Perks of Being a Wallflower: The End.

I finished the book pretty quickly because, well, it's hard to put down! The character, Charlie, writes pretty addicting letters. Also, the events that happen show what life's all about: the good and the bad--it's hard to advertise just the good side of life, or just the bad side of life, so this book gives both perspectives, making it more relatable. Reading this book, I felt I could totally relate to Charlie, and at other times, I felt his life was totally different than mine which is what made the book great: it was dynamic. The only thing that bothered me in this book was the ambiguity at the end where they talk about how Charlie has issues in which he needs to go to the hospital and such. Online, there are theories of him being autistic. Not sure how legitimate that is but its possible. I, personally, think that he just reaches a stage in depression where medicine and therapists are the only answer. He seems like a genius but is socially awkward....So many possible problems. But then again, he could just be a struggling teenager. Who Knows! All we know is that the author chooses not to share it with us in order to leave your own mind to calculate its own predictions. Wow! How similar to "The Catcher in the Rye" is that! Pretty similar.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Charlie is freshman in high school, and still trying to get the swing of things. After being emotionally scarred by the horrible event of his friend's suicide, his life takes a turn. He makes new friends who show him how to live and have a good time, and realizes life's too short to be a bystander, but a participator. His friends Patrick and Sam show him just how to do that, and the best part is that these friends genuinely understand him: "he's a wallflower....[he] see[s] things. [He] keep[s] quiet about them. and [he] understand[s]" (37).
This book reminds me a lot of "The Catcher in the Rye", both novels having to do with growing up and coming of age. I somewhat like "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" better because it takes place in a more modern setting, making it more relate-able to myself.
Right now, his friend Sam (who is Patrick's step-sister) has given him his first kiss to make sure his first kiss comes from someone who loves him. That's what she says at least. But in reality, I think she really does like Charlie but doesn't want to go out with him because he is younger. I can see Charlie coming to hate High School's "Rules" as Patrick had told him earlier in the book, because these "rules" are what separates his love, Sam, from him.