About the Book
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.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Charlie wants to remain anonymous? Have there been times when you wish you could have, or did?
- What do you think being a wallflower is? Do you agree with Bob’s definition?
- How do you feel about Patrick and Brad’s relationship? Do you think Patrick is understanding of Brad’s feelings? What chance at a relationship do they have? Do you think that you can have a ‘true’ relationship built on secrets?
- Discuss Charlie’s family holidays. Are there elements that are universal to every family dynamic? Has anything about Charlie’s family surprised you? Describe aunt Helen. What kind of person is she?
- Talk about the mixed tapes in the story. Are you familiar with the songs and bands? Why do you think Charlie speaks about them so often?
- Do you like that the story is told through letters? Do you feel you know the kind of person Charlie is? His friends and family?
- Charlie’s friends are moving away at the end of the story. Where does this leave Charlie? Can he make new friends? Would you be friends with Charlie? Why or why not?
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Age Level:
YA Genre:
Fiction Published:
1999