Young adult
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Debut
We love supporting debut authors. Congrats, Stephen Chbosky, on your first book!
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
Emotional
Social issues
Famous author
Now a movie
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.
Content warning
- Themes of depression and abuse
- Sexual content
Free sample
Check out a preview of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
August 25, 1991
Dear friend,
I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand and didn't try to sleep with that person at that party even though you could have. Please don't try to figure out who she is because then you might figure out who I am, and I really don't want you to do that. I will call people by different names or generic names because I don't want you to find me. I didn't enclose a return address for the same reason. I mean nothing bad by this. Honest.
I just need to know that someone out there listens and understands and doesn't try to sleep with people even if they could have. I need to know that these people exist.
I think you of all people would understand that because I think you of all people are alive and appreciate what that means. At least I hope you do because other people look to you for strength and friendship and it's that simple. At least that's what I've heard.
So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.
I try to think of my family as a reason for me being this way, especially after my friend Michael stopped going to school one day last spring and we heard Mr. Vaughn's voice on the loudspeaker.
Why I love it
Book of the Month
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?
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.