The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Dear Charlie,

I’m another reader who genuinely enjoyed your letters. The first thing I noticed about you is how sensitive and caring you are. You cry as much as I do and that I find interesting considering I grew up with, and is still exposed to, male characters who are rarely portrayed as very sensitive beings.

On the surface, the portion of your life you have kindly shared with us seems ordinary but there are certain moments where I personally wanted to be there with you so I could feel exactly what you were feeling- like when you claimed you felt Infinite. Ordinary is wonderful, and I think that is one of the reasons why your story is so relatable, which makes the reading more pleasurable. However, there are sorrowful experiences you have gone through that many haven’t and I hope they don’t.

Your group of friends are an interesting bunch. I praise Sam for her honesty, her ability to always give you an answer, and to provide guidance. Patrick is fun, sassy, and I’m in awe of his confidence. I’m really happy he liked the mix tape you made him. In fact, I decided to listen to one of your favorite songs, Asleep, by the Smiths and I absolutely love it. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t like Mary Elizabeth much.

You’re teacher, Bill, gave you quite an amount of books to read on the side. I covered The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald back in high school as well. That brings up nice memories for me. I read Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger on my own. I’ve made it my goal to read the other books Bill had assigned to you. I personally think that Bill will have an excellent teaching career.

I enjoy how easy your words flow. At times I would get sucked into your world and  for a moment I could see myself sitting next to you at the “Nutrition Center” talking about…anything. Your letters vary in emotional weight- some are light and others are heart-breaking. Despite everything, you show us readers that you are hopeful at the end of your last letter and that, simply, gives me hope.

Sincerely,

-MS-

P.S. I love the The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

February 8, 2015November 2, 2017 by Mellow Shellie Categories: novelTags: fiction, letter, music, novel, Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the Smiths 8 Comments