Josh Willis Perks of Being a Wallflower

Josh Willis

Mr. Bauks

Perks of Being a Wallflower

The main character, Charlie a fifteen-year-old boy, has begun his freshman year in high school. Charlie already has social anxieties, as well as being terrified to start high school by it self. On top of that, he has to deal with the suicide of his friend, Michael.  Finally, Charlie meets step brother and sister Patrick and Sam and they decide to bring him into their click. After being introduced into this new group Charlie is lead into a whole new world of drugs, alcohol and literature.  Near the end of the school year a horrible secret arises about a close family member to him. The Charlie writes to us through the use of letters all addressed to an anonymous friend.

Throughout the book Charlie expresses the theme of understanding.

Overall, this book would be perfect for a copious amount of people who have entered or are about to enter high school. This book covers all the topics that someone is bound to encounter throughout your high school career. One thing the author did well in this book was some of the viewpoints and lessons learned . For example, Charlie knows exactly what is going on and he doesn't use a filter. For example, when he talks about family gatherings he discusses how he enjoys them not only because he gets to see his family but he enjoys watching everyone bicker. This Thanksgiving is no different from any other. As usual the small verbal arguments break out until they are stopped by being able to watch Charlie’s brother play football. Finally when the family is sitting down and its Charlie’s turn to say what he is grateful for he says, “I’m thankful that my brother played football on television so nobody fought” (60). Throughout the book there are constantly these little scenes were Charlies voice takes over. As well as those moments there are many lessons you learn along the way.