the perks of being a wallflower

gut reaction to the perks of being a wallflower by Stephen chbosky

Back cover reads:
"standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like form the dance floor. This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up."

Response:
hm. I'm not really quite sure how to respond. Chbosky illustrates the teenage world pretty clearly. It's real and raw. He shows typical, everyday teenage problems and how students usually deal with them. Charlie is a gentle character who is selflessly concerned for those around him. The format (letters) and plot kept me reading, so that's a plus. I guess I was just distracted by a constant question in the back of my mind: "What is wrong with this kid?" It was kind of annoying. Chbosky hits us with it at the end, and, to be completely honest, I was kind of revolted. It did make sense.

Another great English teacher strikes again! I really liked Bill because I did the same thing with a few of my students- gave them books to keep them reading. I didn't have extra essay assignments, though. I walk away from the novel feeling like Charlie is a kid brother. He endures a ton, and comes out ok. I can't really say anything else. I'd recommend this to high school students, but I have no idea what kind of high schooler would like this. No Word Nerd Seal of Approval, though.


Quotes:
"Sam has brown hair and very very pretty green eyes. The kind of green that doesn't make a big deal about itself" (19).

"It is magnetic poetry. Have you heard of this? In case you haven't, I will explain. Some guy or girl put a whole bunch of words on a sheet of magnet then cut the words into separate pieces. You put them on your refrigerator, and then you write poems while you make a sandwich. It's very fun" (64).

"I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still chose where we go from there. We can still do things" (211).