Uncensored Librarians: Challenged Letters from Charlie

Charlie, the narrator of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, is perhaps the most sensitive, emotional character I’ve ever come across. The book is full of thoughtful sentences, such as, “And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be” and “Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.”

We follow Charlie’s freshman year of high school through a series of letters written to a mysterious recipient. He starts the year friendless; he lost Michael, his best friend, the previous year. Charlie is ready for a change and soon he finds it; he discovers creative new friends, On the Road, The Smiths, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He finds music that makes him “feel infinite." This poignant tale gives us a peek into the mind of a bright, incredibly sensitive boy who has a perspective worth witnessing.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a regularly challenged book. Topics such as homosexuality, drug use and sexual behavior have been cited as reasons for these challenges. Wonder what all the fuss is about? Check out a copy from the library to see.

As Charlie says, “Love always,”

Jenny C. - Children's

P.S. In a recent Spotlight entry I posted a mix of songs that I thought Charlie would enjoy listening to in the car. Have a listen: