Wonder by R.J.Palacio

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J.Palacio
Pages: 316
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Book Description:
"I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse."


August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. 

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My Opinion:
When I heard that a film starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson was being made based on this novel (one that I've been desperate to read for years but have never gotten round to it) I knew I had to bump it up a few spaces on my To Be Read list! And I'm so glad that I did because I loved it!

It was the perfect easy read for over summer. There was a lot packed into this book; happy and sad moments. Although I loved that we got to hear the novel from the point of view of August, the protagonist with the facial different, I found it fascinating that the perspectives of the other characters were included too! It was useful to hear what they thought of his visual deformities.

Like hearing the perspectives of multiple characters, I found the novel to stay true to the life of a high school student. I remember my first day at secondary school and I was terrified, worrying about what people would think of me and if I'd make friends so I can imagine what it would be like for August. The author didn't romanticise school life which I felt was important to the novel as it shows the impact others, students and teachers, have on the protagonist. This was something I related to since I was bullied when I was younger, but I was happy with how accurately it was portrayed.

I finished Wonder on the train home from university and loved the ending. I found myself giggling and smiling a lot which other people probably found strange. It didn't take my long to get through it because it was fantastic. Most importantly for me was the message that the book has, not only for children or students but for everyone. Beauty is something that comes from ones actions, not their looks.

Favourite Quotes:

Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed

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Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness

~~~

Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing

Rating ★★★★★

5 out of 5 stars