The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Stephen Chbosky.

Published in 1999 by MTV.

Depression. Drugs. Alcohol. Death. Abortion. Sexual abuse. Crushes. Sex. Suicide. Poetry. Literature. Rocky Horror Picture Show. Zines. Breaking up. Homosexuality. Mix tapes.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower deals with all of these issues (and no doubt I've missed some), and it does it well. The story is told in a series of letters to an unnamed recipient, from a fifteen year old (and eventually sixteen) boy, Charlie. Charlie comes across as simultaneously naive and wise, and is a wonderful narrator. The letters are written during his first year in high school, and detail the relationships he has with his family, friends and teachers, as well as the ups and downs that categorize his struggle with depression and anxiety. The story is kept from being too much of a downer by the beautiful insights Charlie brings to his exploration of very serious issues. His voice is filled with so much hope and love that the story feels balanced, never heavy-handed or overly dramatic. I love the fact that it presents such a thoughtful, sensitive male character and textured relationships. The book is refreshingly lacking in cliche, and presents a very real, non-judgmental, hopeful and funny view of adolescence.

Ages 13-18.

8/10.