<P> Chbosky took five years to develop and publish The Perks of Being a Wallflower, creating the characters and other aspects of the story from his own memories . The novel addresses themes permeating adolescence, including introversion, sexuality, and drug use, while also making several references to other literary works, films, and pop culture in general . </P> <P> Although Chbosky's first book was a commercial success, it was banned in some American schools for its content . In 2012, he adapted and directed a film version starring Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emma Watson . The film boosted the novel's sales, and the book reached The New York Times Best Seller list . </P> <P> The story begins with a quiet, sensitive 15 - year - old boy named Charlie writing letters about his life to an unknown recipient . Charlie chooses that person because he said that he heard the person was nice and thought that this person would not be judgmental . He discusses his first year at high school, grappling with two traumatic experiences from his past: the suicide of his only middle - school friend, Michael Dobson, a year before, and the death of his favorite aunt, Helen, during his early childhood . </P> <P> His English teacher, who encourages Charlie to call him Bill, notices Charlie's passion for reading and writing, and acts as a mentor by assigning him extracurricular books and reports . Although he is a wallflower, Charlie is befriended by two seniors: Patrick and Sam . Patrick is secretly dating Brad, a closeted football player, and Sam is Patrick's stepsister . Charlie quickly develops a crush on Sam and subsequently admits his feelings to her . It is revealed that Sam was sexually abused as a child, and she kisses Charlie to ensure that his first kiss is from someone who truly loves him . </P>

Who dies in perks of being a wallflower