THE PERKS OF BEING A
WALLFLOWER
By Stephen Chbosky
Summary
Charlie, the fifteen-year-old narrator, has
just begun his freshman year of high school.
Throughout the book, we are brought
through the highs and lows of Charlie's life.
Charlie is grappling with two major
traumatic deaths of loved ones in his past,
his best and only friend and his Aunt Helen.
Charlie suffers from depression and suicidal
thoughts. However, he is invited to join a
friend group, known as the Wallflowers.
Where he meets his best friends, Sam and
Patrick. These friends would encourage
Charlie to leave his shell and move on from
his past. His mental health is an important
aspect of this book along with the value of
friendship.
Questions
Did Charlie make new friends after Sam and
Charlie went to college?
Will Charlie make improvements on his mental
health?
“What will you remember
most from this text?”
I will deeply remember the literature and
value in which Stephen Chbosky uses. There
is so much worth in his writing. The reliability
of this book has also made it more enjoyable
to retain. It will always remain one of my
favorite comfort books.
Connections
Within the span of my life, I have been in and out of many
friendships. Meeting my best friend, however, felt just like this
book. She later went to college, similar to how Sam and Patrick
did. I found myself alone and having to cope alone, but she was
still only one phone call away. I find this book very comforting
being that it is so similar to my life.
I found that The Perks of Being a Wallflower was similar to the
movie Juno, filmed in 2007. Both movies carry the coming of
age and mental heath aspects. The two books also contain
important decisions and how they can weigh in on your life.
Important Quotes
“Charlie, we accept the love we think we
deserve.” Page 24
This quote is valuable to the story because
it reflects on Charlie's past with Sexual
assault and the relationship he forms with
Sam.
“I am both happy and sad
simultaneously, and I’m still trying to
figure out how that could be.” Page 2
The book is heavily centered on the mental
health of Charlie. This quote displays how
he feels in a way that could be relatable to
the reader.
“He’s a wallflower…You see things. You
keep quiet about them. And you
understand.” Page 37
In this quote, Charlie is invited to Patrick
and Sam's friend group, where he finds
himself and makes good connections. It
opened up the book.