On one of my many books-to-read lists, sat The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
I got it off a “books everyone should read list,” which is funny because this book has been on the banned book list.
I am never for banning books. However, I do understand a parent’s concern with a coming-of-age story like this, where there is sexual content and drug use. The truth is, teenagers have sex and do drugs, or are, at least, exposed to both.
I don’t think the book glorifies either, I just think it’s a depiction of the life of a teenager named Charlie, who has some issues and is just trying to find his way.
My thoughts…
I loved that the book is written in diary-like letters. I loved Charlie’s insight. I loved Charlie.
His story felt real…
and complex…
and sad…
and hopeful.
“Dear friend,
I feel great! I really mean it. I have to remember this for the next time I’m having a terrible week. Have you ever done that? You feel really bad, and then it goes away, and you don’t know why. I try to remind myself when I feel great like this that there will be another terrible week coming someday, so I should store up as many great details as I can, so during the next terrible week, I can remember those details and believe that I’ll feel great again. It doesn’t work a lot, but I think it’s very important to try.”
and she was 