In an age when the Internet has all but eradicated the idea of mass-culture literature, it’s a little astounding that Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” has maintained its popularity. The novel, published in 1999 by MTV Books, chronicles the coming-of-age of a high school freshman called Charlie through letters addressed to an anonymous stranger.

While young adult books like the “Harry Potter” series and “The Twilight Saga” have united readers based on elements of fantasy and gothic horror, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” takes a singular approach in its paean to ’90s indie culture like The Smiths and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Chbosky’s enormous sales and subsequent film deal, which saw the author writing the screenplay and directing, are a testament to just how well Chbosky captures the subset of youth culture he’s aiming for. Considering how involved Chbosky has been in the adaptations and dissections of his most famous work, it’s surprising and more than a little exciting that he’s chosen to come speak at the UA.

A question and answer session and book signing will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight on the lower level of the UofA Bookstore. The second part of the event will be the screening of Chbosky’s film adaptation, which is set to take place on the UA Mall from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

It’s not every Friday that UA students get the opportunity to watch a new classic on the Mall, much less a film whose screenwriter and director will be an open book for the two hours before.

If you’ve ever read or heard of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” or are just interested in fiction or screenwriting, the Chbosky event is not to be missed.