13 books like Perks of Being a Wallflower

13 books like Perks of Being a Wallflower

Perks of Being a Wallflower is a powerful coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Charlie, a introspective teenager navigating the complexities of high school, friendship, and self-discovery. Through a series of letters, Charlie's genuine and vulnerable voice delves into themes of mental health, love, and the transforming power of acceptance.

Perks of Being a Wallflower is a powerful coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Charlie, a introspective teenager navigating the complexities of high school, friendship, and self-discovery. Through a series of letters, Charlie's genuine and vulnerable voice delves into themes of mental health, love, and the transforming power of acceptance.

January 27, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
The book cover image for Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The book cover image for Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Coming of Age
Bildungsroman
Alienation

The Catcher in the Rye

"The Catcher in the Rye" is a thought-provoking novel that follows the disillusioned teenager, Holden Caulfield, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence and rebellion. With its introspective narrative and timeless themes of identity, alienation, and the loss of innocence, this classic coming-of-age story continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
Author
J.D. Salinger
Year Written
1951
The Catcher in the Rye
Coming of Age
Friendship
Loss

A Separate Peace

"A Separate Peace" is a coming-of-age novel that takes place during World War II. Set at a New England boarding school, it explores the complex relationship between two friends, Gene and Finny, and delves into themes of jealousy, guilt, and the loss of innocence.
Author
John Knowles
Year Written
1959
A Separate Peace
Romance
Young Adult
Contemporary

The Fault in Our Stars

"The Fault in Our Stars" is a poignant and heart-wrenching story that follows the lives of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet in a cancer support group. With beautiful prose and raw emotions, the book explores their journey through love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Author
John Green
Year Written
2012
The Fault in Our Stars
Coming of Age
Teenage
Trauma

Speak

"Speak" is a powerful and poignant novel that follows 14-year-old Melinda as she navigates through high school while coping with a traumatic experience. Through her struggle to find her voice, Melinda's story captivates readers and explores themes of trauma, isolation, and personal growth.
Author
Laurie Halse Anderson.
Year Written
1999
Speak
Love
Adolescence
Coming of Age

Eleanor & Park

"Eleanor & Park" is a captivating novel that follows the unconventional love story between two teenagers, Eleanor and Park, as they navigate the complexities of family, friendship, and first love. Set in the 1980s, this heartwarming and poignant tale explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of connections that transcend societal expectations.
Author
The author of "Eleanor & Park" is Rainbow Rowell.
Year Written
"Eleanor & Park" was written in 2012.
Eleanor & Park
Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief

Looking for Alaska

"Looking for Alaska" is a poignant coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Miles Halter, a teenage boy who embarks on a transformative journey when he enrolls in a boarding school. Through his relationships and experiences, Miles navigates the complexities of friendship, love, loss, and the search for meaning in a captivating and thought-provoking narrative.
Author
John Green.
Year Written
2005.
Looking for Alaska
Mental Health
Coming-of-Age
Fiction

It's Kind of a Funny Story

"It's Kind of a Funny Story" follows the story of a teenager named Craig who finds himself dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. Seeking help, he checks into a psychiatric hospital, where he meets a cast of eccentric characters and learns valuable lessons about life, friendship, and resilience.
Author
Ned Vizzini
Year Written
2006
It's Kind of a Funny Story
Musical
Mental Health
Young Adult

Dear Evan Hansen

"Dear Evan Hansen" is a gripping and heart-wrenching story that follows an anxious high school student named Evan Hansen, who becomes caught in a web of lies and fabricated connections. Exploring themes of self-discovery and the desire for acceptance, the book delves into the emotional journey of a teenage outsider who finds himself inadvertently at the center of a tragic event.
Author
The author of "Dear Evan Hansen" is Steven Levenson.
Year Written
"Dear Evan Hansen" was written in 2015.
Dear Evan Hansen
Bullying
Suicide
Contemporary

Thirteen Reasons Why

"Thirteen Reasons Why" follows the story of Hannah Baker, a high school student who leaves behind a series of cassette tapes explaining the thirteen reasons why she chose to end her life. Through the eyes of Clay Jensen, a classmate and recipient of the tapes, the book explores themes of teenage struggles, bullying, and the impact our actions can have on others.
Author
Jay Asher
Year Written
2007
Thirteen Reasons Why
Young Adult
Contemporary
Mental Health

All the Bright Places

"All the Bright Places" is a poignant and powerful story that explores the complexities of mental health, love, and loss through the lives of two teenagers, Violet and Finch. It delves into the depths of their struggles and showcases the transformative power of human connection and self-discovery.
Author
Jennifer Niven
Year Written
2015
All the Bright Places
Coming of Age
Mystery
Friendship

Paper Towns

"Paper Towns" is a compelling story that centers around Quentin Jacobsen's search for the enigmatic Margo Roth Spiegelman, taking readers on a thrilling journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the blurred lines between reality and perception. With its wry humor and profound exploration of teenage life, this novel captures the essence of growing up and questioning the world around us.
Author
John Green.
Year Written
2008
Paper Towns
Coming of Age
Fiction
Young Adult

The Spectacular Now

"The Spectacular Now" is a gripping coming-of-age tale that follows the story of Sutter Keely, a charming and popular high school senior who grapples with issues of identity, love, and self-destruction. With its honest portrayal of teenage life and complex characters, this book captivates readers with its raw and realistic exploration of youth and the complexities of growing up.
Author
Tim Tharp
Year Written
2008
The Spectacular Now

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