September Book of the month - The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Book Club: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Join us as we step into the world of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky’s modern classic about adolescence, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Told through a series of intimate letters, the novel captures the voice of Charlie, a shy and sensitive teenager navigating high school in the early 1990s.

Through Charlie’s eyes, we experience the highs and lows of growing up—awkward first dates, the pain of loss, the exhilaration of new friendships, and the quiet struggles with identity and mental health. His bond with free-spirited step-siblings Sam and Patrick draws him out of isolation and into a world of music, late-night drives, and unforgettable moments that feel, in his words, “infinite.”

Chbosky’s tender, unflinching prose resonates across generations, reminding us of the beauty and difficulty of coming of age, and the enduring need for connection, understanding, and belonging.

Discussion Points:

• How does the epistolary format shape our understanding of Charlie’s inner world?
• In what ways do Sam and Patrick influence Charlie’s growth and sense of self?
• How does the novel explore the balance between passively observing life and actively participating in it?
• What role does music, literature, and pop culture play in shaping identity and community?
• How does Chbosky handle themes of trauma, mental health, and recovery in the context of adolescence?