The Perks of Being a Wallflower Part 2, Chapter 9 Summary

How It All Goes Down

December 19, 1991

  • The tension builds as Charlie reveals his Secret Santa gifts: slacks, a tie, a white shirt, shoes, and—wait for it—a belt. If he gets a cardigan, he could be Mr. Rogers. Who we love.
  • For Patrick, Charlie has purchased watercolor paints (so Patrick can make his own painting) and a book on how to play the harmonica (so Patrick can play his own music).
  • The fifth gift is a book: The Mayor of Castro Street about Harvey Milk.
  • You'd think Charlie would know not to judge a book by its cover, but he hasn't read this book and he thought the back cover looked interesting. Oh, and Milk was gay, so Charlie figures that Patrick is bound to like it.