Stephen Chbosky’s novel is written in a multiple letter format, dated and written about accounts of that particular day or several days. Charlie, the main character, is the one writing the letters. He writes about his feelings, family, and friends. You read the letters as if you are the person they were written for. Charlie is also an extremely emotional boy, especially for his age, he has difficulty controlling his tears under stressful situations. The letters are his way of expressing himself and they progress throughout his freshman year, and continue through the summer before entering his sophomore year.
Charlie is a fifteen year old, high school freshman, who finds out early in the book, that one of his best friends commits suicide. Charlie is also exposed to many other high school issues, such as the use of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. Charlie is introduced to cigarettes first, then weed, LSD, and alcohol by his new friends. If tobacco, alcohol, and drugs were not enough, adolescent sexuality is a major issue.
Some might think this book has too many issues for a teen to read. I have to disagree. Teens are subject to many or all of the things that Charlie is exposed to. Some kids are not able to talk to their parents and sometimes learn from reading. Books can be the only way some children are educated on these topics.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower does contain situations which are controversial. But sheltering our children may seem like we are protecting them, but it could backfire on us. We need to prepare our children to have the skills necessary to make good choices in life. Chbosky does a good job with this one.
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