A review by sandysmith
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Another young adult book I really enjoyed set in a high school. The story is of Charlie, whose best friend Michael dies, leaving him without friends as others close to him no longer want to know Charlie. He makes friends with Sam and Partick, also known as nothing due to his phrase call me Patrick or nothing. Patrick is gay and in a relationship with Brad, who is desperate to keep their relationship a secret. The book is entirely made of beautifully written letters from Charlie to a friend who remains anonymous. We can speculate who this is, but it is not revealed. Read as part of my banned books book club pick banned due to alcohol, drug and sex content, but you know what that's teenagers for you and they will be involved in this regardless of whether a book is banned so it's a big pah to the book banners. Full of teenage angst and deep themes, I really liked it. My favourite quote " you get the love you think you deserve" emotive fab stuff.

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