Author: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction
This is the coming-of-age story belonging to a fifteen-year-old boy named Charlie. It takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, back in 1991. Charlie is starting high school but still recovering from his best friend’s recent suicide so he takes to writing letters to a friend he’s never met himself. The novel is written in the form of letters from Charlie to his mysterious friend. From the beginning of his freshman year to the end, he attempts to step out of his comfort zone every chance he gets to experience the world and learn. A huge theme in Charlie’s life is friendship and the book repeatedly shows how much he treasures it. His obsession with music and classic literature is prominent all throughout the story and greatly affects both his personality and friendships. Charlie ends the book with a huge message about participating in life and making a difference instead of merely watching it fly by and risk missing life-changing opportunities.
I recommend this to anyone and everyone in high school, and even to adults. Charlie lives an incredibly memorable freshman year and his story could change how you see the world. The characters are relatable and really inspirational. I wouldn’t recommend it for a quick, fun read, but it is a very good book to read, especially if you’re looking for a new insight on life.
Aine Kern
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction
This is the coming-of-age story belonging to a fifteen-year-old boy named Charlie. It takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, back in 1991. Charlie is starting high school but still recovering from his best friend’s recent suicide so he takes to writing letters to a friend he’s never met himself. The novel is written in the form of letters from Charlie to his mysterious friend. From the beginning of his freshman year to the end, he attempts to step out of his comfort zone every chance he gets to experience the world and learn. A huge theme in Charlie’s life is friendship and the book repeatedly shows how much he treasures it. His obsession with music and classic literature is prominent all throughout the story and greatly affects both his personality and friendships. Charlie ends the book with a huge message about participating in life and making a difference instead of merely watching it fly by and risk missing life-changing opportunities.
I recommend this to anyone and everyone in high school, and even to adults. Charlie lives an incredibly memorable freshman year and his story could change how you see the world. The characters are relatable and really inspirational. I wouldn’t recommend it for a quick, fun read, but it is a very good book to read, especially if you’re looking for a new insight on life.
Aine Kern