Listening to Howlin’ Wolf...

The 1970 Sessions featured the best That the British had; they threw it all at him. He was a big man, with shovel hands, Held the harmonica like it were a rare bird; They didn’t know quite how to play Little Red Rooster So he showed them with his acoustic. When he died they laid him out, His hands crossed on his breast. He looked like he’d pop out and scream: Even in death he was hollering – Howlin’ Wolf, from Chicago Illinois He’d so many friends there, Nothing could hurt him. R.H....

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Conor Bohane Feb03

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Conor Bohane...

The Perks of Being a Wallflower received mixed opinions in 1999 when it was first published. It is renowned for being one of the most controversial books of the time. The novel deals with subjects such as alcohol, drugs, friendships, sexuality and death amongst teens. The writer Stephen Chbosky adapted the novel for the big screen in 2012. It starred many reputable stars such as Emma Watson. Although I have never seen the movie, I will be sure to add it to my bucket list! There is a lot of praise for the character development and how teens can relate to the characters throughout the novel. The novel is made up of letters written under the alias ‘Charlie’ beginning in August 1991. We follow Charlie through his first year of high school and through all his experiences created while growing up. His best friend Michael committed suicide months earlier without leaving a note. Michael’s girlfriend ignored Charlie throughout the first year of high school as she made a more ‘popular’ life for herself. Charlie was stuck within the depths of his depression until he met Sam and Patrick at a football game. They were three years older and introduced Charlie to a whole new world. He began to smoke all kinds of substances and drink at parties. They made him feel invincible and that’s all anyone could ask for in a friend. Charlie became friends with his English teacher, gained interest in new books and music and felt like he was at the peak of his adolescence, that is until his sister’s boyfriend began hitting her. He deceived the girl who liked him, his friends left for college and he found out the truth of his doctor visits. Oh, and was Aunt Helen really...