Based on how I was raised, this is my opinion on the book. While playing Truth and Dare, he is asked to kiss the prettiest girl in the room; he kisses Sam for which he faces neglect from the group. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. The fact that this story is still relatable, almost twenty years after it was published, proves that it is one of a kind and worth the attention it’s received. Even so, it has become a classic of sorts because of its tender coming-of-age story that's easy to compare to The Catcher in the Rye. Families can talk about controversial books. I wasn’t in high school in the early 90s, but that doesn’t matter. Eventually, his longtime crush tells him that he "can't just sit there and put everybody's life ahead of yours and think that counts as love," and he slowly learns to be present in his life. The story revolves around series of letters written by … Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. What makes a high school authentic hasn’t changed much over the years, and Charlie’s high school looks a lot like high schools now. What did you think? This book flows so smoothly, at a nice brisk pace. It wasn’t the great quotes or the characters, but how poignant this book is. Charlie soon befriends Patrick and Sam and is introduced to their friends. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Please leave a comment below (spoiler free)! from Rs. A lot of the things that happened to Charlie have never happened to me, but while reading this book it felt as if they had. A lot of... One of the greatest novels of the 20th century. Will he be able to get his friends back? It is also full of touching examples of everyday life - as Ravi Valluri explores with a kindly eye, the nooks and crannies of India and its people. Charlie shares Holden's overwhelming sensitivity -- and struggles with psychological issues -- and readers will find themselves quickly feeling sorry for the protagonist and worrying about him throughout his transformative journey. The Perks of Being a Wallflower was the 10th most challenged book on the American Library Association's list of the 100 most banned or challenged books of 2000-2009. Charlie's sister is hit by her boyfriend but continues to secretly date him. He has a strong friendship with both Sam and Patrick, and is there for them when they fall apart. How progressive this is. in English, a graduate certificate in Creative Writing, and an M.A. The writing style of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky reminds me a bit of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and The Catcher in the Rye. He is a wallflower, and until I read this book, I had negative connotations associated with being a wallflower. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Charlie has a tendency to over think things, and prefers to look on from the side-lines than to participate. Charlie may drink and smoke, but he is honest about his feelings, even when he feels ashamed of them. All rights reserved. Going into high school can be a scary experience for anyone, especially for a social outcast like Charlie. Sam, in particular, helps him, encouraging Charlie to live his life for himself. He also has a supportive teacher. What makes it so controversial? A Silent Takeover was intense and suspenseful, and was a thriller to its very core. The ending of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky was surprising and gave insight on why Charlie is the way he is. We both went to high school in the early 90s, we both were bullied by boys and shy with girls, and we both were linguistically precocious and favored manual typewriters. He lets that same friend kiss him. He befriends a group of interesting older kids who introduce him to partying, but also respect his sensitivity. Toward the end, in a pretty descriptive scene, Charlie stops a girl from touching him when he remembers being abused. Charlie’s English teacher Bill assigns him extra novels to read and write about throughout the school year. It’s because Charlie writes letters, hypothetically to the book’s readers, that I think the story is one of a kind. Although there are perks to being a wallflower, Charlie needs to stop watching from the sidelines. Candace gets pregnant in high school, by a guy who really isn’t very nice to her. Teens may want to read some of the books Charlie reads during his 10th grade year, including The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Separate Peace. The flashback of his aunt dying in car crash stops haunting Charlie, as he starts enjoying company of his friends and Sam. Parents and caregivers: Set limits for violence and more with Plus. I’d have to say that Candace’s story is my favourite subplot. Alternately, Simon & Schuster has a reading guide that can help them think through some of the plot points and deeper issues. Millions of copies of Perks have been sold worldwide, and yet reading this book feels uniquely special. Thank you for your support. A story filled with drama and lots of emotions, including, friendship, first love and sexuality- The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Great wisdom and humor for teens to meditate on. This is one of the best books I've ever read. in Creative & Critical Writing. Join now. What makes it so controversial? Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Add your ratingSee all 10 parent reviews. He is very naïve and innocent as the novel begins, making his voice distinctive and unlike the average teenager. *yanks on hair* Everything about this book was so irritating, irritating, irritating! The Perks of Being a Wallflower was the 10th most challenged book on the American Library Association's list of the 100 most banned or challenged books of 2000-2009. He goes with his sister to have an abortion and also with his gay friend to pick up on guys for anonymous sex. Wondering if The Perks of Being a Wallflower is OK for your kids? Copyright © 2014-2020 Bree Crowder. © Common Sense Media. In the meantime, Charlie also learns about his sister having relationship with an abusive guy and eventually getting pregnant. 62 new The title, I think, perfectly sums up Charlie. Flashback returns. There are extreme things happening in Charlie’s life, but these extremities don’t make the story any less relatable. Some other making out and descriptions of people having sex. In letters that Charlie writes to an anonymous stranger, he talks about his family, his friends, and his complicated, often overwhelming, feelings about growing up. Teens process tragic loss in thought-provoking novel. Charlie overhears his crush having sex with her boyfriend, walks in on his sister naked with her boyfriend, and learns a friend is having a secret homosexual romance with a popular boy. Characters, including the teen narrator, drink, smoke, and use drugs. It taught me a lot of important things about life and has a lot of beautiful quotes, my favorite is "We... Disclaimer: I understand that every parent is different. Their world is one full of sex, drugs, love, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, mixed tapes, and moments that make you feel infinite. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Teboho Mofokeng is a professionally licensed civil engineer with a master’s degree in wastewater treatment. Writing, reading, photography, and travel are a few of her favourite things. There is an intriguing plot, lots of twists, some wonderful characters, plenty of clues, suspects, and a good dose of thrill. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He is a wallflower, and until I read this book, I had negative connotations associated with being a wallflower. In August of 1991 fifteen-year-old Charlie begins writing letters about his life to a stranger who he thinks will listen and understand. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Review 2/5 Posted on December 3, 2012 by Becky (Blogs of a Bookaholic) Overall Impression: Arrrrrggg! Teens who love The Catcher in the Rye will find this to be an excellent sequel of sorts. Charlie’s coming-of-age story is timeless. You have entered an incorrect email address! I just love that Candace has the courage to make the right choice for herself, and that Charlie helps her through it. What turns did Charlie’s life take and how he battled to overcome it? However, after being welcomed into Charlie’s world, I realize that being a wallflower can be this immensely beautiful thing. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Charlie—the hero of The Perks of Being a Wallflower—and I have a lot in common. Perks came out in 1999, so Charlie’s high school years are based in the early 90s. This book tackles so many controversial subjects. He doesn’t want this person to know who he is, so he has changed all the names of the people in his life. In a very, very gentle way. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives, Participate in DigCit Week with your kid by using curated activities from Wide Open School, Online Playdates, Game Nights, and Other Ways to Socialize at a Distance, Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning, Set limits for violence and more with Plus, Frequently Challenged Books for Kids and Teens. Will Charlie be ever able to get control over his life? Charlie also smokes marijuana and uses LSD. Charlie is easily the most honest and insightful teenage narrator I can think of. She holds a B.A. The Bookish Elf is your single, trusted, daily source for all the news, ideas and richness of literary life. One reason I absolutely loved Perks was because of Candace’s subplot. Mature language, including the f-word and a hate word for gay people. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Stoke kids' love of reading with great summer stories, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, 6 formas de usar los medios para que los niños mantengan el español, Wide Open School: recursos para el aprendizaje a distancia, Which Side of History? There’s something about being allowed to read Charlie’s letters that makes Perks feel like a treasured, individual experience. Charlie befriends two seniors Patrick and Sam and ends up indulging in alcohol and other drugs with Sam. As he starts high school, he is still trying to get over the recent suicide of his best friend Michael. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Major Characters: Charlie, Mr. Anderson, Brad, Patrick, Sam, Theme: Trauma, Abuse, and Mental Health, Relationships and Intimacy, Adolescence and Transformation, Narrator: First person through Charlie’s perspective.