A Book That Changed My Perspective on What It Is to Be Human

By Isla Poustie ‘26, Staff Writer; Edited by Kat Willson ‘26, Head Editor-in-Chief

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, a hilarious, haunting and heartbreaking novel. Written by Stephen Chbosky, this book, based on the life of a teenager, hooks you from the start. At only 213 pages, this book takes you into the mind of Charlie Kelmeckis through letter entries to an unknown ‘friend’. Each letter he writes reflects on his daily life, the people around him and the many obstacles he faces. This book is written in the stream of consciousness style through his letters, which I really enjoyed as it helps to really show what Charlie thinks of the world around him in a raw and ever-evolving way.

Beginning the night before his first day of freshman year, these letters record his goal to ‘participate’. The first ‘friend’ he makes is his English teacher, Bill Anderson. Quickly realizing Charlie’s love for books, he starts giving him his favourite books to read and write about. This bond is vital for Charlie as it acknowledges not only his intellect, but Mr. Anderson proves to be a trusted confidant and mentor. One of my favourite lines from the book is said by Mr. Anderson, “We accept the love we think we deserve,” further telling Charlie his own worth in relationships and the world.

Eventually making new and older friends at a football game, he goes to house parties, dances, Rocky Horror Picture Show productions, diner hangouts and more. He opens up his world to new experiences and people, but keeps his more negative outlook on life. Having faced a lot of trauma in his childhood, he takes this into his teenage years and struggles with a lot of mental health issues.

Shown through a sensitive and introverted perspective, this book highlights that fitting in does not mean happiness, and the most important thing is finding the people who make you feel appreciated and loved. Bonding over music, school and all of life’s struggles and highs, Charlie and his friends create strong friendships. These friends he makes help him find his place, and while there are struggles that come along with friendship, they support and love each other no matter what.

This book explores so many themes, such as mental health, sexuality and substance abuse, all used to show the differences in how people handle them. The ups and downs of life being a shared human experience is a very prevalent idea in this story, as not only Charlie’s story is being showcased, but his siblings’, friends’ and adults’ around him. It reminds the reader of how being young and naive is something to cherish, but also to reflect on how challenging navigating these years are. To find belonging and good within people and the world.

Taking you into Charlie’s mind through his letters, this book is a reflection on what it means to be human. Even after facing so much trauma and self-hate, Charlie is able to have so much positive growth while still being imperfect. Simply human, like everyone else.

“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad, and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.”

-Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I implore you to go out and read this very short, but fantastic novel and if you don’t feel like reading, watch the movie!