Book Review - The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Reviewed by Nikta Jafarzadeh Samani, Grade 12, Handsworth Secondary

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an emotional and deeply introspective coming-of-age novel that explores themes of mental health, trauma, love, and self-discovery. The novel beautifully captures the struggles of growing up, addressing topics such as depression, loneliness, substance use, and the importance of finding a supportive community. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories that explore deep emotions and personal growth. 

At first, I wasn’t sure if The Perks of Being a Wallflower would be a good book for me, but a friend recommended it, and I’m so glad they did. Reading it turned out to be a wonderful experience. 

After finishing the book, I watched the movie adaptation, and I really enjoyed it as well. It was interesting to see the characters and moments from the book come to life on screen. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartfelt and easy-to-read story that explores the challenges of growing up.