logo

106 pages 3 hours read

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

720L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a coming-of-age tale told through letters written by Charlie, a high school freshman, to an anonymous "friend." Charlie navigates the challenges of adolescence, including friendships, relationships, and personal trauma, as he finds his identity with the help of his new friends, Sam and Patrick. Sensitive topics include suicide and childhood sexual abuse.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.5

1,894,215 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower has received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of teenage life and emotional depth. Readers appreciate the relatable characters and poignant coming-of-age story. However, some criticize the narrative style as simplistic and the themes as overly melancholic. Overall, it remains a touching and impactful read for many.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Perks of Being a Wallflower?

A reader who would enjoy The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is typically a young adult or teenager grappling with issues of identity, mental health, and the tumultuous experience of high school. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or John Green's The Fault in Our Stars will likely find this book compelling.

4.5

1,894,215 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

720L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.