There were other stories and other names. Second Base Stace, who had breasts in fourth grade and let some of the boys feel them. Vincent, who took acid and tried to flush a sofa down the toilet. Sheila, who allegedly masturbated with a hot dog and had to go to the emergency room. The list went on and on.
Stephen ChboskyI just hope I remember to tell my kids that they are as happy as I look in my old photographs. And I hope that they believe me.
Stephen ChboskyI think it was the first time in my life I ever felt like I looked โgoodโ. Do you know what I mean? That nice feeling when you look in the mirror, and your hairโs right for the first time in your life? I donโt think we should base so much on weight, muscles, and a good hair day, but when it happens, itโs nice. It really is.
Stephen ChboskyI know that I brought this all on myself. I know that I deserve this. I'd do anything not to be this way. I'd do anything to make it up to everyone. And to not have to see a psychiatrist, who explains to me about being "passive aggressive.
Stephen ChboskyWhen I did a study of all the coming-of-age movies that meant a lot to me, whether it was 'The Graduate' or 'Rebel Without a Cause' or 'Dead Poet's Society,' they all had that timeless feel. None of them were completely married to the details of their age. They felt timeless in their treatment of it. That's what made them resonate with me.
Stephen ChboskyI look at the field, and I think about the boy who just made the touchdown. I think that these are the glory days for that boy, and this moment will just be another story someday because all the people who make touchdowns and home runs will become somebody's dad. And when his children look at his yearbook photograph, they will think that their dad was rugged and handsome and looked a lot happier than they are. I just hope I remember to tell my kids that they are as happy as I look in my old photographs. And I hope that they believe me.
Stephen Chbosky