In preparation for the upcoming screen adaptation of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, we thought this would be the perfect time to add it to our summer reading list. Originally published in 1999, the novel has been lauded by many as a "new" The Catcher in the Rye with a format that places the reader in the role of a dear friend.
Charlie is a shy freshman seeking to make some kind of a connection with his fellow classmates. But he just seems too sensitive, too introspective, and possibly too wise to fit in with most of the student body. In order to work through many of the issues facing teens today- love, family, sex, peer pressure, suicide, drugs, etc.- Charlie begins writing to an undisclosed person, "dear friend." Through these letters, he details his trials at school, a small group of friends, stress at home, and eventually, the root of his emotional problems.
This seems to be a book that you either really love or you just can't get into. We found ourselves in the middle not because of the topics or the fact that so much happens to one person, but because we think there are other stories out there that are better- The Catcher in the Rye is one of them. We'd also suggest Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why or John Green's Looking for Alaska as alternatives that are just as intense and mature with a more robust story. We're not suggesting that you pass this by, especially if you have already read our alternatives. And reading the book before you see the movie is always a good idea (we think the movie might be better). Those looking for a mature, non-traditional YA read should consider this one. Those looking for something not so serious... keep looking.
Next Up: Scarlet- Aug. 17th
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