Being Perky

Stephen Chubosky's first novel, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, has been often compared to J.D. Salinger's Catcher In the Rye for its approach to explaining teenagers and their issues throughout maturation.

This book is set up a little differently, as it is more of a diary or journal of letters that Charlie, the main character, has mailed off to someone, someone he says he was recommended to write to because he/she "listens". Charlie has several good experiences combined with some bad ones. He has disagreements with kids in school for being nerdy and different. On the other hand, he has an interesting relationship with his english teacher, Bill, who allos Charlie to call him by his first name and tells Charlie that he has a lot of potential.

I chose this novel particularly because of its unique outlook on teenagers learning a lesson or two the hard way. It may be a shorter text, however, it will still serve its purpose as I look at what the author really has to say about adolescence.