Wonder by R. J. Palacio
I finally got around to reading Wonder by R. J. Palacio, and let me tell you, it is such a wonderful book (pun intended). The main character, August aka Auggie, is endearing and honest and through his eyes we see a lot and understand a lot about the world we live in. We also get to experience the story through the point of view of multiple characters - not just Auggie, but also his sister, her ex-best friend, Auggie's best friend, Auggie's sister's boyfriend, and a few more friends. They're all connected by Auggie, and each new perspective tells us more about the character speaking but also more about August himself and how different people perceive him.
Really, that's what the story is all about. The way so many different people see one person, and all the thoughts that interconnect and overlap, crossing one way and doubling back. We see the nitty-gritty details and feelings when someone first notices Auggie's facial deformity. It's striking really, how much is noticed and said in this book. Auggie's sister warns her boyfriend before he meets the family for the first time. Auggie is starting school, and some kids skirt around the subject or quickly become used to it, while others seize the opportunity to tease and bully. Wonder talks about the things we normally would determine taboo - and Palacio does it all from the perspective of children, forcing you to realize that everyone has an example in their life and you can always be a better one.
In summary, the book boils down to one simple lesson.
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| Image from target.com |
Really, that's what the story is all about. The way so many different people see one person, and all the thoughts that interconnect and overlap, crossing one way and doubling back. We see the nitty-gritty details and feelings when someone first notices Auggie's facial deformity. It's striking really, how much is noticed and said in this book. Auggie's sister warns her boyfriend before he meets the family for the first time. Auggie is starting school, and some kids skirt around the subject or quickly become used to it, while others seize the opportunity to tease and bully. Wonder talks about the things we normally would determine taboo - and Palacio does it all from the perspective of children, forcing you to realize that everyone has an example in their life and you can always be a better one.
In summary, the book boils down to one simple lesson.
P.S. Wonder is a movie! Watch the trailer here, and if you get the chance, go see it! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below - I'm excited to check it out!
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