The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Your Book Club Reading Guide
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Book Themes
Adolescence and self-discovery
Mental health
Friendships and relationships
Trauma and healing
Sexual identity
High school experiences
About Stephen Chbosky
Stephen Chbosky is an American novelist, screenwriter, and film director. Born in 1970 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chbosky is best known for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which was also his debut novel. Besides writing, he has directed and written screenplays for various films, including the movie adaptation of his own novel.
For more about Stephen Chbosky, visit his IMDB page.
Publishing History of The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was published in 1999 by MTV Books. The novel gained immediate popularity, especially among young adults, for its raw and authentic portrayal of teenage life. The book’s been both celebrated and challenged, with numerous instances of being banned or censored in schools due to its mature themes.
For example: In 2009 in Portage, Indiana, the book was removed from the school curriculum due to its explicit content and themes of drug use and sexual activity. The group of outraged citizens then went for it at the West Bend Community Memorial Library in Wisconsin. Libraries for the win, though: “The library’s board unanimously voted 9-0 to maintain, ‘without removing, relocating, labeling, or otherwise restricting’ access to the book in the YA section.”
Author’s Perspective on Banning
Stephen Chbosky has openly discussed his feelings about censorship:
Chbosky wrote the book as a survival guide of sorts.
Reception
The critical response to the novel at the time of its publication was mixed, with some reviewers criticizing it as a pale imitation of "The Catcher in the Rye". However, the book was well-received by readers and became the publisher's biggest hit.
From a reader:
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heavy, heavy book. It contains some of the hardest moments that teenagers face, and I think that can be a painful thing for adults to relive/visit. But I also think that there's something so incredibly special about this book that every adult can understand."
Synopsis (Spoiler-Free)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age story told through a series of letters written by the protagonist, Charlie. As a shy and introspective freshman, Charlie navigates the complexities of high school life, forming friendships, dealing with trauma, and discovering his identity. The novel explores his journey of self-discovery and the impact of his past on his present.
Book Club Questions
How did you relate to Charlie's experiences of high school and self-discovery?
Discuss the significance of the letters as a narrative device. How do they affect your understanding of Charlie?
What role do Charlie's friends play in his journey towards healing and self-acceptance?
How does Stephen Chbosky address the theme of mental health in the novel?
How do the various relationships in the book (family, friends, romantic) influence Charlie's development?
What are your thoughts on the portrayal of trauma and its impact on the characters?
How does the book's history of being banned or challenged affect your perception of its themes and content?
How might Charlie's story be different if it were set in today's digital age?
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Happy reading, and may your book club discussions be as enlightening as they are entertaining!
