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

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m including trigger warnings because I had NO idea what was covered in this book.

Child abuse, Sexual abuse, Rape, Pedophelia, Molestation, Drug use, Alcohol abuse, Incest, Homophobia, Bullying, Suicide/suicidal thoughts, Grief, Abortion, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorder, Mental illness, Addiction
Hate crime, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalism

How did I miss this book? How is this the first time I’ve read it?! I was doubtful about what value could be gone over in a book so small, and I am so glad that I was wrong. It wasn’t a book that I enjoyed, per say, but how it was able to pack so much punch is why I gave it 5 stars. 

I was drawn in by the journal/letter style of storytelling. The voice of the MC, Charlie, was immature and naive for a high school freshman. It’s the first clue that something isn’t quite right. As the story progresses you hear about him making friends, going to high school parties, trying alcohol and drugs and crushing on a senior and first girlfriends. 

I would say that this is a book for ages 15+ , because of content maturity.
 
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