Charlie’s Letters & Thoughts
Why does Charlie start writing letters to an anonymous "friend" at the beginning of the book?
Because he is about to start high school, he feels completely isolated, and he is trying to cope with the suicide of his best friend, Michael.
What is the specific term used in the book to describe a person who stays in the background, observes everyone, but doesn't attract attention, like Charlie?
A "Wallflower".
Why does Charlie’s brother cancel his trip home for Thanksgiving, which deeply upsets their mother?
Because he is behind on his university schoolwork due to his intense football schedule and commitments.
Charlie says that his family gatherings are very unique. What paradox does he use to describe how his relatives feel about each other?
He says that everyone in the family loves each other, but no one really likes each other.
Charlie explains a biology experiment with a mouse and an electrified floor. What was the scientific conclusion of that experiment?
The mouse was willing to endure much higher voltage (pain) for a source of intense pleasure than it was for simple food.
Which famous midnight movie and live show do Patrick, Sam, and their friends perform in and invite Charlie to watch?
The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
How does Charlie’s mother react to the stress and anxiety of her oldest son not coming home for the holidays?
She takes Charlie shopping for new clothes and talks incessantly to avoid facing her worries.
During the Thanksgiving dinner, everyone is watching a VCR tape. What is on the tape that makes the whole family feel collective pride and stop fighting?
A recording of Charlie’s older brother playing college football and making a big play on third down.
What specific statistic does Charlie’s mother read in a magazine regarding families who lose a child, which connects to Michael’s parents?
She reads that only seventy percent (70%) of marriages stay together after losing a child.
Why does Charlie feel frustrated with Craig, the older boyfriend of Sam? What is Charlie's specific criticism of him?
Craig is a photographer, and Charlie feels that Craig only values Sam for her physical appearance instead of her true personality.
Charlie’s sister has a major secret in Part 1 that leaves Charlie deeply worried. What is she hiding from her parents?
She is still secretly dating her abusive boyfriend in private, convinced that he has changed after her father ordered them to break up.
In the quiet moment during the snowstorm, what secret story did the grandfather reveal about why he used violence against his daughters when they were young?
He beat them because they got C-plus report cards; he wanted to force them to study and go to college so they wouldn't have to work in a mill like he did.