Freshman, 15 years old Charlie tries to understand himself as a young adult

going into high school. The book is a coming-of-age about how it is hard to grow

up and be your true self. Charlie struggles with many things through his freshman

year, from not having friends, first date, to his first drug experience. Charlie

additionally has a hard time to properly communicate with his family and to

express himself. However, Charlie unexpectedly meets siblings in law (and

seniors), Patrick and Sam. Who have come to be his friends. They gave him a

nickname, wallflower which means to be or act shy. They will help Charlie to

escape the reality of growing up. And he will try to fit in as a shy kid. He falls in

love with Sam, and Patrick finally will accept his sexuality and fall in love with a

boy named Brad. Afterward, we discover that Charlie suffers from mental illness,

anxiety caused by PTSD. What will happen to Charlie next after his friends leave

him for college? Will he ever be happy?

I genuinely liked the fact Charlie wrote letters to his “Dear Friend” Who was his

dear friend after all? He started writing his letters about his life events. Charlie's

character and life is relatable to every teenager. I feel like every teen should read

it once in their life. Also, I loved how the author was excluded, how Patrick

struggled with his sexuality. Therefore, not only Charlie is struggling to find himself but also his friends.

I read this book a couple of times, and the theme of the book is that we need to

learn how to accept ourselves. We can lose ourselves in this fast paced life. We

all are struggling to define ourselves by either our style, music taste, sexuality,

friends and hobbies. Our society can be uncertain, but we need to learn how to

be true to ourselves.

I feel like everyone should read this book. I think everyone can somehow relate

to Charlie, Patrick, and Sam. Charlie's curiosity takes over him, so he tries things

that he would never try. In my opinion all the characters are written extremely

well.

One thing I didn't enjoy about the books is how Charlie's parents didn't

acknowledge him whatsoever. Charlie needed help when he felt the most and

was hopeless but his parents just ignored that fact and blamed it on his young

adolescent.

On the final note I rate this book 9,10 for the whole plot. The story gives that

bittersweet, nostalgic feeling after this great read. The author truly put his hard

work into writing this masterpiece. He addressed all the topics that teens may

struggle with. In addition, properly written characters can poof this point. The

read is also pretty short and I was able to finish it in 3 days! But before reading

any books that cover heavy topics such as sexual assault, abusive relationship,

drugs and alcohol, you always have to read the trigger warnings before staring a

book.

In conclusion, for every teen who is struggling with anxiety about the future and

afraid to find themselves it will be a great read.

Checkout The Perks of Being a Wallflower from the Newport Beach Public Library.