Late Review: 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'

What is so special about the teenage years?

Is it the confrontation with real emotions like love, anxiety, and depression? Is it that people commonly build the relationships and friendships that will last the rest of their lifetime during this time period? Is it the fact that we find ourselves and discover what we really have a passion for?

Whatever the reason, one thing is for certain: Our teenage years are one of the most influential parts of our lives.

Written by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells a story that perfectly describes this time of emotional turmoil in so many of our lives. Through it all, Chbosky creates a story—though a bit outdated—that is quite simply real. It is its authenticity that hooks readers in and takes them on a journey of a shy kid, trying to navigate high school alongside his friends.

Taking place in the suburbs of Pittsburgh in the early 1990s, The Perks of Being a Wallflower details a school year in the life of the protagonist and narrator Charlie. The novel is written in the form of letters that Charlie is writing to an unknown person (presumed to be us, the readers). From there, Charlie writes the details of his life during his tenure as a freshman in high school.

What makes Charlie and his story so interesting is the fact that Charlie is constantly looking at things from the outside back in. From interacting with people to participating in class, Charlie is constantly thrown into situations that vary from serious and dramatic to boring and relaxing. He is usually left to figure things out on his own. Coupled with the fact his naivety is through the roof, Charlie describes situations and fails to realize the severity of it. He acts as he thinks is right and his social compass can be off at times. It is this naivety that compels the story and pushes it forward. Situations are dealt with by a person who should not be in these situations to begin with. By the end of the novel, readers realize where Charlie's issues stem from and for that, it humanizes him. It makes Charlie that much more relatable and his story that much more unique. Although his awkwardness gives the story a signature feel, in some ways, it also hinders it.

Much of the events are described in a plain and straightforward fashion. Because of this, the novel often leaves very little to the imagination in some areas. Characters are sometimes drawn out, yet at the same time, not drawn out enough. Situations are described in the same manner. It is a mix between not enough information and having enough to gain a clear picture.

What makes The Perks of Being a Wallflower so special is not the colorful language, but the realness of the situations it presents. Acceptance of homosexuality, child/domestic abuse, love/heartbreak, substance abuse, abortions, and house parties are some of issues that Charlie faces. Although many may not admit, a good portion of us may have faced these issues at some point. Readers may relate to these issues, whether personally or by association. This, in turn, helps tie the story together and complete the themes that the novel is trying to discuss.

The themes and messages The Perks of Being a Wallflower conveys are well-thought out. It provides a clear understanding of the situations and factors that affect so many everyday people. Stephen Chbosky clearly researched these issues. He provides a unique "young adult" perspective that was underrepresented at the time of publishing in 1999.

Clearly aimed at young adults, The Perks of Being a Wallflower provides a typical look into the teenage life filled with sex and drugs in the early 1990s. At the same time, it is a departure from the stereotypical young adult fiction. It is a take on high school and real-life issues that these students—who are barely beginning to understand how to be an adult—deal with.

All in all, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a novel on its own level. A staple of young adult fiction, it is a recommended read to those looking for something different and for those beginning the high school/middle school journey.

Rating: 7.9/10

*The novel was adapted into a film of the same name in 2012 that does not contain the same spirit as the novel. It does, however, stay true to the plot, and is recommended to those eager to put faces to characters among other things.*