Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Pocket Books, 1999. 213 p. PBK $14.00 ISBN 978-0671027346
SUMMARY: "Charlie, a freshman in high school, explores the dilemmas of growing up through a collection of letters he sends to an unknown receiver."
RISKS: Description of date rape, depictions of substance abuse, descriptions of sexual activity, homosexuality, abortion, vulgar language, sexual abuse
EVALUATION: While I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone, primarily because of its gritty elements, I loved it and think it is brilliant. Charlie's voice is constantly authentic and amazingly thoughtful. I might call it a mix between Catcher in the Rye and Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Charlie is like Holden in his candor and like Christopher in his guilelessness.
READER'S ANNOTATION: I don't have to come up with one since my assignment it done and my class is over and I don't like writing these anyways!
TOPICS: depression; anxiety; friendship; post traumatic stress; sexual abuse; substance abuse; homosexuality; sex & sexuality; dating; letters; high schools;
AWARDS: Tennessee: Volunteer State Book Award Nominees, 2004; ALA Popular Paperbacks, 2002; Kentucky: Bluegrass Award Nominees, 2002; Texas: Tayshas Reading List, 2002; ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2000
Ages 14 & up
