The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Chbosky, S. (1999). The perks of being a wallflower.  New York:  Pocket Books.

I read this book when it was first released; I was a freshman in high school. It seems like forever ago. I know there was a new movie released, and I enjoyed the book then. So I decided to read it again.

I cannot believe I read this book at that age. I know it's classified as a young adult novel, but it contains some very adult themes. There are a lot of references to sex, suicide and drugs. And not just in passing. The protagonist is a freshman in high school and explicitly describes his experiences.  I think it's a great book for individual reading, but I don't see Perks ever being used in my classroom.  Then again, it's not meant to be used in a classroom. I'm just the type of teacher that doesn't like discussing certain issues with my students.

I do like how the book is set up. It is a series of letters to an unknown receiver. It makes the book easy to read. It has a very conversational tone.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been called the new Catcher in the Rye. There are a few similarities: young boy as the narrator, a story about outcasts, a tale of first, speaking directly to the audience, stream of consciousness writing. However, I don't think Perks is to the same caliber as Catcher. I can see how it can be a voice of a generation due to many of the events throughout the novel.  It is definitely a coming of age story, and it's no wonder why it has won a few awards.

Overall, I did enjoy re-reading this book.  And clearly, I didn't understand the references the first time I read the book.  Now I understand the controversy  that surrounded the book so many years ago.  One day I plan to watch the movie.  It's always interesting to see the interpretation taken in the change from print to visual.

Related Readings:
Imitate the Tiger
Thirteen Reasons Why