The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Locations
Call Number: Teen Fiction / Chbosky, Stephen, Teen Book / Fiction / General / Chbosky, Stephen
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Westgate Branch

Location & Checkout Length	Call Number	Checkout Length	Item Status
Downtown Teen, 1st Floor 4-week checkout	Teen Fiction / Chbosky, Stephen	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Downtown Teen, 1st Floor 4-week checkout	Teen Fiction / Chbosky, Stephen	4-week checkout	Due 05-01-2024
Westgate Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / General / Chbosky, Stephen	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Westgate Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / General / Chbosky, Stephen	4-week checkout	In transit
Westgate Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / General / Chbosky, Stephen	4-week checkout	Due 05-19-2024
Pittsfield Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / General / Chbosky, Stephen	4-week checkout	Due 05-13-2024

"An original publication of MTV Books/Pocket Books"-- T.p. verso.
"Now a major motion picture"--Cover.
Includes Reading Group Guide.
A haunting coming of age novel told in a series of letters to an unknown correspondent reveals the life of Charlie, a freshman in high school who is a wallflower, shy and introspective, and very intelligent. It's a story of what it's like to grow up in high school, tracing a course through uncharted territory in the world of first dates, family dramas and new friends.

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

School Library Journal Review
Booklist Review
Publishers Weekly Review
Summary / Annotation
Fiction Profile
Excerpt
Author Notes

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

A Perfect Teen Book submitted by Sara W on July 1, 2011, 7:27pm It's impossible not to love the narrator of this book, he's sensitive, sweet and honest and as the story progresses, love for him begins to transform into pity and concern.

This book does an excellent job of capturing the experience of being a teenager - from the awkwardness, to the angst, to the joy of discovering you belong to a group of idolized new friends.

While the music and movies referenced here weren't as much a part of my experiences, I think every reader can relate to the group mania that emerges around whatever bands or movies accurately replace these in their experience.

A great read submitted by bluepapaya on June 21, 2013, 2:51pm This book is great and addresses a lot of real issues. However some of the content should not be read by those under 13.

WOW submitted by DownesS on July 3, 2013, 9:41am WOW...just WOW. loved it. I was drawn in from the beginning. I can't wait to see the movie :)

the perks of being a wallflower submitted by unknown on July 30, 2013, 3:14pm Charlie isn't the biggest geek in school, though he is far from popular. Shy, introspective, and intelligent, he prefers observing over being observed, but as a freshman in high school he must navigate a series of firsts--love, experimentation with drugs, and the loss of a friend. Noted for having "the right combination of realism and uplift" by Kirkus, Charlie’s experiences are told through letters written to an anonymous friend, a technique that heightens his earnestness. Called "strongly powerful in a manner that diary or letter style books rarely achieve," by one Amazon customer, another explained, "Charlie's realizations are eye opening for us, and we are so captivated and immersed in his life that his life and stories become a very real experience." Deftly told and so very true-to-life, The Perks of Being a Wallflower embodies everything a coming-of-age novel should.

Parental Advisory: abuse, drug use, sex, suicide.

AMAZING submitted by jessicazhang on June 17, 2014, 6:03pm This book is just amazing, its a good story about someone going through the stages of his life, and first love.

An amazing book. submitted by rshearon on June 23, 2014, 1:49pm Honestly not much more to say than it is just amazing and beautifully written.

Perfect for anyone unsure of high school submitted by Josie Brown on July 18, 2014, 6:18pm Shows you what high school is like for the not-so-popular kids. Interesting read.

The perks of being a wallflower submitted by c_zhang on June 27, 2019, 12:30am Real and very genuine. Really well written.

Good book submitted by jasonc1177 on July 31, 2019, 7:34pm Really well written.

Book submitted by Clown81 on August 31, 2019, 4:19pm Quirky story.

Perks submitted by tbbrown76 on June 20, 2020, 9:22pm "What's your favorite book?"
Into Thin Air
"Why?"
Because it's the book I just finished.

There is much to like and even love about this book. However, the drugs, smoking and sex were a bit too much for a teen book IMHO.
I recommend for 12th grade and beyond.
TB

My favorite book. submitted by avakunnath on June 24, 2022, 9:58pm Charlie, the main character, immediately draws you in as he is relatable, sweet, highly observant and introspective, and just a teenager. Chbosky's way with words is stunning. This book is as much a testament to teenage life as it is a work of art. This is one of the few books I will read over and over again as long as I live; it's so timeless.

Instant Classic submitted by wilcomea on July 19, 2022, 2:58pm Forever one of my favorite reads; such a comfort book now that I am older.

forever a favorite submitted by zaraz on August 9, 2022, 7:04pm this book is absolutely amazing, there’s no other way to put it. it’s been one of my favorite books ever since I first read it as a teen and I can’t recommend it enough to teens and adults alike. the writing is beautiful and the characters feel so real. please read this book if you’re thinking about it!

Classic submitted by LuckyDucky10 on July 8, 2023, 8:44pm I really like this book and it's one of my favorites. Personally, there's a lot of similarities between Catcher in the Rye and Perks of Being a Wallflower, except the characters in this book are much more likable and accessible.