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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Young adult

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Debut

We love supporting debut authors. Congrats, Stephen Chbosky, on your first book!

by Stephen Chbosky

Quick take

Get the 20th anniversary edition of this modern cult classic so you can say you've read the book behind the movie.

Good to know

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_Emotional

    Emotional

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_SocialIssues

    Social issues

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_WellKnownAuthor

    Famous author

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_NowAMovie

    Now a movie

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_SexualContent

    Sexual Content

Synopsis

The critically acclaimed debut novel from Stephen Chbosky follows observant “wallflower” Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

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Content warning

  • Themes of depression and abuse
  • Sexual content

Free sample

Check out a preview of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Why I love it

There are hundreds upon hundreds of books published each year. Many of these books are loved by readers upon their release. Many of these books receive rave reviews. But only some of these books will continue to be well-loved and well-reviewed twenty years after their publication.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is one of those books.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of this modern classic, but the book is as relevant today as it was back then. It tells the story of Charlie, an introverted teen just trying to find his place in the world. He’s experiencing love; he’s experiencing heartbreak; he makes impactful friendships; he makes some bad choices. Who among us, in 2019, can’t relate?

Since Charlie’s time, we’ve replaced his letter-writing with texting, cassettes with Spotify. But the themes this book covers continue to be universal. If you haven’t picked up this emotional coming-of-age story, what better time to do so than right now?

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Member ratings (1,165)

  • Derrick B.

    Charlotte, NC

    This book will make you laugh, cry, gasp, fume, and hope several times before you turn the last page. Plus it’s got a killer broody built-in soundtrack that’ll get you in your feels. A modern classic.

  • Amy R.

    Scottsdale, AZ

    First time reading this book I was 16, it felt good to know I wasnt alone but couldnt grasp the epilogues hopeful tone. Now reading it at 36 it was like a different experience. I LOVED the new letter!

  • tracey a.

    House Springs, MO

    I can't believe I waited this long to read this book, but I am very glad I read it when I did. I relate so much to Charlie. I too am a freshman in High school in love with a senior. Amazing book! <3

  • Kim R.

    Brookfield, CT

    Wow! How did I miss this when I, myself was a teenager. This book has left me speechless! Touching, hits home, real, raw, emotional, eye opening, relatable. Oh Charlie, I think we have all been there.

  • Kati M.

    Lawrenceburg, TN

    Its been a while since I first saw the movie, but reading this brought back all of the feelings and more that I felt when I watched the story. It is beautifully written and I think it is a must read.