Charlie encounters many of the struggles familiar to everybody from their school days, from making friends, first crushes, experimenting with drugs and sexuality, but he must also deal with his best friend’s suicide and a shocking realisation about his beloved late Aunt Helen which challenges his very grip on reality.

This is a funny, touching, memorable first novel which captures with resounding accuracy the voice of a boy teetering on the brink of adulthood.

Charlie is not the biggest geek in high school, but he’s by no means popular.

Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is attempting to navigate through the uncharted territory of high school. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and music – when all one requires to feel infinite is that perfect song on that perfect drive. Standing on the fringes of life Charlie has a unique perspective of the world around him, but there comes a time to stop being a wallflower and see what it looks like from the dance floor.

This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion has become a modern classic. Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating and through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

‘Chobsky captures adolescent angst, confusion and joy… Compelling.’ Booklist
‘This wistful, sensitive novel perfectly captures the uncertainty and excitement of adolescence, and has become a deserving modern classic.’  Scottish Book Trust
‘A coming-of-age tale in the tradition of THE CATCHER IN THE RYE and A SEPARATE PEACE… [Chbosky’s] poignant reflections on life, love and friendship are often inspirational and always beautifully written.’ USA Today