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.
