Spoiler Thread!

[Jessica]

So, there are a few things in this book I know that people may want to discuss that could ruin the book for others. This is the place for you guys to talk about it. If you have not finished the book PLEASE do not read this. I really really really never want to ruin a book for anyone!

[Chelley]

The ending was a complete surprise. It definately explained the problems the narrator had growing up. I think this book does a good job of showing just how many people are affected by child molestation and the different effects it can have on them as teenagers.

[[deleted user]]

This ending surprised me too. I really did not see it coming that Charlie had had a trauma in his past. Yes I knew there was something that made him different and special but I honestly thought it may be that he was handicapped, not molested as a child. That threw me completely.

[Heather]

I agree actually. I actually think he's both though... I could have sworn I read it somewhere that he was handicapped - but maybe I"m wrong or mis-read it. Either way, did not expect it. The funny thing is, when I read that his Aunt molested him, despite not seeing it coming, didn't surprise me. Not exactly sure how to explain this one but I definitely explained a lot of things.

[Lauren]

I'm not really sure why, but I never thought Charlie was handicapped. Like I said in another thread, he just felt like me. And it's strange, that if he was a girl, would it change the way you think of him? Would his sensitivity seem fine? Because I hate that, and I think it's true. If he were a girl, he could cry and behave as he does, and people wouldn't question it as much. I just think we are all people, and I loved to see how his emotions went up and down. I always thought it's usually girls who do this, and it was nice to think about how boys aren't as constant as I thought they were.

[y]

The ending surprised me as well but the weirdest thing is I still like his Aunt as a character. What she did was horrible without question but I don't think I can just so easily ascribe blame to her because it was abuse from her father that led her to this. I know that's in no way an excuse but she just doesn't seem like a horrible person even if what she did was horrible.
@Lauren, I think it's really interesting to consider the impact of Charlie's gender on this book. I think I would have actually liked the book less if Charlie was female and that, unfortunately, is due to preconceived notions I have about emotional girls being overly sensitive and attention seeking while emotional boys are sensitive and hurt. I think part of this is that females are almost expected to react with tears and emotions and I dislike when fiction reinforces that stereotype.