Author:
Chbosky, Stephen
Title:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Publisher & Date:
MTV Books/Pocket Books, 1999
Recommended Age Range:
14 and up
Plot Summary:
A quiet, bittersweet coming of age novel about shy, observant Charlie, who is just beginning high school. His best friend committed suicide the year before, and Charlie is trying to find his place in the high school as well as in the world in general. Charlie likes to look from the sidelines, preferring to observe than to participate. He eventually befriends some caring high school seniors, who lead him through the often-confusing world of adolescent friendships, relationships, drugs, and good music. As he begins to open up to his new friends, Charlie begins to remember why he began to retreat into himself after the death of his aunt.
Reader Appeal:
This book would appeal to fans of psychology, The Smiths, problem novels, literature, reading, writing, and those who are shy.
Literary Merit:
This novel was well-written, moving, and had an inventive style. The entire book is structured as letters to an unknown person, so the reader comes to realize certain plot points as the narrator, Charlie, slowly begins to remember them.
It was indeed a very very good book…however, i feel its way too grotesque to be recommended to 14 years olds…i mean, there are some pretty graphic scenes and equally graphic ideas that might be too much for 14 year olds, dont you think? maybe 17 year olds and above would be more applicable
I think it’s fine for 14 year olds. It’s one my favorite books too.