SuitabookThe Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
- Reading
- Consider agreeing on a pause or check-in before reading, especially around the later revelations. Let your reader choose whether to discuss difficult scenes, and return to the conversation afterwards if they prefer.
- Themes
- Charlie’s letters and perspective: Charlie writes letters while navigating high school and trying to make sense of his experiences; important context about his past comes late. The letter structure places the reader within Charlie’s account, while delayed disclosure changes how that account can be understood.
- Friendship and belonging: Two older students, Sam and Patrick, take Charlie in and help him encounter a different side of adolescent life. The friendships give Charlie companionship as he finds his way through high school.
- Worth knowing
- The novel includes sexual abuse and assault, suicide, domestic violence, substance use, sexual activity, strong language and homophobic insults. Some sexual violence is described without explicit detail; these subjects may merit a check-in with your reader.