Frances Bowles- I too have been a Wallflower

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My overall reaction was that I love the book. It has to be the first book that has really caught my attention. I thought it was interesting, funny, and sad throughout the entire novel. It made me want to read the story all over, watch the movie, then read it all over again. The only question I have is who was Charlie writing to? He never mentions a name or gives the audience any hint; because of this, it makes me wonder if we were "one of those people who listens and understands and doesn't try to sleep with people even though [we] could have" (206). On a personal level, I can relate to Charlie wanting to feel the need to belong somewhere, I too have tried to find my group of friends while also trying to discover myself in the process. Because of this I can understand Charlie wanting to be liked by Mary Elizabeth, Alice, Patrick, and especially Sam.  
If I wrote a letter to Charlie it would be a response to "August 23, 1992" (pg. 208). I think this letter gives the audience an insight to Charlie's personality overall. It's the ah-ha moment where everything starts to make sense as to why he didn’t understand sexual relationships or teenagers at all. 

Dear Charlie,  
I'm sorry that you've been in the hospital since the last letter you wrote me on June 22, 1992 (pg. 197). I know that it couldn't have been easy with coming to terms about the type of person your aunt Helen was to you and her actions especially. The reaction from your family, sadness and anger are very normal; however, it also seems as if they understand you a lot more and why your so curious about the average teen and experiences they have. In the beginning, I thought you were really innocent and unaware of most things but you were just confused based on your situation. Because of this, it's safe to say that you have also had it worst than others.  
It makes sense for you to teach your children someday that if "they are upset, I won't tell them that people are starving in China or anything like that...and even if somebody else has it much worse, that doesn’t really change the fact that you have what you have" (211). You want to allow your children to feel and express their emotions while tending to their needs first which is something you haven't done but I'm glad you are now. I also think that it's mature of you to not be angry at Helen when you have every reason to be, but instead you chose to understand her and the history of it all. Your right in saying that "I guess there could always be someone to blame" (210); although, you chose the high road and I admire that. Take care Charlie. Best wishes. 
Love always, 
Frances

Comments

  1. Lucy McElroySeptember 16, 2016 at 2:29 PM

    I'm glad that you enjoyed the book! I know that you said you're not much of a reader at the beginning of the class. It's always good to find a book you can get into. I think your response to Charlie's letter is very appropriate. I would probably say the same thing. His feelings are invalidated throughout the novel and by him saying that he won't tell his children things to make them think their emotions don't matter, he's expressing how badly that's affected him. Charlie just wanted someone to understand, just like he was trying to understand everyone (and everything) else.

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  2. UnknownSeptember 16, 2016 at 6:40 PM

    I agree with you about really enjoying this book! It certainly was a journey. I like your response to Charlie. It is interesting how you commend Charlie on taking the high road and forgiving his Aunt Helen. Personally I was mad at Charlie for not being mad at his aunt for what she did to him. I felt like he made excuses for her, but then again this was probably the healthiest thing he could have done to help himself cope.

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