Course:The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

CRWR 501P 003
Advanced Writing of Poetry
	Instructor:Dr. Bronwen Tate; Email: Bronwen.tate@ubc.ca; Office: Buchanan E #456;
Important Course Pages
	Inspirations & Influences;
Categories
	Sources of Inspiration and Influence Aardvark Book of Poems Book of Poems by a Living Poet Choufleur Conflicted, Ambivalent, or Antagonistic Feelings CRWR 501 People Encountered Before Twelve Essay Fiction Films Fox Gemini Music Orchid Otis Places Poem Composed Before 1945 Poetic Prose Sadcactussometimesblooms Song, Painting, Film, Etc. Souris Yarrow Yellow Silver

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky is not just a coming-of-age tale; it's a literary touchstone that has profoundly impacted my writing. Chbosky's portrayal of Charlie's vulnerability and authenticity has encouraged me to embrace these qualities in my own work. As Charlie writes in one of his letters, 'So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.' These words resonated with me deeply because, like Charlie, I too experienced the complex mix of emotions that accompany growing up.

Reading the book during a period when I was going through the motions of growing into myself helped me feel seen and heard, even though the author did not know me personally. It was as if Charlie's words reached out to a universal part of the human experience. 'Enjoy it. Because it's happening,' he wrote, reminding me to cherish the journey of self-discovery. And in that moment, as he put it, 'I swear we were infinite.'

Cover Page for "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

Now, as a writer, I aspire to provide the same sense of connection and understanding to others through my work. I want to capture the raw, honest emotions of life's transitions, just as Chbosky did for me. My hope is that my storytelling can help readers feel seen and heard, even in the most intimate and vulnerable moments, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.

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