Sophia C. reviewed on 2/18/2010 + 289 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

One of the most challenged books of late, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a poignant epistolary coming-of-age novel. Charlie starts writing letters to an anonymous friend on the eve of starting high school in 1991. He soon befriends some seniors and begins to chronicle, if not fully participate, in adolescence. Although the allegedly objectionable themes--sex (gay and straight, potentially non-consensual), drugs, and rock 'n roll, suicide and mental illness--form the backbone of the story, they are balanced by Charlie's attempts to understand his changing world. His language is simple but his thoughts are surprisingly mature and sensitive. Chbosky's writing doesn't endorse those things, but being exposed to them Charlie tries to both understand and run away from them. It would be a shame to skip over this imminently likeable wallflower, who will likely grow up to be a warm, sensitive man, and not hear his message that is ultimately uplifting, optimistic, and courageous as he tries to "participate" in life.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details