, too.
I purchased this novel after it was removed from the library of William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. I would personally like to thank disgruntled parent, Mr. John Davis, for bringing this novel to my attention. This book was for me what The Catcher in the Rye never was. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the conversation it fostered with me and some of my best friends. I can only imagine how this book might impact me if I were closer to my adolescent years. Young adult novels do not have to be benign or puritanical to be appropriate. So much is happening emotionally during high school and fiction is one of the safest environments in which to explore new feelings and ideas. I think we ought to give teenagers more credit when it comes to comprehending and responding to fiction. This is definitely one challenged book that I would challenge you to read.
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LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
My first e book on the Nook app on IPad mini. Finally got to finish after starting several months ago. Excellent story. A coming of age story, kind of a modern day Catcher in the Rye.
LibraryThing member TiffanyAK
Written as a series of letters from an anonymous high school freshman named Charlie to an unidentified person, this book brilliantly chronicles the issues facing high school students today. It's believable, real, and honest, without pushing anything too far. While it does deal with multiple adult
I found it brilliant and refreshing. It's not often you find a book that is brave and honest enough to acknowledge the truth nobody wants to admit: Teens already know about these issues. I wish this had been on my high school reading list. I got a lot more out of it than most of the 'safe' titles they gave us, which parents wouldn't object to but which also don't have anything for a teen today to take from them. This book had a very important message that all teens could take from it: Everything will be okay in the end. No matter what's going on in your life, or whether you're popular or not, it'll all be alright.
I think that's a message that it would be good for everybody to hear and trust.
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themes (many of the same ones teens face every day), it does so in such a way that for the most part you have to already know about what is being referenced in order to understand. If you didn't already know, most of it would go over your head.I found it brilliant and refreshing. It's not often you find a book that is brave and honest enough to acknowledge the truth nobody wants to admit: Teens already know about these issues. I wish this had been on my high school reading list. I got a lot more out of it than most of the 'safe' titles they gave us, which parents wouldn't object to but which also don't have anything for a teen today to take from them. This book had a very important message that all teens could take from it: Everything will be okay in the end. No matter what's going on in your life, or whether you're popular or not, it'll all be alright.
I think that's a message that it would be good for everybody to hear and trust.
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LibraryThing member lahern
Amazing, just the ability of Chbosky to create a character than you can relate to so implicitly, especially in teenage years. His discovery of new experiences and thoughts he never knew he had mirrors that of myself and so many people I know as we are growing up. Inspired me to read and listen to
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many of those that Charlie does and loves so much. Gorgeous read. Show Less
LibraryThing member drteeth
My friend recommend & lent this book to me. I did really enjoy it. In fact, I started & finished it in 1 day, mostly in a single sitting.
There were a few things about the main character that I did relate to. His wallfloweriness & awkwardness. But for the most part I found myself unable to relate
But the story was very well written, I did care about the character & what happened to him. I didn't want to put it down.
I did feel like it did end too quickly. The jumps in time after his spazz-outs annoyed me a little because I would have liked to have known what actually happens. As opposed to just picking back up with him later. It seems to me that these parts were left out for "only write about what you know" reasons.
I'm not really sure how to wrap this up, so I just finish with: Good book, I enjoyed it.
(I'll probably edit/add to this review later as I think of things)
There were a few things about the main character that I did relate to. His wallfloweriness & awkwardness. But for the most part I found myself unable to relate
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to most, if not all, of the high school & relationship drama stuff. The literary & film references were slightly weird for me because I've never read or watched any of those talked about in the story (Catcher in the Rye, being the only one & I vaguely remember not liking it). But the story was very well written, I did care about the character & what happened to him. I didn't want to put it down.
I did feel like it did end too quickly. The jumps in time after his spazz-outs annoyed me a little because I would have liked to have known what actually happens. As opposed to just picking back up with him later. It seems to me that these parts were left out for "only write about what you know" reasons.
I'm not really sure how to wrap this up, so I just finish with: Good book, I enjoyed it.
(I'll probably edit/add to this review later as I think of things)
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LibraryThing member Tina.Sandev
This book was really awkward at the beginning and it took me a while to become comfortable with the way Charlie introduces us to the past and present of his life and his emotions.
But once you get to know him, it all falls right into place - nothing about his words, expression, feelings or actions
But once you get to know him, it all falls right into place - nothing about his words, expression, feelings or actions
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is strange. It becomes normal and sweet and clumsy and very emotional. I guess that's just the way he discovers life itself - by making mistakes and trying to fix them, by facing his demons and trying to defeat them. Just like everybody else... Show Less
LibraryThing member frozenplums
Yup, I jumped on this band-wagon.
And it was so wonderful that I don't even want to talk about it for fear of not doing it justice. It's really that good. I don't care who you are or what you've done, read this book. You will get SOMETHING out of it. And if you don't, you're exactly what this book
4.5 stars. WELL done.
And it was so wonderful that I don't even want to talk about it for fear of not doing it justice. It's really that good. I don't care who you are or what you've done, read this book. You will get SOMETHING out of it. And if you don't, you're exactly what this book
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is talking about.4.5 stars. WELL done.
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LibraryThing member varwenea
This is a 4 stars book, with an extra 1 star for the emotions that it invoked in me. It won’t be recognized as a literary great, or ingenious use of the English language. But it stirred emotions of a time long ago (i.e. I am not a high school-er), both good and bad.
Easily compared to the Catcher
The book is written in letters to an unidentified individual, all from Charlie’s perspective, sometimes short and direct, sometimes a word-puke of feelings in a semi stream of consciousness continuity. The book walks us through his freshman year of high school with letters dating from August 25, 1991 to August 23, 1992, beginning with a memory of his friend’s Michael’s passing, his finding friends amongst the seniors, and the many adventures in between. His sadness and loneliness throughout may be attributed to Michael’s suicide, but we eventually learn there is so much more, so many layers and complexities. I had paused and wonder if a teenager truly face all these difficulties, and then I realized it’s a simple yes. Perhaps that’s why this book is so needed. While it is far from being the literary giant that was Catcher in the Rye, it is updated to address the issues of today.
Incidentally, Bill, the teacher, gave Charlie many books, including Catcher that has parallel issues. Another note is that the author created a set of characters that are entirely likeable: Charlie, Patrick, Sam, Bill, etc. All have multiple dimensions; most are wounded souls.
What are the perks of being a wallflower? His quietness, introversion, inhibition made him the trusted observer, beloved friend and brother, that others relied upon for their many secrets. His unusual reward are adventures and exposures that no other freshman would have ever experienced. The lament, a lesson that Sam teaches him towards the end, is that he needs to be honest with himself and those around him, to speak his thoughts, and most importantly, to live his life.
To Charlie – the sensitive, kind, observant, sweet, loved, considerate, insightful, thoughtful, innocent, trusted friend and brother, you touched me.
To All – I hope you will have moments when you can exclaim, “I feel infinite!” and feel the magic of the tunnel.
Some Quotes:
Charlie chooses having a friend over having a date. That is loneliness!
“I feel ashamed, though, because that night, I had a weird dream. I was with Sam. And we were both naked. And her legs were spread over the sides of the couch. And I woke up. And I had never felt that good in my life. But I also felt bad because I saw her naked without her permission. I think that I should tell Sam about this, and I really hope it does not prevent us from maybe making up inside jokes of our own. It would be very nice to have a friend again. I would like that even more than a date.”
Bill giving Charlie, perhaps his most important lesson on love.
“Bill smiled and continued asking me questions. Slowly, he got to ‘problems at home’. And I told him about the boy who makes mix tapes hitting my sister because my sister only told me not to tell mom or dad about it, so I figured I could tell Bill. He got this very serious look on his face after I told him, and he said something to me I don’t think I will forget this semester or ever.
‘Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.’”
Patrick referring to Charlie as the “Wallflower”, and more importantly, Charlie realizing he has friends. His joy!
“’He’s a wallflower.’
And Bob really nodded his head. And the whole room nodded their head. And I started to feel nervous in the Bob way, but Patrick didn’t let me get too nervous. He sat down next to me.
‘You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.’
I didn’t know that other people thought things about me. I didn’t know that they looked. I was sitting on the floor of a basement of my first real party between Sam and Patrick, and I remembered that Sam introduced me as her friend to Bob, and I remembered that Patrick had done the same for Brad. And I started to cry. And nobody in the room looked at me weird for doing it. And then I really started to cry.
Bob raised his drink and asked everyone to do the same.
‘To Charlie.’
And the whole group said, ‘To Charlie.’
I didn’t know why they did that, but it was very special to me that they did. Especially Sam. Especially her.”
A poem that ended with suicide – the hopelessness, the despair, the end:
“That’s why on the back of a brown paper bag
he tried another poem
And he called it ‘Absolutely Nothing’
Because that’s what it was really all about
And he gave himself an A
and a slash on each damned wrist
And he hung it on the bathroom door
because this time he didn’t think
he could reach the kitchen.”
On Sadness – Patrick tried everything to keep the sadness from sinking in:
“The nights he would pick up someone always made him sad. It’s hard, too, because Patrick began every night really excited. He always said he felt free. And tonight was his destiny. And things like that. But by the end of that night, he just looked sad. Sometimes, he would talk about Brad. Sometimes, he wouldn’t. But after a while, the whole thing just wasn’t interesting to him anymore, and he ran out of things to keep himself numb.”
On Being Special:
From Bill to Charlie, “Charlie. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not trying to make you feel uncomfortable. I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.”
Charlie reflecting: “When I was driving home, I just thought about the word ‘special.’ And I thought the last person who said that about me was aunt Helen. I was very grateful to have heard it again. Because I guess we all forget sometimes. And I think everyone is special in their own way. I really do.”
Easily compared to the Catcher
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in the Rye, Perks is written with shorter, terser, get-to-the-point styling, and perhaps one can pan Perks to be made for a movie (great movie btw). Sexuality, homosexuality, suicide, loneliness, molestation, death, drugs, alcohol, abortion, abuse, friendship, love, first kiss, mentorship, mistakes. The book is honest in addressing that Charlie was in fact incapable of dealing with the many emotions and drama in his life. His pain, his sensitivity, his conflicts present themselves clearly. The book is written in letters to an unidentified individual, all from Charlie’s perspective, sometimes short and direct, sometimes a word-puke of feelings in a semi stream of consciousness continuity. The book walks us through his freshman year of high school with letters dating from August 25, 1991 to August 23, 1992, beginning with a memory of his friend’s Michael’s passing, his finding friends amongst the seniors, and the many adventures in between. His sadness and loneliness throughout may be attributed to Michael’s suicide, but we eventually learn there is so much more, so many layers and complexities. I had paused and wonder if a teenager truly face all these difficulties, and then I realized it’s a simple yes. Perhaps that’s why this book is so needed. While it is far from being the literary giant that was Catcher in the Rye, it is updated to address the issues of today.
Incidentally, Bill, the teacher, gave Charlie many books, including Catcher that has parallel issues. Another note is that the author created a set of characters that are entirely likeable: Charlie, Patrick, Sam, Bill, etc. All have multiple dimensions; most are wounded souls.
What are the perks of being a wallflower? His quietness, introversion, inhibition made him the trusted observer, beloved friend and brother, that others relied upon for their many secrets. His unusual reward are adventures and exposures that no other freshman would have ever experienced. The lament, a lesson that Sam teaches him towards the end, is that he needs to be honest with himself and those around him, to speak his thoughts, and most importantly, to live his life.
To Charlie – the sensitive, kind, observant, sweet, loved, considerate, insightful, thoughtful, innocent, trusted friend and brother, you touched me.
To All – I hope you will have moments when you can exclaim, “I feel infinite!” and feel the magic of the tunnel.
Some Quotes:
Charlie chooses having a friend over having a date. That is loneliness!
“I feel ashamed, though, because that night, I had a weird dream. I was with Sam. And we were both naked. And her legs were spread over the sides of the couch. And I woke up. And I had never felt that good in my life. But I also felt bad because I saw her naked without her permission. I think that I should tell Sam about this, and I really hope it does not prevent us from maybe making up inside jokes of our own. It would be very nice to have a friend again. I would like that even more than a date.”
Bill giving Charlie, perhaps his most important lesson on love.
“Bill smiled and continued asking me questions. Slowly, he got to ‘problems at home’. And I told him about the boy who makes mix tapes hitting my sister because my sister only told me not to tell mom or dad about it, so I figured I could tell Bill. He got this very serious look on his face after I told him, and he said something to me I don’t think I will forget this semester or ever.
‘Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.’”
Patrick referring to Charlie as the “Wallflower”, and more importantly, Charlie realizing he has friends. His joy!
“’He’s a wallflower.’
And Bob really nodded his head. And the whole room nodded their head. And I started to feel nervous in the Bob way, but Patrick didn’t let me get too nervous. He sat down next to me.
‘You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.’
I didn’t know that other people thought things about me. I didn’t know that they looked. I was sitting on the floor of a basement of my first real party between Sam and Patrick, and I remembered that Sam introduced me as her friend to Bob, and I remembered that Patrick had done the same for Brad. And I started to cry. And nobody in the room looked at me weird for doing it. And then I really started to cry.
Bob raised his drink and asked everyone to do the same.
‘To Charlie.’
And the whole group said, ‘To Charlie.’
I didn’t know why they did that, but it was very special to me that they did. Especially Sam. Especially her.”
A poem that ended with suicide – the hopelessness, the despair, the end:
“That’s why on the back of a brown paper bag
he tried another poem
And he called it ‘Absolutely Nothing’
Because that’s what it was really all about
And he gave himself an A
and a slash on each damned wrist
And he hung it on the bathroom door
because this time he didn’t think
he could reach the kitchen.”
On Sadness – Patrick tried everything to keep the sadness from sinking in:
“The nights he would pick up someone always made him sad. It’s hard, too, because Patrick began every night really excited. He always said he felt free. And tonight was his destiny. And things like that. But by the end of that night, he just looked sad. Sometimes, he would talk about Brad. Sometimes, he wouldn’t. But after a while, the whole thing just wasn’t interesting to him anymore, and he ran out of things to keep himself numb.”
On Being Special:
From Bill to Charlie, “Charlie. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not trying to make you feel uncomfortable. I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.”
Charlie reflecting: “When I was driving home, I just thought about the word ‘special.’ And I thought the last person who said that about me was aunt Helen. I was very grateful to have heard it again. Because I guess we all forget sometimes. And I think everyone is special in their own way. I really do.”
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LibraryThing member The_Hibernator
Summary: Due to stress from his up-coming freshman year in high school, Charlie begins writing letters to a person of unspecified gender and age because "she said" this person was a good listener and doesn't sleep with people at parties just because they can. What unfolds is a story of a naive
Review: Contemporary high school books are generally difficult to read because of difficult topics; however, this book was a smooth, easy read despite its dark content. Charlie's voice seemed a bit naive throughout the book, but I think this was purposefully written. Regardless of, or perhaps because of, Charlie's naivete, he was a sweet and charming character, and I truly cared about him by the end of the book.
I've heard great things about the movie, and am eager to see it.
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young boy who learns to date and make friends; explore sexuality, drugs, and alcohol; and generally becomes self-aware during his freshman year in high school. Review: Contemporary high school books are generally difficult to read because of difficult topics; however, this book was a smooth, easy read despite its dark content. Charlie's voice seemed a bit naive throughout the book, but I think this was purposefully written. Regardless of, or perhaps because of, Charlie's naivete, he was a sweet and charming character, and I truly cared about him by the end of the book.
I've heard great things about the movie, and am eager to see it.
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LibraryThing member dreamingcass
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was even more than I expected it to be. In mind of the title, I expected the story of a boy who watches the world pass. Instead, here is Charlie, a boy trying to participate and pursue life. There were times when I could hardly believe this 15 (and later 16) year old
Enter Sam and Patrick, somewhat outsiders who see something special in Charlie. True friends to Charlie, they do not pressure him into anything, but rather encourage him to live life and be himself. With these two, Charlie engages in intellectual conversation about literature and media, experiences drugs, sex and love, and the importance of honesty. In Charlie, they gain a compassionate friend who brings infinite moments, who understands. A teacher, Bill, also holds an important place as he inspires Charlie to reach his potential.
At first, his emotional reactions and naivete almost make him seem unreal at times. He is considered intelligent, but it is hard to grasp why by the style of his letters. But, perhaps, that is because these letters are a casual rambling of what he is experiencing. He describes his essays (for Bill) and occasionally his views in an articulate way that make it seem his scholarly writing is something separate from these letters.
Something wonderful about this book is the discovery near the end, the event the doctors have tried to untangle. An explanation for Charlie's outburst of emotions: the crying, laughter and rage. Something unexpected that allows the reader a new insight and reason to delve back into Charlie's life.
This book is an unexpected delight. Charlie allows us to witness his life, as he has chosen to live it. He could have just blended in, stayed a wallflower and possibly disappeared. But he reached out and found inspiration.
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boy was so naive. His optimism seems reasonable for someone his age, unaware (or ignoring) the harshness of life. But the thing is, as Charlie opens up in his letters, you find that he witnesses so much. He becomes more aware of the meaning of certain events and actions, as he transforms during his freshman year of high school. Enter Sam and Patrick, somewhat outsiders who see something special in Charlie. True friends to Charlie, they do not pressure him into anything, but rather encourage him to live life and be himself. With these two, Charlie engages in intellectual conversation about literature and media, experiences drugs, sex and love, and the importance of honesty. In Charlie, they gain a compassionate friend who brings infinite moments, who understands. A teacher, Bill, also holds an important place as he inspires Charlie to reach his potential.
At first, his emotional reactions and naivete almost make him seem unreal at times. He is considered intelligent, but it is hard to grasp why by the style of his letters. But, perhaps, that is because these letters are a casual rambling of what he is experiencing. He describes his essays (for Bill) and occasionally his views in an articulate way that make it seem his scholarly writing is something separate from these letters.
Something wonderful about this book is the discovery near the end, the event the doctors have tried to untangle. An explanation for Charlie's outburst of emotions: the crying, laughter and rage. Something unexpected that allows the reader a new insight and reason to delve back into Charlie's life.
This book is an unexpected delight. Charlie allows us to witness his life, as he has chosen to live it. He could have just blended in, stayed a wallflower and possibly disappeared. But he reached out and found inspiration.
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LibraryThing member callmecayce
My first thought, about halfway through, was how come I hadn't read this book earlier. This was because it was published the year before I finished college and I think I really would have appreciated it. But, as I finished the book, I realized I didn't think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did
It's a well written story of a boy, Charlie, who is writing letters to someone -- to the reader, obviously, but not someone we know. He talks about his life, his worries, cares and basically everything. Unlike other books written in letter/diary/etc formats, this one is very detailed and self-aware unlike anything else I've read. It's as if Charlie is writing to me even though he's really writing to everyone who ever reads the book. I found this to be off-putting at first, but enchanting as the novel went on.
Chbosky's writing is strong and he guides us through Charlie's life in such a way that sometimes we feel like we are Charlie, instead of just spectators in his life. His story is complicated, like all lives of teens, but Charlie's is more than just that. He has other problems, depression, guilt, loss, things that most teens can't even begin to understand. But what Chbosky does so well is help us to understand them, through Charlie. Through his experiences, his loves and losses.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has everything, from laughter to tears to joy to heartbreak. And Chbosky weaves these themes together through out the letters Charlie writes. They keep us turning pages, just as much as they keep Charlie going, no matter what happens to him. Chbosky is an exceptional writer and this novel is an exceptional piece of literature.
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now. And, oh man, how I enjoyed it. It's a well written story of a boy, Charlie, who is writing letters to someone -- to the reader, obviously, but not someone we know. He talks about his life, his worries, cares and basically everything. Unlike other books written in letter/diary/etc formats, this one is very detailed and self-aware unlike anything else I've read. It's as if Charlie is writing to me even though he's really writing to everyone who ever reads the book. I found this to be off-putting at first, but enchanting as the novel went on.
Chbosky's writing is strong and he guides us through Charlie's life in such a way that sometimes we feel like we are Charlie, instead of just spectators in his life. His story is complicated, like all lives of teens, but Charlie's is more than just that. He has other problems, depression, guilt, loss, things that most teens can't even begin to understand. But what Chbosky does so well is help us to understand them, through Charlie. Through his experiences, his loves and losses.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has everything, from laughter to tears to joy to heartbreak. And Chbosky weaves these themes together through out the letters Charlie writes. They keep us turning pages, just as much as they keep Charlie going, no matter what happens to him. Chbosky is an exceptional writer and this novel is an exceptional piece of literature.
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LibraryThing member rgleason14
This book is done in a narrative format. It is a quick easy read and the title of the book is perfect. You can relate to the characters as the letters unfold. Charlie who is really over looked and lost in the shuffle by just about everyone. He has a first year teacher who sees Charlie's potential.
LibraryThing member MooqieLove
My friend recommended this book to me last year and when I saw that the trailer had come out I knew it was time to get my butt in gear. And I am so glad I did.
This book was an easy read with a deep meaning. It follows a young and awkward boy starting high school. Nothing about him is really
While this is not the point of the book, I feel that I must share that the friend that recommended this book to me is gay. He told me what an important book this was for him as a young man coming to terms with his sexuality and I can see why. This book deals with a lot of things people tend or try to ignore about human nature and peer pressure to belong and the bonds we make before we realize we had made them. The strength of silence and understanding was an important aspect of this book and the overall message of hope touched me deeply.
When the book ended I was very upset, not because it was a bad ending, but because I wanted to continue to follow Charlie through his/my life to make sure he found his happiness and to find out who this "dear friend" was and how he got their/my address for these heartfelt letters. I wanted to learn the answers to every question that was brought up and let go. As much as it pains me, it is a huge part of what makes this book so magical.
This book was an easy read with a deep meaning. It follows a young and awkward boy starting high school. Nothing about him is really
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outstanding except for the way that he understands things in respect to himself and his experiences. He has some psychological problems that are not fully revealed until the end, though they are alluded to in more than one form. Sam and Patrick are beautiful characters that help Charlie without judgement and they give him a place to belong. While this is not the point of the book, I feel that I must share that the friend that recommended this book to me is gay. He told me what an important book this was for him as a young man coming to terms with his sexuality and I can see why. This book deals with a lot of things people tend or try to ignore about human nature and peer pressure to belong and the bonds we make before we realize we had made them. The strength of silence and understanding was an important aspect of this book and the overall message of hope touched me deeply.
When the book ended I was very upset, not because it was a bad ending, but because I wanted to continue to follow Charlie through his/my life to make sure he found his happiness and to find out who this "dear friend" was and how he got their/my address for these heartfelt letters. I wanted to learn the answers to every question that was brought up and let go. As much as it pains me, it is a huge part of what makes this book so magical.
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Subjects
Awards
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Nominee — 2001)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Nominee — Grades 9-12 — 2002)
IBBY Honour Book (2014)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2000)
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Selection — 2000)
OYAN Book Rave (2000)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1999-02-02
1999-02-01
Physical description
7 inches
ISBN
9781451696196