Nearly three decades later, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ is still loved by its audience. ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ was written by Stephen Chbosky and was published in 1999. The story is written in a letter or diary format with the main character Charlie writing to a “friend”. It follows 16-year-old Charlie as he navigates through high school, friends, family, and mental health.
The book has sold over five million copies since its release. Book sales boosted by 379.4% with the movie adaptation. The book is 224 or 256 pages in length depending on the edition.
Plot
The novel begins with Charlie introducing himself to someone he calls his “friend”. Charlie talks about his best Michael who died by suicide. He discusses how his death has impacted him. Likewise, Charlie also talks about his Aunt Helen who died on Charlie’s birthday.
Both of these deaths have notably impacted Charlie. He then goes on to talk about his family and relationship to each member. Charlie also mentions that he has changed all the names of the people he talks about so the reader will never know their actual names.
Charlie has transitioned to high school as a freshman and does not like the change. His old friend Susan, his older sister Candence, and her boyfriend Derek socially outcast him. His peers also notably bully him. However, Charlie forms a friendship with his English teacher Bill. Bill gives Charlie books to read and write essays on as he believes Charlie has a talent for literature.
One night Charlie attends a football game like he used to with Michael. There he meets Patrick, an infamous senior, and Patrick’s stepsister, Sam. The three go out to eat after the game and quickly become friends with one another. Charlie develops a crush on Sam but she does not reciprocate. Patrick and Sam integrate Charlie into their friend group and invite him to all of their traditions and events.
Charlie is thrilled to have friends but his problems with past events like his Aunt Helen and mental health get in the way. Furthermore, teen audiences have been able to connect with Charlie’s struggles.
Movie Adaptation
The theaters premiered ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ in 2012. It was a big success earning $33.4 million in the box office worldwide. Author Stephen Chbosky adapted the book into a screenplay and directed the movie. Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller star as Charlie, Sam, and Patrick.
The release of the movie allowed Charlie’s story to stay afloat with the teen audience. But it also connected with older audiences.
“I thought it was a really good representation of the misunderstandings that can happen amongst teenagers,” Melissa Abrams, an English teacher at Colonia High school expresses, “The first time I saw it was in my forties but like I thought it really gave a glimpse as to what it is to be alone and not really fit into things while you’re a teenager.”
Opinions
Despite the popularity of the movie, some are still sticking to the original media. “The book because the book is always better than the movie.” Mariella Spina, an avid young adult fiction reader at Colonia High school expresses. According to KB101 FM, 67% of people prefer the book to the movie.
I believe that this is a great book to read especially for teen audiences. I feel like there are lots of events that happen in the book that can/have happened to teens. The movie also allows a new form of media for audiences to relate to. I think everyone can relate to at least one character in the book.
