THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

Who are those lanky, sad-eyed boys hovering around the edges of parties? This epistolary novel spotlights the world of the brilliant but troubled Charlie, who chronicles his freshman year in a Pennsylvania high school. Johnny Heller lends credibility and urgency as he captures the pitch and tone of a teenager barely out of puberty. Particularly poignant passages include Charlie's descriptions of his relationship with his older brother, a football star; his empathy for his lovelorn older sister; and the hopelessness of his crush on the beautiful Sam. Heller is especially affecting as Charlie deals with sex, drugs, and the heartbreaking truths of his childhood. R.O. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]