<h3>The Perks of Being a Wallflower</h3>

Chbosky, S. (1999). The Perks of Being a Wallflower. NY: Pocket Books/Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 0671027344.

Plot Summary: Charlie, during his first year in high school, is writing a collection of letters to an unknown person. As the story unfolds, the reader learns that he is experiencing grief from severe loss, is struggling to find his place in the world, and is very open about his feelings. Charlie is somewhat of an outsider, a smart, quiet kid who starts out with no friends and winds up in a bit of a rough (however nice and accepting of him) crowd that introduces him to all of these new experiences. Along with all of the new situations brought on by school and friends. Charlie deals with issues at home, including witnessing his sister being the victim of domestic abuse, and experiencing the grief of his best friend, Michael, committing suicide. During the year covered by the book, Charlie is introduced to an new subculture filled with drugs, alcohol, music, movies, sex and dating. Towards the end of the novel, he recalls and acknowledges the sexual molestation that happened to him and finally emerges stronger and more optimistic about life.

Critical Evaluation: At the start of the novel, it’s easy to detect that something isn’t right with the friendless Charlie. He shares some perceptive insights, yet completely misses the point of other events. He cries easily and seems anxious all the time. As the story progresses, we see his charming but simplistic style of writing evolve into a sensitive and mature perspective which exactly reflects the changes that are occurring in his teen life. Though our perception of his family, friends and teachers are all colored by his viewpoint, it’s with great honesty, humor and inexplicable tragedy that we discover why he has been so troubled.

Reader’s Annotation:
Fifteen-year old Charlie is sad. The only friend he had killed himself, forcing him to face high school alone. But then a pair of Seniors introduce Charlie to an entirely new life. Charlie learns how to live and love, until an ugly secret from his past threatens to destroy everything.

Information About the Author:
Stephen Chbosky was born in 1970 in Pennsylvania. He graduated from the screenwriting program at the University of Southern California and is currently a screenwriter and novelist. Before writing The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Chbosky wrote, directed and filmed an independent movie titled, The Four Corners of Nowhere in 1995. Chbosky has been involved with many other projects following the success of his first novel, including the screenplay for the movie adaptation of the musical “RENT” as well as serving as the writer, executive producer and co-creator for the CBS series called “Jericho.”

Genre:
Teen Issues: Death and Deadly Disease, Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Problems, Sexual Identity, Sexual Abuse, Substance Abuse
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Alternative Format: Epistolary Novels

Curriculum Ties: English class, Music class, Psychology class, Book clubs

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) The effect of sexual abuse upon Charlie’s life
2.) The drinking, partying, drug use and sex happening in Charlie’s new life
3.) What is a “wallflower” and what does it mean in this novel?
4.) Music, books and movies referenced in the story and why they are important to Charlie
5.) Why is this story told in letter-writing format?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 16 - 25

Challenge Issues/Defenses:

Potential Challenges: This book has often been challenged since its publication in 1999. It’s among ALA’s Top 10 List of Most Challenged Books.
• Homosexuality
• Drug Use
• Sexual Abuse
• Appropriateness for Age
• Offensive Language
• Sexually Explicit

Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp

• Provide book reviews by literary journals and media publications:
http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=0671027344

• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.amazon.com/Perks-Being-Wallflower-Stephen-Chbosky/dp/0671027344
http://www.librarything.com/work/10482

• Provide teacher advisory website for addressing issues and book content:
http://yareviews.wikispaces.com/The+Perks+of+Being+a+Wallflower+by+Stephen+Chbosky

Why This Book Was Included: This book has had a cult following for awhile and I always meant to read it. I can see how the references to books, music and movies will appeal to contemporary teens. Also, it’s a graphic but accurate portrayal of high school life and how friends deeply influence each other so completely.