Stephen Chbosky writes a simple masterpiece, perfectly written for surviving souls out there. Published in 1999 and set in the 90's, this book is written with a schoolboy innocence as the main character Charlie writes diary like letters to a anonymous friend, chronicling his lonely high school debut and the demons which constantly haunt his mind. He begins explaining about a friend who recently died in his life and his shock and dismay at everyone's continuance of their lives since. With a genuine innocence about him, Charlie begins high school and meets Sam and Patrick. These smoking buddies welcome him in spite of his age and they accept each other despite their flaws and secrets. Patrick is gay and Charlie clearly loves Sam, though she is uninterested and in a relationship. His innocence is further highlighted as he promises that he loves Sam so much, that he even feels bad thinking about her in any bad way. He is timid and constantly cries but there is something so pure and endearing about him that you will want to hug him.
Charlie loves his family dearly and misses his brother who is constantly away at college playing football. He has a close relationship with his mother who understands his personality wholeheartedly and understands how to deal with him when he gets down. But most of all, he misses his Aunt who died in a terrible accident which is revealed in a interesting way.
His friends become his life so much so that when they are not around, he finds it hard to breathe. When they argue, he falls apart and will do anything to go back to how they were. Charlie also experiences drugs, music, girls and books. His English teacher becomes inspirational as he realizes Charlie's potential in writing and gives him advanced books to read.
The simplicity of this book reveals Charlies state of mind and how he deals with his feelings in a childlike yet natural way. With many turns of events and life changing moments, this is a book which can be read over and over again. Chbosky's writing is enticing and somewhat addictive, in that he sets the scene as if you were present in the 90's, driving fast, listening to cassette tapes and feeling infinite.
