106 pages 3 hours read

Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a coming-of-age tale told through letters written by Charlie, a high school freshman, to an anonymous "friend." Charlie navigates the challenges of adolescence, including friendships, relationships, and personal trauma, as he finds his identity with the help of his new friends, Sam and Patrick. Sensitive topics include suicide and childhood sexual abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower has received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of teenage life and emotional depth. Readers appreciate the relatable characters and poignant coming-of-age story. However, some criticize the narrative style as simplistic and the themes as overly melancholic. Overall, it remains a touching and impactful read for many.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Perks of Being a Wallflower?

A reader who would enjoy The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is typically a young adult or teenager grappling with issues of identity, mental health, and the tumultuous experience of high school. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or John Green's The Fault in Our Stars will likely find this book compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

720L

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Music

Relationships: Family

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Topics

Depression / Suicide

Mental Illness

LGBTQ

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Romance

Classic Fiction