(17, NJ, USA) Anonymous - Being A Wallflower
A book that found me was "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky. This novel, written in the form of letters, tells the story of growing up in high school from the perspective of Charlie, an outsider. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" resonates with me because it tackles the complexities of adolescence as an outsider. With its relatable characters, exploration of mental health, focus on authentic connections, and compelling coming-of-age narrative, the novel represents individuals like myself who have struggled with social acceptance.
One of the key reasons why "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is important to me is that I grew up feeling like an outsider, so I found Charlie’s character relatable. Charlie is a socially awkward and introverted high school student navigating the challenges of adolescence, including mourning the loss of his best friend. While reading this novel, I saw my own experiences reflected in Charlie's struggles, from fitting in to managing stress and social anxiety. As a reader who grew up as an outsider, this book became a source of comfort and hope.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" courageously addresses issues such as depression, anxiety, and the struggles of being a teenager. Before reading this novel, I had never seen other media sources or people around me acknowledge these teenage struggles. Growing up, I was often told that being a teenager was easy and that I shouldn’t complain. I resented this because it felt like my feelings and emotions were invalidated. However, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" brought light to these feelings and struggles, validating my own experiences.
The novel places a strong emphasis on the significance of authentic friendships and the feeling of belonging. Throughout his journey with alienation, Charlie realizes that the true connections he forms with his friends, Sam and Patrick, are with people who appreciate and accept his uniqueness. Similarly, I often felt alienated as my only friend and I drifted apart, and I felt alone even in a crowded school. After joining my current friend group, I finally found people I could relate to, who had similar interests and shared the same aspirations as I did. I finally felt a sense of belonging.
This compelling coming-of-age story demonstrates that being an outsider is not a permanent state but rather a phase intended to transition into a period of self-discovery. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" holds immense importance for readers who grew up as outsiders like myself by creating relatable characters that mirror their experiences, address mental health, and advocate for genuine connections. Through its relatable characters and themes, this novel became a haven for me as I grew up feeling like an outsider. I felt that I wasn’t alone with these emotions, thoughts, and struggles, hoping that somewhere in the world, someone would understand me. And I did find many people to talk to about my struggles who relate to and understand me. Although I no longer feel like an outsider, I don’t see that phase of my life as a negative experience. I believe that without it, I wouldn’t have met the people I know today.
