“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.”

From Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Charlie is a freshman in high school and his life is falling apart.  He’s a major introvert, he’s desperate to make meaningful connections after his friend commits suicide, and he’s still reeling from the death of his aunt.  Charlie begins his school year alone and struggling, but through a random series of brave moments for Charlie, he befriends two seniors, Patrick and his stepsister, Sam.  Charlie’s new friends include him into their small group of ragtag, smoking, partying, wallflower friends.  Charlie is attracted to Sam, and her unhealthy relationship with another guy leaves Charlie constantly questioning love and worth.  The small band of friends develops stronger connections through simple celebrations, startling secrets, and confusing emotions.  Just when things seem to be going well, Charlie is sucked back into his debilitating grief for his aunt; seemingly unable to move past his pain and guilt, Charlie again struggles in every area of his life.  While his life spirals more out of his control than ever, Charlie is forced to look at why he is struggling and how he can learn to live without fear, just like Sam, Patrick, and his other friends.

Chbosky has created a story that is complex, relatable, and moving.  The mental struggles and challenges of the characters, especially the narrator/lead of Charlie, are almost painfully honest.  While this book was written almost 20 years ago (1999), the story is still connecting with readers today.  Chbosky offers a no-holds-barred look at a plethora of issues that impact teens, sometimes in a way that can be too much for some readers, but never in a way that seems fake.  The narration style is fascinating and has a unique way of connecting readers to the heart of the book; it is a timeless story of growing up that will stick with the reader for years to come.