Stephen Chbosky

Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Shari Ilg

I just thought how great it was to have friends and a family.

We were just there together. And that was enough.

Maybe it’s good to put things in perspective, but sometimes, I think that the only perspective is to really be there. Like Sam said. Because it’s okay to feel things.

And even if somebody else has it much worse, that doesn’t really change the fact that you have what you have. Good and bad.

The movie itself was very interesting, but I didn’t think it was very good because I didn’t really feel different when it was over.

I feel great! I really mean it. I have to remember this for the next time I’m having a terrible week. Have you ever done that? You feel really bad, and then it goes away, and you don’t know why. I try to remind myself when I feel great like this that there will be another terrible week coming someday, so I should store up as many great details as I can, so during the next terrible week, I can remember those details and believe that I’ll feel great again.

It’s like when you are excited about a girl and you see a couple holding hands, and you feel so happy for them. And other times you see the same couple, and they make you so mad. And all you want is to always feel happy for them because you know that if you do, then it means that you’re happy, too.

I don’t know if you’ve ever felt like that. That you wanted to sleep for a thousand years. Or just not exist. Or just not be aware that you do exist.

She really didn’t say any more other than that, although she kept talking.

It was one of those days that I didn’t mind going to school because the weather was so pretty. The sky was overcast with clouds, and the air felt like a warm bath. I don’t think I ever felt that clean before. When I got home, I had to mow the lawn for my allowance, and I didn’t mind one bit. I just listened to the music, and breathed in the day, and remembered things. Things like walking around the neighborhood and looking at the houses and the lawns and the colorful trees and having that be enough.

When we hit the tunnel, all the sound got scooped up into a vacuum, and it was replaced by a song on the tape player. A beautiful song called “Landslide.” When we got out of the tunnel, Sam screamed this really fun scream, and there it was. Downtown. Lights on buildings and everything that makes you wonder. Sam sat down and started laughing. Patrick started laughing. I started laughing.

I have since bought the record, and I would tell you what it was, but truthfully, it’s not the same unless you’re driving to your first real party, and you’re sitting in the middle seat of a pickup with two nice people when it starts to rain.

A series of letters to an unknown correspondent reveals the coming-of-age trials of a high schooler named Charlie.

william wukkuan

There is this one girl in my advanced english class named Susan. In middle school, Susan was very fun to be around. She liked movies, and her brother Frank made her tapes of this great music that she shared with us. But over the summer she had her braces taken off, and she got a little taller and prettier and grew breasts. Now, she acts a lot dumber in the hallways, especially when boys are around. And I think it's sad because Susan doesn't look as happy. To tell you the truth, she doesn't like to admit she's in the advanced english class, ...

Romy

I just think it's bad when a boy looks at a girl and thinks that the way he sees the girl is better than the girl actually is.

And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.

Me when I struggle with being perceived :

I didn’t know that other people thought things about me. I didn’t know that they looked.

You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand.

It’s strange because sometimes, I read a book, and I think I am the people in the book.

These are small things, but they are so meaningful. This book is full of those small but meaningful things, this might be why it makes me sad but also very happy.

 "Don't ever say that about anyone again. Not even me."

Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.

And I wonder if anyone is really happy. I hope they are. I really hope they are.

This quote. It destroys me every time because Sam says Charlie is « too young » for her as they have a small 3 years difference and it’s respectable since he’s 15 and she’s 17 going on 18 (if I remember well) but it also shows that she respects him more than she does respect herself. She is always going out with older men, sometimes even grown ups, and those men always end up hurting her, treating her like shit and yet !!! they don’t have decency enough to tell her she’s « too young » for them, when she clearly is. I think this shows all the respect she already has for Charlie in the beginning.

You know you're too young for me, Charlie? You do know that?

He was the boy that made mix tapes with themes and hand-colored covers until he hit my sister and stopped crying.

After reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I can honestly say that I liked the book more than the movie, even though they were created by the same person. While the film adaptation was well done, the book simply offered a deeper and more personal experience.

What made the novel stand out to me was how much more it explored Charlie’s experiences and trauma. The letter format made the story feel incredibly intimate and raw, as if Charlie was speaking directly to the reader. Because it was written as letters, everything felt more personal and psychological. We weren’t just watching things happen — we were inside his mind, understanding his thoughts, confusion, and emotional struggles in a much deeper way.

The book also dives further into Charlie’s mental health. His breakdown and repressed trauma weren’t rushed or shortened, which allowed readers to fully understand his psychological state. The detailed descriptions gave more emotional weight to his journey, making his struggles feel real and impactful.

Another reason I preferred the book was the inclusion of small moments and subplots that weren’t fully shown in the movie. These details helped develop the side characters more, allowing readers to truly get to know them. The novel included more of Charlie’s “wallflower” observations — those quiet reflections about people, relationships, and life. The relationship dynamics were also more layered and detailed, which made the connections between characters feel more authentic.

Overall, the book was a more reflective and heavier read compared to the movie. While the film softened some aspects of the story for a broader audience, the novel embraced the rawness of Charlie’s experiences. For me, that honesty and emotional depth made the reading experience much more powerful and meaningful.

After reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I can honestly say that I liked the book more than the movie, even though they were created by the same person. While the film adaptation was well done, the book simply offered a deeper and more personal experience.

What made the novel stand out to me was how much more it explored Charlie’s experiences and trauma. The letter format made the story feel incredibly intimate and raw, as if Charlie was speaking directly to the reader. Because it was written as letters, everything felt more personal and psychological. We weren’t just watching things happen — we were inside his mind, understanding his thoughts, confusion, and emotional struggles in a much deeper way.

The book also dives further into Charlie’s mental health. His breakdown and repressed trauma weren’t rushed or shortened, which allowed readers to fully understand his psychological state. The detailed descriptions gave more emotional weight to his journey, making his struggles feel real and impactful.

Another reason I preferred the book was the inclusion of small moments and subplots that weren’t fully shown in the movie. These details helped develop the side characters more, allowing readers to truly get to know them. The novel included more of Charlie’s “wallflower” observations — those quiet reflections about people, relationships, and life. The relationship dynamics were also more layered and detailed, which made the connections between characters feel more authentic.

Overall, the book was a more reflective and heavier read compared to the movie. While the film softened some aspects of the story for a broader audience, the novel embraced the rawness of Charlie’s experiences. For me, that honesty and emotional depth made the reading experience much more powerful and meaningful.

Claire Maguet

A series of letters to an unknown correspondent reveals the coming-of-age trials of a high-schooler named Charlie

First time rereading since high school, JFC this is so heartbreaking. CHARLIE! 🥺 I will prob reread again in life, just need time to heal my heart. 

Kyra Cracchiola

beautiful book both writing and plot and so heartbreaking. will be watching the movie for sure, although i’ve heard it doesn’t do it justice.

evie coxon

i didnt know that other people thought things about me

hayley 

„And there are people who forget what it’s like to be sixteen when they turn seventeen. I know these will all be stories someday, and our pictures will become old photographs. And we’ll all become somebody’s mom or dad. But right now, these moments are not stories. This is happening. I am here and I am looking at her. And she is so beautiful. I can see it. This one moment when you know you’re not a sad story. You are alive. And you stand up and see the lights on the buildings and everything that makes you wonder. And you’re listening to that song on that drive with the people you love most in this world. And in this moment, I swear, we are infinite."

I will never not cry at this monologue. This book shows such a realistic sideof feeling and struggeling, and this wierd nostalgic feelin, that feels like a think to me teenagers have that adults end up forgetting, that really makes you feel like you are „infinite“ sometimes. 

mia sofie

„And there are people who forget what it’s like to be sixteen when they turn seventeen. I know these will all be stories someday, and our pictures will become old photographs. And we’ll all become somebody’s mom or dad. But right now, these moments are not stories. This is happening. I am here and I am looking at her. And she is so beautiful. I can see it. This one moment when you know you’re not a sad story. You are alive. And you stand up and see the lights on the buildings and everything that makes you wonder. And you’re listening to that song on that drive with the people you love most in this world. And in this moment, I swear, we are infinite."

I will never not cry at this monologue. This book shows such a realistic sideof feeling and struggeling, and this wierd nostalgic feelin, that feels like a think to me teenagers have that adults end up forgetting, that really makes you feel like you are „infinite“ sometimes. 

I was not expecting this book to go as hard as it did. The writing is somehow simple yet beautifully poignant. Charlie is my new favorite relatable protagonist.

Another reviewer summed up my feelings exactly so I'm quoting them here to remember for myself:

"feels like a book that unties knots you never knew you had about growing up, being sensitive, anxious and feeling things just a bit too much...

"it's like a hand holding yours while you walk through a field. but the field is about growing up and being conscious of things as you gain new perspectives and get older. charlie's thoughts overlap with yours and the reaffirmation is something i hardly find in a young adult book. his and your emotions got processed at the same time and you grow as he grows. it's like drinking warm milk."

I cried many, many times throughout the single day it took me to read this treasure. Though I don't agree with this book being banned, I can see why it has been; it is extremely intense for sensitive individuals, and I can imagine a young person being sub-atomically transformed by it. If I had a high schooler (absolutely no younger) wanting to read it, I would read it along with them, and tell them as Charlie's beloved teacher Bill said: "Be a filter, not a sponge."

Bethany

I was not expecting this book to go as hard as it did. The writing is somehow simple yet beautifully poignant. Charlie is my new favorite relatable protagonist.

Another reviewer summed up my feelings exactly so I'm quoting them here to remember for myself:

"feels like a book that unties knots you never knew you had about growing up, being sensitive, anxious and feeling things just a bit too much...

"it's like a hand holding yours while you walk through a field. but the field is about growing up and being conscious of things as you gain new perspectives and get older. charlie's thoughts overlap with yours and the reaffirmation is something i hardly find in a young adult book. his and your emotions got processed at the same time and you grow as he grows. it's like drinking warm milk."

I cried many, many times throughout the single day it took me to read this treasure. Though I don't agree with this book being banned, I can see why it has been; it is extremely intense for sensitive individuals, and I can imagine a young person being sub-atomically transformed by it. If I had a high schooler (absolutely no younger) wanting to read it, I would read it along with them, and tell them as Charlie's beloved teacher Bill said: "Be a filter, not a sponge."

I read this when I was a teenager and honestly I forget about the ending. I see it differently now that I did then. And different things resonated with me. It’s a beautiful book. 

Brittnee Coffmen

I had watched this movie years ago and forgot how it went completely. Reading the book, I thought it was going to be following a boy’s life, but omg was it gut-wrenching. It felt like I was there silently watching Charlie and his life play out. I think if I were to read this any earlier or later it wouldn’t have come off as significant as it did. 

Karina Ramos-Sotelo

It's so real and surprisingly relateable. Every single characters no matter how small the role feels so humane and feels like I know them personally.

kittie

This may take the place of my favorite book ever. It has so many amazing moments that just allow you to come to the conclusion that you are alive and real and changing. You can be the person that listens and understands and didnt try to sleep with that person even though you could. No matter your struggle every day you make it further you are alive and you are taking steps to win at the never ending game of life. So now I sit here and reflect while listening to landslide and hoping to one day feel infinite.

Jordyn

so sad so beautiful si perfevt i wish icoukd rate it higher than 5😔😔💔💔💔

gurlene 

maggie sweeney

ang 

i wanna just lay down and cry, i love you so much charlie i swear.

Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is attempting to navigate through the uncharted territory of high school. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and music - when all one requires to feel infinite is that perfect song on that perfect drive. Standing on the fringes of life Charlie has a unique perspective of the world around him, but there comes a time to stop being a wallflower and see what it looks like from the dance floor. This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion has become a modern classic. Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating and through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

was skeptical, but this is an essential read for a young adult. not 5/5 just because of that thing at the end which didn't seem right to me, apart from that, phenomenal.

feels like a book that unties knots you never knew you had about growing up, being sensitive, anxious and feeling things just a bit too much. panic attack is represented here too which is nice.

it's like a hand holding yours while you walk through a field. but the field is about growing up and being conscious of things as you gain new perspectives and get older. charlie's thoughts overlap with yours and the reaffirmation is something i hardly find in a young adult book. his and your emotions got processed at the same time and you grow as he grows. it's like drinking warm milk.

feels like what radio silence was trying to be, or any coming-of-age book in general. this is the real stuff. 10000% recommend. 

was skeptical, but this is an essential read for a young adult. not 5/5 just because of that thing at the end which didn't seem right to me, apart from that, phenomenal.

feels like a book that unties knots you never knew you had about growing up, being sensitive, anxious and feeling things just a bit too much. panic attack is represented here too which is nice.

it's like a hand holding yours while you walk through a field. but the field is about growing up and being conscious of things as you gain new perspectives and get older. charlie's thoughts overlap with yours and the reaffirmation is something i hardly find in a young adult book. his and your emotions got processed at the same time and you grow as he grows. it's like drinking warm milk.

feels like what radio silence was trying to be, or any coming-of-age book in general. this is the real stuff. 10000% recommend. 

Miru

You wouldnt think the author is a noob.
GoodBook. GoodRead.

Anna 

Zamilovala jsem se do filmu a chtěla jsem se zamilovat i do knihy. Vážně jsem si to přála. Ale nejde to. Během čtení jsem začala o hodně věcech přemýšlet. A došla jsem k závěru, že Charlie musí trpět nějakou duševní poruchou, jelikož ve svých dopisech nepřemýšlel jako šestnáctiletý kluk. Vážně ne. Udělal si kamarády o tři roky starší než on sám. A jediné, co jeho kamarádi dělali, bylo to, že ho nořili do ještě větších sra*ek než ve kterých už byl. Nebyli to kamarádi.
Kniha se lehce dotýká témat jako je znásilnění, sexuální zneužívání, potrat, deprese a mnohem více.. Ale jak říkám, kniha se jich jen DOTÝKÁ. Není to tam rozebrané, autor si jen odškrtl důležité věci, které by v každé knize o střední škole měly být.
Přijde mi, že hrozně moc lidí romantizuje Charlieho nemoc a jeho vztah s kamarády, a já jsem to asi podle všeho dělala taky, když jsem viděla film.
Nevím, kniha takhle určitě byla napsaná schválně, ale prostě mi na tom vadí, že tam je tolik věcí nedořešených a nevyjasněných. Kdyby autor na konec knihy napsal nějaké vyjádření, třeba proč napsal tuto knihu, kdo je vlastně Charlie, proč se mu stalo to co se stalo, třeba bych byla moudřejší. Ale z tohodle fakt nevím, co si mám myslet.. A mrzí mě to.
✩
Na Instagramovém výběru mám sice 3,5*/5*, ale měním názor, protože bych se vážně měla naučit dávat taková hodnocení, jaká si podle mě knihy zaslouží.. Takže nakonec dávám 3*/5*

Everyone can relate to this book because it holds the aspects of growing up and the reality of living. Whether you’re a teenager and experiencing what you are reading or an adult reflecting on those times, let the nostalgia consume you.

Emily Burns

Absolutely gorgeous fictional memoir of a troubled teenage psyche.

Charlie struggles to cope with complex world of high school as he deals with the confusions of sex and love, the temptations of drugs, and the pain of losing a close friend and a favorite aunt.

Andrea Morales

“we accept the love we think we deserve.”

first reread!
a very quick and easy read but PACKED FULL with loveable characters, a great music selection, heart hitting moments and a character development that really resonated with me.

update: bumping this up to 5 stars, just watched the movie and oh my god was i SOBBING

Sosa Kuti 

Amazing. I really love this style of writing (in letters, that is), and it was extremely readable. However, the readability did not deter the focus of the story, nor did it make it any less powerful of a message. I don't really have many words to say right now-I'll probably update this review later. I recommend giving this a read, because to me it's very special, and very nice, and I liked it a lot. 

I would've liked more in-depth explorations, but due to the fact that all we really see are letters, it makes sense as to why things aren't really that descriptive. I also didn't like how Charlie suddenly went from not getting math, to getting perfect scores (petty because I related and then couldn't). 

But the book is still good, and it pairs well with the movie. Sort of like a supplement that gives more insight into our main character. I don't know, I enjoyed the book, but kind of hated some things. But then again, I'm picky and hate a lot of things. I found the story to be sweet though, because it's pretty neat to have two really close friends to feel infinite with.

lala

This is actually a *re-read* but that’s okay. To be completely honest I can’t get rid of the actors and actresses that portray the characters in the movie. Coming back to read the novel, I think the movie was perfect. I like how the novel is narrated in a series of letters written by Charlie to an unnamed friend. It gives it a more authentic edge. The story winds up slowly, but perfectly, it’s like reading a letter made for the readers. We can also see how Charlie’s trauma unfolds with how he explains his condition. It’s an easy and “flowy” read, and I can identify with Charlie at times, making me somehow both the friend he refers to and Charlie at the same time. I would still recommend you to read this book even if you’ve seen the film because it just *hits* different.

my head hurts while writing this so word vomit lang muna review ko + i wanna watch the movie aswell!!!!

“Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.”

this is the bookfied version of the phrase “because the world didn’t end at 17.” honestly gusto ko ulit i-reread kasi i feel like i missed so much details 😭

it was good though, sobrang nafeel ko si charlie sa part kung gaano siya kaobservant sa ibang tao and sa surroundings niya. and honestly the book really showed the reality of how even if you think some people have it worse or better, that doesn’t mean you should compare your situation to them kasi at the end of the day we all have different problems.

also shows the reality that people will take advantage of you, and that you’ll make mistakes, you’ll do things you regret, and it will still end up being okay. because we are all just young. and it will all pass.

what you’re going through does not define who you are. it will get better.

“Whatever happened to Charlie?” And I can tell you what happened to Charlie in three words…

initial rating 3.75/5

my head hurts while writing this so word vomit lang muna review ko + i wanna watch the movie aswell!!!!

“Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.”

this is the bookfied version of the phrase “because the world didn’t end at 17.” honestly gusto ko ulit i-reread kasi i feel like i missed so much details 😭

 

it was good though, sobrang nafeel ko si charlie sa part kung gaano siya kaobservant sa ibang tao and sa surroundings niya. and honestly the book really showed the reality of how even if you think some people have it worse or better, that doesn’t mean you should compare your situation to them kasi at the end of the day we all have different problems.

also shows the reality that people will take advantage of you, and that you’ll make mistakes, you’ll do things you regret, and it will still end up being okay. because we are all just young. and it will all pass.

what you’re going through does not define who you are. it will get better.

“Whatever happened to Charlie?” And I can tell you what happened to Charlie in three words…

He made it.

And so will you.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Reviews

Highlights