Author; R J Palacio Age group; 10+ years
Don't judge abook boy by it's cover his face.
After a long time, I actually happened to pick up one of my elder son's favourite books, and actually ended up reading it till the last page. And pondering for a long time afterwards.
Wonder is a wonderfully poignant story of Auggie, a boy with extreme facial deformities. There would have been many stories about differently abled or disadvantaged children or children with life-altering disabilities and diseases. What makes this book really stand out is the fact that not only does this book carry the perspective of Auggie, it also brings in the viewpoints of his near, dear and not-so-dear ones. That is even more touching. We all look at the disabled person, and think of his struggles and fights, but we seldom think of the brother or sister who ends up slightly ignored by all even though he / she might actually love the sibling a lot. Or how about the perspective of the friend who is sniggered by all in school just because he chose to be friends with the "freak"! What about the mum and dad who constantly struggle to protect their vulnerable little one from the cruel comments of the society, yet want to give him independence and a life of his own!
The narration is gripping and there are parts in the book that question our conscience and flood our eyes. Like when Auggie asks his mum why he was born so ugly. Or when he describes how people look at him, and either stare or look away and pretend not to notice. It made me think of all those times when I might have done exactly so, thinking a direct stare would be rude. It made me realize how, unknowingly, we affect people we come across and simply walk away not know anything about it!
Wonder is indeed a heart-wrenching read. Yet, this is a very positive story with a lot of takeaways and ends on an enriching and inspiring note. It also has the perfect tones and settings that a child would relate to, making it a lovely, uplifting read for kids as well.
Wonder. It really is one. A must-read for every kind soul!
Don't judge a
After a long time, I actually happened to pick up one of my elder son's favourite books, and actually ended up reading it till the last page. And pondering for a long time afterwards.
Wonder is a wonderfully poignant story of Auggie, a boy with extreme facial deformities. There would have been many stories about differently abled or disadvantaged children or children with life-altering disabilities and diseases. What makes this book really stand out is the fact that not only does this book carry the perspective of Auggie, it also brings in the viewpoints of his near, dear and not-so-dear ones. That is even more touching. We all look at the disabled person, and think of his struggles and fights, but we seldom think of the brother or sister who ends up slightly ignored by all even though he / she might actually love the sibling a lot. Or how about the perspective of the friend who is sniggered by all in school just because he chose to be friends with the "freak"! What about the mum and dad who constantly struggle to protect their vulnerable little one from the cruel comments of the society, yet want to give him independence and a life of his own!
The narration is gripping and there are parts in the book that question our conscience and flood our eyes. Like when Auggie asks his mum why he was born so ugly. Or when he describes how people look at him, and either stare or look away and pretend not to notice. It made me think of all those times when I might have done exactly so, thinking a direct stare would be rude. It made me realize how, unknowingly, we affect people we come across and simply walk away not know anything about it!
Wonder is indeed a heart-wrenching read. Yet, this is a very positive story with a lot of takeaways and ends on an enriching and inspiring note. It also has the perfect tones and settings that a child would relate to, making it a lovely, uplifting read for kids as well.
Wonder. It really is one. A must-read for every kind soul!
