The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By: Selena Luna
What was the book about?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is told through letters written by the main character whose name is Charlie. These letters are written to an unnamed receiver. Through these letters he tells of his first year of high school. The readers get to see what his first year of high school is like and all that comes with it. Including all of the stress that comes with it. He talks about the people that he lost, and how he deals with that. New characters are also introduced throughout the story as he talks about his family and friends. Overall he finds love, loss, friendship and learns a lot about himself some being good and some being bad.
What was the book REALLY about?
The initial reaction of the book is that it is just another high school book. That usually means that it would be about who’s going to ask who to prom or who started what rumor and it’ s not. While there are some romantic relationships in the book they are portrayed more realistically. It is a book that is about dealing with things that are going on in your life while also dealing with the stress of high school. Which is something that I can personally understand. It can be extremely difficult to try to balance the personal things that are going on in your life or in your head (especially if you don’t understand it), and deal with the stress that school adds on. This book shows that sometimes people try to block out the bad things that happen to them, and the repercussions of doing so. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a book that teaches people especially teenagers that they are not alone, and that it is okay to need help.
What was the most imprant word, and why?
The most important word is Infinite. It is not a word that is said much in the book. In fact it might only be said once. Yet it still has a lot of meaning. It has so much meaning because Charlie said it at a time that he felt free, and happy. When he said it the audience didn’t know everything that was going on in his life, but that was one of the times that he was happiest in the whole book. Even though this word might not be said, it is written all over the book.
What was the most imortant direct quote, and why?
“We accept the love we think we deserve”, is a quote that can really sum up the whole book (It was said by Bill who is Charles's English teacher). This quote is basically saying that how you were treated in the past or how you treat yourself will determine what kind of love that is no your life. It doesn’t matter if the love that is being talked about is platonic or non-plastic. It can relate to pretty much every character in the book. Almost all of them had something regarding love that influenced them or changed them, for the better or worse.
What was the most important quote or sentence, and why?
“And in that moment I swear we were infinite”. This quote is said by Charlie in a moment that he feels sincerely happy. He forgot about some of his troubles and was able to just live in the moment. It was over something that could seem small to others, but it really put things into perspective when it comes to happiness.
If you could change one thing what would it be, and why?
I honestly don't think there is anything that I would change. I thought that is was great and it realistically depicted what it is like to be a teenager. It doesn't make everything thing seem perfect. it talks about how people have stuff going on in their lives,and how that it is okay. People have this whole idea of what a perfect high school experience is, but that’s not how it is most of the time. People are unhappy and hate others, or themselves in high school and that is not talked about enough. As a teenager I can personally say that it was the most realistic coming of age story that I have heard. I was able to relate to it, and it made me feel better about some things that have happened in my life. I feel like changing anything could ruin everything that was so great about this book.
Who would you recomend it to?
I would recommend this book to anyone 12+ that needs to feel like they aren’t the only ones who are going through things. That they don’t have to be alone. It is a great coming of age story. It is also very well written and even people who can't necessarily relate to it can still appreciate it. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is going to be a must read classic.