The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky
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Synopsis:

The critically acclaimed debut novel from Stephen Chbosky follows observant "wallflower" Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

A #1 New York Times bestseller for more than a year, an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults (2000) and Best Book for Reluctant Readers (2000), and with millions of copies in print, this novel for teen readers (or "wallflowers" of more-advanced age) will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps feel nostalgic for those moments when you, too, tiptoed onto the dance floor of life.

Excerpt:

I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn’t try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have. Please don’t try to figure out who she is because then...

About the Author:

Stephen Chbosky wrote and directed the feature film adaptation of his award-winning novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. He has worked in film and television, on projects including the film version of the smash-hit musical Rent; the TV show Jericho; and others. He also edited Pieces, a collection of short stories for Pocket Books. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Chbosky graduated from the University of Southern California's Filmic Writing Program. His first film, The Four Corners of Nowhere, premiered at Sundance Film Festival. Follow Stephen on Twitter @StephenChbosky.

Ratings (25):

Incredible (5)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (10)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (41):

Read It (21)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (19)

Reviews:

nhamos
Incredible
Tags:
diary/letter, funny and sad

This is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story. Charlie has good qualities and bad ones. The story being told through letters was something I really liked.

10/27/2022 10:46:55 AM
lavpal
Liked It
Tags:
a classic ya novel

An odd book, really. Drugs and sexual activity are abundant. The storyline disturbed me, and I can see how other young adult readers could feel the same way.

10/30/2022 1:30:38 AM
nbucat
Loved It
Tags:
a coming of age

Charlie, a socially inept student, lives on the outside of society. When he meets two unusual students, they teach him valuable lessons on how to live.

10/29/2022 7:51:02 PM
wrorav
Loved It
Tags:
touching and heartbreaking

Actually, I rather enjoyed it. It took me a little while to get acclimated to the writing style, but once I did, I enjoyed the book very much.

10/28/2022 1:04:25 PM
pmapal
Loved It
Tags:
young adult fiction

This is a story about the adolescent self-doubt and the hope that sustains it, and it's one that any of us can relate to.

1 reader liked this
10/31/2022 5:52:58 PM

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower?