The Perks of Being a Wallflower’s Stephen Chbosky is writing a second book: here’s everything you need to know
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- Lauren Geall
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Forget teen friendships and nostalgia - Chbosky’s second novel is set to be nothing like The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Perks of Being a Wallflower refused to shy away from difficult issues when it was published in 1999. The 2012 film adaptation, which closely follows the plot of the book, covers subjects from introversion and relationships to drug use and mental health problems.
The first novel from American writer Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower hit The New York Times Best Seller list after the film’s release, and ever since we’ve been left wondering what was next for the elusive author.
Well friends, the time for waiting is over. Taking to his Twitter, Stephen Chbosky has officially confirmed a release date for his new novel. Here’s everything we know so far.
It’s called Imaginary Friend
In February 2018, Chbosky spoke to Entertainment Weekly to reveal he was working on a second novel called Imaginary Friend.
Described as a “literary horror,” the novel is sure to be a firm departure from the realistic, nostalgia-inducing vibe of Chbosky’s first book: from what we get in the synopsis, it seems the imaginary friend may be a threatening voice which warns main character Christopher about a tragedy which will come to the real world if he doesn’t protect it. Creepy.
It’s been in the works for a while
In a tweet, Chbosky revealed that it has taken him nine years to write his second novel.
“Dear friends, twenty years ago I published my first novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” he wrote. “I have spent the last nine years working on my second.”
In that time, however, he’s been working on some other exciting projects. He adapted and directed the film adaptation of his first novel back in 2012, and since then he has co-written the screenplay for Disney’s live action Beauty and the Beast and the adapted and directed the film of R.J Palacio’s hit novel Wonder.
It’s coming out in October
Also in the tweet, Chbosky announced that Imaginary Friend’s official release date is October 1st, and the synopsis gives us an insight into how the book may make suitably spooky Halloween reading material.
“Kate Reese is a single mother fleeing an abusive relationship by starting over in a new town, with her young son Christopher,” it reads. “But Mill Grove, Pennsylvania, is not the safe place they thought it would be…”
“Their world begins to unravel after Christopher vanishes into the Mission Street Woods - where 50 years earlier an eerily similar disappearance occurred. When he emerges six days later, unharmed but not unchanged, he brings with him a secret: a voice only he can hear and a warning of tragedy to come.”
You can preorder it now
The hardcover is currently available to pre-order for £20, and you can get a signed edition for no extra cost.
Image: Summit Entertainment