The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heavy, moody, sad little book. The story of Charlie is only 213 pages long and is told by way of letters from him to someone he addresses as Dear Friend. It's Charlie's freshman year of high school, he's different, lonely and confused by every day high school happenings. His letters are heartbreaking and honest as he tries his best to navigate life at school and home. We slowly move with Charlie through the school year as he makes a few friends, has his first crush and deals with the death of a loved one. As the story unfolds we learn more of Charlie's history which offers somewhat of an explanation of his thoughts and feelings.

Charlie is a character that will stay with me for a long time.

Although I felt the story leading up to a big ending I wasn't prepared for the crash landing.

I was under the impression that this was a book for young adults and was puzzled as to way our public library had it in the adult section. I now think that it's exactly where it belongs. The subject matter deals with sex, homosexuality, drugs, death and suicide. Very heavy subject matter. I would caution any parent to preview this book before letting your child read it.

I think it's a great book but a reader should be old enough to handle the emotions that come with it.

Looking for Alaska

Sixteen year old Miles Halter is seeking the "Great Perhaps". He leaves his Florida home to attend boarding school, Culver Creek, in Alabama. While there he meets a group of fellow students he immediately connects with. His room mate Chip (the Colonel) and the beautiful, complicated Alaska. Together they introduce Miles to drinking, smoking and the fine art of creating the perfect prank.

For the first time in his life Miles feels like he belongs, he discovers the meaning of real friendship and loyalty.
The story is told in two parts-before and after the death of one of the characters. The beginning is a little slow but a few chapters in I was completely commited. Because it's impossible not to care about the characters of this story. As the story unfolds we learn that there are many layers to Alaska, Chip and Miles. The story is told with honesty and humor but also deals with grief and loss.

This is the second novel that I've read by John Green. I love the dialogue between characters, especially the boys. It flows and feels real. He doesn't shy away from complicated issues or try to wrap things up in a neat little package.
This is an excellent read for a boy or a girl. I recommend it for ages 15 and up because of language and sexual situations.

This book is available to check out at the Salmon Public Library.

Elsewhere

I just finished Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin last night.
Liz Hall has died and gone to Elsewhere and she's not very happy about it. On her way to the mall to pick out a prom dress she forgets to look both ways before crossing the street and is the victim of a hit and run accident. She wakes to find herself on board a ship headed for a place called Elsewhere where the aging process not only stops, it reverses. This means that Liz will never have the opportunity to turn sixteen, date, get boobs or get her driver's license.
Liz not only has to learn to adjust to her new life in Elsewhere, she has to figure out how to say goodbye to her old one on Earth.
I really liked Gabrielle Zevin's take on Heaven. The whole idea of aging backwards to birth again was a great twist. And I liked that Liz was not always very likeable. It made her grieving real to me. The story might be a little too complex for younger readers so my suggestion is for ages 14 and up.

This is a book that will stay with you long after you put it down.

We do not have this book in our library but I would be happy to get it for you through Interlibrary Loan.