Burning Desire For Banned Books: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

Title: The Perks of Being A Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Publish Date: February 1, 1999
Publisher: MTV Books
Pages: 213
ISBN: 0671027344
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Range: Young Adult

Annotation: Perpetual Wallflower, Charlie, becomes unlikely friends with an eccentric and outgoing crowd. His friendship causes him to open up and experiment and ultimately face his introversion.

Summary: When Charlie enters his first year in high school he is a wallflower. He is the kind of kid that pictures himself in the books he reads and quietly watches others rather then becoming and experiencing what he reads and sees for himself. Making friends with both his teacher (who recognizes his intellectual depth by giving him books to read beyond his years) and schoolmates, Patrick and Samantha, Charlie begins to experience life on a new level, while simultaneously avoiding his creeping depression. This depression is a mystery to Charlie and he fights it throughout this instant cult classic until finally he has to face it.

Evaluation: This book is well written and simple, but complex in it's interpersonal relations. It reminds me of reading Catcher in the Rye for the first time and is authentic and unique. It's success in creating a wallflower tone as well as the characterization is endearing.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Molestation, Coming of Age, Becoming more Outgoing, Experiencing Life Rather then Watching It, Family Relationships, Romantic and Friendly Relationships

Reason this Book was Chosen: If I had a top Five YA book list this would be on it. It deals with many issues from coming of age and experimentation to molestation and healing. It's a charming and simple read.

Just for Fun.

Notable Music References from Perks:

Asleep by the Smiths