Read for: YA Challenge
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is narrated by 'Charlie', the titular wallflower, who begins the novel as a somewhat shy and unpopular high school student. In the form of letters he writes to an unknown reader, the story follows Charlie as he makes friends, experiences love and life and ultimately comes to terms with his own difficult childhood.
A deeply moving coming-of-age tale, Wallflower traverses some difficult topics, including depression, suicide, drug abuse and child molestation. Yet it manages to be a sweet, charming book, with a sensitive protagonist who is easy to care about. An intelligent and honest boy, Charlie is intuitive yet awkward, which makes following his journey all the more meaningful.
Published in a series of MTV novels for young adults, this book will appeal to anyone interested in teen fiction, especially ones that delve into the more challenging aspects of growing up.
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8 comments:
I was planning on reading this one this month for Banned Books Challenge, but I went to get it from my library and I'm #13 on the list! So I'll have to wait awhile, but you've made me more excited to finally get it. :)1
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Mariel!
I read this book at the beginning of the year and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
It was one of those books that I wish I read back in high school.
Eva - I hope you love it! I can see why the book was a little contraversial, but I think its important to write and teach about such challenging issues.
Nymeth - Me too! Thanks for the recommendation!
Christina - Glad you loved it too! I know what you mean about wishing you had read something at the right age. I think we would get something very different out of it.
I'm so glad this book has enchanted so many people. I read it when it was first released (ten or so years ago) and was glad to have something that seemed like a good alternative to The Catcher in the Rye (of which I could never get past page ten). I never did teach it, but I would have liked to.
One of my online book groups was considering this for a book discussion this past summer but another book won over it. It does sound interesting, and from your review, I'm even more curious about it. Thank you for your great review.
Naida - You betcha!
Jena - I didn't realise it was that old. I am actually going to make a point of reading Catcher in the Rye now, after all these comparisons!
Literary Feline - I recommend it, but can see why it wouldnt appeal to everyone.
I came across this book 10 years ago in middle school. It changed my life. It will always hold a special place in my heart! Fantastic book.
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