The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

I love this novel for a number of reasons.  Not only does it tackle a wide range of teen issues, but it is done so in an interesting way.  The book is written in a series of letters by a narrator who goes by the alias "Charlie," sent to an anonymous reader.  Charlie is a special person.  He is intelligent and friendly, but also lonely and a little socially awkward.  It isn't until he meets his first real friends as a freshman in high school that he starts to break out of his shell.  Not only does he makes friends with these seniors, but he also has a special relationship with his teacher who provides him with an endless reading list to help him understand his life.

Drugs, partying, sexual orientation identification, and psychological illness drive the book.  It keeps the reader reflecting on the troubles of high school students and how it will get better.

I recommend this book to anyone who is mature enough to handles the big issues in the novel.  There is some blush-worthy conversation, but it is what makes the narrator realistic.  If you liked It's Kind of A Funny Story, this novel is for you.

This novel has also been made into a movie starring one of my favorites, Emma Watson.  Click here to see the trailer!