Summary:

A shy freshman, Charlie, writes letters to a recipient unknown to the readers. The recipient also does not know who Charlie really is or who his friends really are. Charlie changes everyone’s name in the letters to protect his identity. In an almost diary form he tells this person about his experiences and feelings throughout his freshman year. He is an exceptionally emotional young man, but his English teacher considers him somewhat of a genius. Charlie shares in detail his encounters and how he feels about people. He is very blunt when he tells his stories of his friends Sam, Patrick, Mary Elizabeth and others. In this coming of age story we see Charlie in a number of high-school situations where is morals and ability to handle peer pressure is tested. Through these letters, we find out about the tribulations Charlie has been through when he was younger, and as Charlie sets off to begin his sophomore year, he finally learns to be happy.