(book) Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Synopsis:

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Review:

Everyone's been raving about this book, and deservedly so. I love it.

The story is gut-wrenching and bittersweet, although I didn't exactly find myself weeping because this is not a tragedy. Rather, I think it is a story of forgiveness, of acceptance, self respect, family, and friendship. Whatever Auggie is going through, he gets through it with quiet strength, supported by everyone in his family. I love his little family so much, and feels everything along with them as the story progresses. The author clearly has a knack in making readers relate to each character.

Narration wise, I'd love it better if the book is narrated by Auggie alone, and was surprised when we switched view from Via, to Justin, to Jack, to Summer, et cetera. Despite that minor disappointment that the lovely Auggie was no longer narrating, it helped me understand the other characters better - their motivation, their reasoning, and I think to a certain extent, is what the author hoped to achieve.

The cover and synopsis are catchy, and the story filled with a lot of heart. It's definitely one of the books I'll keep and reread in the future.