Wonder

Feb 22, 2012 Wendy Darling rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Suicide Notes, A Monster Calls...pretty much anyone with a beating heart

Shelves: 2012-publication, middle-grade, male-pov, realistic-fiction, hilarious, 2012-favorites, made-my-heart-hurt, young-adult, read-2012, poc, 2012-5-star-books, rh

Wonder is one of those rare books that makes you want to hug everyone in it so tightly that they’ll have no doubt about how much you love them…and beyond that, it also makes you want to reach out and hug the whole world. It’s an upbeat, humorous, life-affirming story that deserves to be read—and it’s one that may just change its readers, too.

If you remember how terrifying it was to be a kid on a day to day basis, you’ll appreciate August’s story. 10-year-old Auggie is going to school for the fir...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Flannery rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Flannery by: Wendy Darling

Shelves: childrens-books, favorites, i-wouldnt-read-on-the-t, read-in-2012, wishlist-for-books-to-keep

August Pullman burrowed under my skin and punched me in my tear ducts pretty early on in this book. Maybe it was his Star Wars obsession, or his sense of humor, or his general spirit that captured me but it was probably all three—and so much more. As a kid with craniofacial abnormalities, he's heard it all, all the awful names kids (and adults) can come up with. He's seen all the horrified looks. Until this year, though, he'd never been to school. Wonder follows Auggie as he starts his year unti...more August Pullman burrowed under my skin and punched me in my tear ducts pretty early on in this book. Maybe it was his Star Wars obsession, or his sense of humor, or his general spirit that captured me but it was probably all three—and so much more. As a kid with craniofacial abnormalities, he's heard it all, all the awful names kids (and adults) can come up with. He's seen all the horrified looks. Until this year, though, he'd never been to school. Wonder follows Auggie as he starts his year until he graduates from the fifth grade.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints: Auggie, his sister, her boyfriend, her sister’s ex-best friend, and two of Auggie’s friends from school. The technique worked for me in this case, as it was fascinating to see events from different perspectives and to feel what each character was feeling. I keep trying to decide which narrator I enjoyed hearing from the most but they each gave me something to think about: What it means to be comfortable, how much influence parents have on their children’s personalities, how taking one minute to do something for someone else can make all the difference. I sound like a motivational speaker right now. Treat everyone with kindness! Teach your kids to look beyond looks! Let’s all just take care of each other!

Middle grade books are hit or miss for me. I truly feel they must be some of the hardest books to write; children's books as well. Conveying messages to impressionable age groups while still telling an engaging and well-constructed story is a feat. I can see how some readers may view this book as heavy-handed or forcing moral values. I guess I just didn't see it. The book reads like what it is supposed to read like: A book about a young boy who is and manages to remain a wonderful and caring human being despite being subjected to numerous events that would make me want to go weep in my room. I think children are smart enough to know that not every child in Auggie's situation is surrounded with so many wonderful people. They go to school. They know that other kids are not always nice, especially to anyone who deviates from whatever is "normal" (if anything is normal). If books for children always told the truth, far more kids in books would be picked up by sex traffickers, be in abusive households, and struggle with food insecurity. Believing that the universe will take care of everyone is a bit delusional - that is not the case. But teaching children to believe that good things can happen to everyone and that there are more kind than evil people in the world? I don't see the harm in that.

There is a fine line between playing on the emotions of your readers and emotional manipulation. I’m not a big crier in books - I can only think of three or four books that have made me tear up at all - but I cried several times in this book. (On a plane, no less!) I think there was only one segment of the book that felt overdone and that had to do with the family dog. And while I may or may not have snuggled with my dog after I read that section, I didn’t cry because I’m not sold on the necessity of that portion of the book. However, I will concede that the dog’s character provided the perfect vehicle to introduce discussions of blind love and souls/bodies and those were highlights for me. (Hearing Auggie's thoughts about maybe coming back as a handsome man broke my heart a little bit.) The only other thing that didn't work for me was the usage of song lyrics. Then again, I’ve never been the biggest Natalie Merchant fan. I thought this book was wonderful (pun initially unintended but I'm leaving it in so I guess there is intent behind it now) and I absolutely recommend it to parents and teachers who would like to read something worthwhile and inspirational with children as well as to any readers who enjoy middle grade books.
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Mar 01, 2012 Janina rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alternating-pov, on-my-kindle, for-review, children-s, problem-focused, read-in-2012

I feel a bit like a cold-hearted snob for giving this book two stars. I am not saying that it isn't an uplifting story definitely worth being told (and read), but I can't deny that there were a few aspects I had problems with and that the story didn't trigger the emotional reaction I expected it to.

Wonder is the story of August Pullman's first year at school. Auggie is a ten-year-old boy born with a facial anomaly that has required him to undergo countless operations and made him an outsider wit...more I feel a bit like a cold-hearted snob for giving this book two stars. I am not saying that it isn't an uplifting story definitely worth being told (and read), but I can't deny that there were a few aspects I had problems with and that the story didn't trigger the emotional reaction I expected it to.

Wonder is the story of August Pullman's first year at school. Auggie is a ten-year-old boy born with a facial anomaly that has required him to undergo countless operations and made him an outsider with other kids his age. This book is the story of him facing his fears of being stared at and excluded, of him growing up and of his family letting go.

His story is told from six different perspectives. We have of course August himself, but also his older sister Via, her boyfriend Justin, her friend Miranda and Jack and Summer, two kids August befriends at school. Male and female perspectives, very young teens, older teens – yet their voices all sounded more or less the same to me. Furthermore, I felt that some points of view didn’t really add to the story
Funny enough, the voice that got to me the most wasn't August's but his sister Via's. Basically, she has lived in her little brother's shadow all her life. I found it rather sad to read her thoughts, how she always had to fend for herself when her little brother was the center of attention and how she sometimes hates herself for wanting to take that attention away from him. She really was the character I could identify with the most, and her voice definitely rang true to me. This doesn't mean I couldn't sympatise with August himself, too, but the four additional perspectives I could have easily done without.
In general, the writing is kept simple, fitting and true to the ten-year-old responsible for most of the narration, but towards the end, the heavy use of the word "dude" really got on my nerves. It seemed to be for authenticity purposes, but it bordered on ridiculous (I know, this is the nitpicker in me coming out.)

A very important role throughout the book play precepts August's English teacher, Mr Browne, presents his students at the beginning of every month. These precepts are often addressed in the story, and one of them, probably the one used to underline the overall message of the book, rubbed me the wrong way. It is the following quote by an American psychotherapist and author:

"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." – Dr. Wayne Dyer

Now, don't get me wrong: being kind certainly isn’t a bad decision. But should I really value being kind over being right? Should I tell lies not to offend a person's feelings for example? Should I omit my own feelings in order to not hurt anyone else? Tell me, where would this concept lead us? Towards a better world? I somehow doubt it.

In the end, when I recapitulate the whole book, there are simply too many "toos" that come to my mind: the different voices were too similar, Auggie’s parents too good and too understanding, the "villains" too evil, the ending too perfect, the overall tone a little too preachy.

And I have one question: Do ten-year-old kids really date?!

Thanks a lot to Random House and Netgalley for the review copy.(less)

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Apr 19, 2012 Aly (Fantasy4eva) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: received-for-review, arc, hilarious, i-ache-for-you, my-kinda-protagonist, you-inspire-me, uk-bookish-love

Personally, I prefer my ARC cover. You like? :)

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August has always known that he's different. But he's learned to long accept that people will always stare at his face, and there's nothing he can do about it. So why not just live life the best way possible? With a loving family always by his side, although originally not at all happy about starting school, he soon starts to warm to the idea. Having been home-schooled for many years he is now more vulnerable than ever.

Like any person that's a new s...more Personally, I prefer my ARC cover. You like? :)

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August has always known that he's different. But he's learned to long accept that people will always stare at his face, and there's nothing he can do about it. So why not just live life the best way possible? With a loving family always by his side, although originally not at all happy about starting school, he soon starts to warm to the idea. Having been home-schooled for many years he is now more vulnerable than ever.

Like any person that's a new student, August faces many mixed reactions from fellow students. Some are welcoming like Summers and Jack. Others not so much like Henry and Julian. But add to that something which will make you definitely stand out - and not in a positive way - and you are bound to have a rough few days. I just want to say this straight out. If I was August, heck no would I be brave enough to walk through those gates. He is just ten years old but his sensibility, ability to laugh at himself and his courage just blew me away. I think he is such a wonderful human being. I can't gush enough about him.

What I particularly love about the book is how we are able to see August through others too. Of course this is Augusts journey, but it's interesting to see how others see him. Via, his sister, is the one I found most interesting. She's a teenager and at that age where she is still discovering new things about herself day by day. And although she adores her brother, she's grown up learning never to complain, to never want or expect anything from her parents. She's always known that August is first priority since her parents are so over -protective over him, but little by little, it's clear that she's starting to grow a little resentful. And she hates herself for it, because she loves her family so much.

What really shined for me was not just August himself, but his loving tight - knit family. The kind that you see in cartoons or children's books. The bedtime stories, the hugs and kisses. It's so lovely to just watch from afar and see how supportive and sweet they are towards one another.

And hey, when we get to the last few pages it's just full on inspiring. Some very touching, quotable moments there. ;)(less)

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Mar 16, 2012 Jo rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e, for-review, own, 2012

So, I really thought this book was going to be absolutely brilliant. I read a few reviews of it last year and I got all excited. I read a few interviews with Ms Palacio and I got even more excited because she seems like a really awesome woman who knows what she’s talking about. But I am completely disappointed.

This was not the most subtle of stories.

I don’t mind emotional books, some of my favourite books are the ones that make me cry, but this one just felt way too much.

Everything was clean,...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Emily May rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, 2012

It would be pretty impossible to properly review this book without getting just a touch spoilery. I think I could actually sum up rather succinctly what it was that made this book only get three stars from me, and also what I'm sure will be many readers' deciding factor as to whether they will love it or not. Basically, you should love this novel if you like stories that end with this:

(view spoiler)...more

It would be pretty impossible to properly review this book without getting just a touch spoilery. I think I could actually sum up rather succinctly what it was that made this book only get three stars from me, and also what I'm sure will be many readers' deciding factor as to whether they will love it or not. Basically, you should love this novel if you like stories that end with this:

(view spoiler)

However, if you're looking for the slightly less spoilery version, you'll have to settle for me talking about the tone of this book instead. Turn away now if you want to be completely surprised.

So... this is a book about a boy - Auggie - who was born with a severe facial deformity and, despite years of surgery, is still left with a face that scares small children and shocks adults. He has been homeschooled his whole life, until one day when his parents decide attending middle school may be an important step towards Auggie gaining some kind of normality. He faces the stares, name-calling and ostracisation that come with being different in school - only a million times worse than normal.

My biggest problem with this book is just how happy and uplifting it is. I know that sounds terrible, but I wanted it to be grittier. Someone like Auggie must have so much emotional turmoil but I felt it was lost amongst the happily ever after-ness. It was too sweet, too nice, too unreal. It's like that moment when Neville Longbottom gets those ten kind-of undeserved house points that guarantee Gryffindor the house cup... except it's far worse because Auggie's story is supposed to feel real, not like he lives in a magic castle and has just defeated a dark wizard. It was too perfect to believe in.

There are bad guys in this book, sure there are, but only one of them remains unredeemed and he loses his popularity. In other words: the good guys triumph and the bad guys get punished. I wasn't feeling it. It seemed so unbelievable to me that the only person who doesn't get a happy ending is the evil kid.

But three stars still means I liked it! This book was an entertaining page-turner and I had no problems with the really young age of the narrators. Yes, narrators, because the book switched between the point of view of Auggie, his sister - Via, Jack, Summer, Justin and Miranda... and by some miracle this actually worked! The only one I didn't enjoy reading was Justin's, I thought it was a bit of a waste of paper. Other than that, I liked reading about how Auggie's looks affected his relationships with the aforementioned. However, I still think some of the kids were nicer and more understanding than they would be in real life at their age.

And one last thing, this book did bring tears to my eyes but it had nothing to do with Auggie - be prepared for one surprising and upsetting part that I wasn't expecting.
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Feb 21, 2012 Monica Edinger rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I went a bit kicking and screaming into the reading of this one because I thought --- yet another soppy sad story of a kid with a serious problem. Not to mention realistic school stories too often feel forced to this veteran classroom teacher. But as I read further into it I was completely taken in. This is a truly lovely story and beautifully, beautifully told. The movement between different characters' points of view is nicely done. The children and adults all seem real as can be, not a one se...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-electronic, read-on-kindle, five-stars

Yes. Yes. Yes. Wonder is one of those books that just makes me want to say... Yes.

"I wish every day could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before we got to see what we looked like under the masks."

We've all been bullied before. Criticized or cast aside because of how we talk, what we wear, or who we hang out with. But I doubt that many of us have experienced anything like what August Pullman went through. Ten-year-old Auggie...more

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May 18, 2012 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, ebooks, netgalley, 2012, best-2012, contemporary, middle-grade, ya

Original post at One More Page

There was a time a few years ago when I was hearing mass with my family, and I happened to stand beside this man at church. The man wasn't dressed the way other people were dressed during Sunday mass. He looked scruffy, almost like he came straight from the streets to the church. He didn't look dangerous, and perhaps he even is nice given that he was in church and all. But what I really noticed were his hands. They were, if I were to be perfectly honest, kind of sca...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Annalisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Annalisa by: Wendy Darling

Shelves: middle-grade, issue, contemporary

Since this is a middle grade novel, it took me a while to get used to the more simplistic sentence structure and dialogue, but the themes in the novel are by no means simplistic. I expected it be a hard-handed story about bullying. I expected the wrongs done to August to be done by well-defined villains that were easy to hate. The book is much more honest than that.

What broke my heart in August's opening chapters was how accepting he was of the shock his face is. I kept asking myself how I would...more Since this is a middle grade novel, it took me a while to get used to the more simplistic sentence structure and dialogue, but the themes in the novel are by no means simplistic. I expected it be a hard-handed story about bullying. I expected the wrongs done to August to be done by well-defined villains that were easy to hate. The book is much more honest than that.

What broke my heart in August's opening chapters was how accepting he was of the shock his face is. I kept asking myself how I would have reacted had I met August and it saddens me to admit that I probably would have struggled to hide my own surprise at that age. I've been haunted by my inability to hide shock at something someone said or did, but what if that shock was about someone's face? It's such a simple thing, that moment of surprise that's hard to conceal, that August has to live with his whole life. In August's own words "sometimes you don't have to mean to hurt someone to hurt someone." While there is a well-defined bully and friends who hurt with cowardly statements, August gets his feelings hurt by just about everyone he meets, everything from the gasps to the "shiny" smiles. And that can make you evaluate the way you deal with people far more than an over-the-top bully you would never be.

My favorite reaction to August came from his English teacher who used his precepts as a teaching moment. "Be kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” And there in lies the central theme of the book. After reading the book you'll want to be kind to everyone, and not because Palacio told you to be so, but because she showed you with humor and sadness and joy and anger. While there are a few good quote-worthy moments in the book, like the one above, it's not loaded down with "chicken soup for the soul" sweetness. It finds the perfect balance of moments that make you self-evaluate, a fast-paced plot that makes you feel for August, and central to it all, a character that's easy to love from the get-go.

I did have a few minor complaints. When the chapters shifted POVs, I was originally disappointed. Scenes were repeated and I struggled at first to bond with some of the characters the way I had with August. But it gave Palacio a chance to develop her other characters and show us how a person like August affected other people's lives. I particularly enjoyed Jack's insecurities about being poor at a private school and Via's inner conflict not wanting to be known as the girl with the deformed brother. I just wish if Palacio was going to give us so many POVs, she would have given us the bully's POV. She gives us hints into his motivation, but a few scenes inside his head would have been powerful. Also, stylistically, I wasn't crazy about the chapter written in letter and text-message form, although the letter from the bully's mom insightful. I think she could have accomplished the same had she give us his POV, and also been able to develop him more. But those are about my only complaints. A book like this is hard to tackle, and Palacio does so brilliantly.

Along with well-developed characters, the setting is strong too, the invented district in New York and the private school setting with assignments that are way more advanced than my 5th grader's. It was particularly strong on the field trip to Pennsylvania. I felt like I was there with them out in the night field watching the movie. I think this was intentional on Palacio's part, to make you feel like you were with August for what happens next. It makes you think not only about the way August feels to be treated the way he is but the way we should feel when those around us are mistreated.

In the beginning I got choked up for sadness over August's plight in life, but by the end I cried tears of joys. I felt like I had experienced this year with August and learned along with him and his classmates. A story like this could be heavy-handed or manipulative, but it is not. It is heartwarming and thought-provoking. As soon as I closed the book, I handed it to my own ten-year-old who also devoured it.(less)

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Feb 12, 2012 Donalyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s-realistic-fiction, 2012-nerdy-book-club-shortlist, ncbla-committee-2013-books, ncbla-committee-2013-shortlist, bluebonnet-2013

Auggie Pullman is born with Treacher Collins, a chromosome disorder that results in severe facial deformities. He is homeschooled for many years because of his ongoing need for extensive surgery and his parents' fear about how Auggie will be treated.

When Auggie begins fifth grade, his parents decide to send him to school. How Auggie, his family, and his classmates deal with Auggie's transition to school during one school year forms the basis of the storyline. I appreciated the honesty of his sit...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anne

Recommended to Linda by: freebie in mail, don't know where exactly, but have seen comments on BOTNS Goodreads thread

Shelves: owned

WONDERFUL (pun intended) story of a fifth grader born with a myriad of facial deformities including a cleft palate. His mother decides, after years of homeschooling, that Auggie should go to school. His loving parents find a small private school that seems to meet Auggie's and their needs.

Palacio tugged at my heart so often during this book. I was never fully prepared for my emotional roller coaster from how I personally related to so much in this book.

I think this should be a must read for all...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Clare Cannon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Every single person: 10 years - adults

Shelves: 08-12yrs, 13-15yrs, adults, favorites, young-adult

I'm not kidding when I say every single person from 10 years to adults should read this book. The blurb made it sound special, but how special I had no idea. I can tell you now it is one of the most special stories I have ever read.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a genetic defect that changed his face. He and his family are perfectly aware of the attention he attracts, and the decision to send him to 'outside school' for the first time in Grade 5 was not taken lightly. This is the story o...more

I'm not kidding when I say every single person from 10 years to adults should read this book. The blurb made it sound special, but how special I had no idea. I can tell you now it is one of the most special stories I have ever read.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a genetic defect that changed his face. He and his family are perfectly aware of the attention he attracts, and the decision to send him to 'outside school' for the first time in Grade 5 was not taken lightly. This is the story of Auggie's life through middle school, and it is an unbelievably inspiring, life-changing journey.

The narrative is told from different points of view, which makes the story more real for all kinds of readers. Not everyone sees Auggie in the same light, and each has their own way of coming to understand and love him. Via has been through a lot as August's elder sister, and though she's one of the most generous, loving sisters ever, the pressures of high school are taking their toll. But for her brief moments of weakness she more than makes up with a determination to start over that makes this story inspiring and relevant for every teen. Justin, Via's new boyfriend, is an easy-going, down to earth character, yet somehow his simplicity allows him to perceive things at a deeper level than most. I love his thoughts about whether 'the universe' was really unkind to Auggie Pullman, and his conclusion is perfect. That page titled 'The Universe' would make a profound stimulant for discussion. Summer is one of those extraordinary kids who observe with their heart and are not afraid to act. Jack is every kid who has cause to regret a friendship bungle, and who, in the process, learns so much about the kind of person he wants to be. Miranda, Via's old friend, perhaps has it hardest of them all, and her difficulties seem set to ruin her life. Yet she is one of the few who have always seen Auggie as the wonder he truly is, and because of him she finds her way home.

Others' points of view are interspersed with Auggie's own, and it's beautiful to see his character grow: what a transformation from the beginning to the end; what a lot he has to go through. Initially he shows us an excusable frustration with his condition and people's reaction to it, and his middle childhood growing pains are so much more acute than those of others. Like Via says, "My worst day, worst fall, worst headache, worst bruise, worst cramp, worst mean thing anyone could say has always been nothing compared to what August has gone through." But more than this, we see the strength of his loving family which nurtures in him the qualities that make him so special: courage, kindness, friendship, character, helping him become someone truly great, someone "whose strength carries up the most hearts by the attraction of his own." Those last few chapters which include Mr Tushman's speech would make another inspiring discussion.

Somehow the genuineness of Auggie's situation naturalises all the advice the reader is given. There are references to all of my favourite books: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, my favourite line from Shakespeare's Hamlet, and one of the most profound quotes from Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and all the quotes are meaningfully connected with the characters. I won't spoil the power they have in the story by relaying them here, you just have to read it. And then there are Mr Browne's 'precepts' which are a kind of motto for his class to follow each month, another great idea that is subtle but so effective, you'll want to memorise the full list at the end.

After reading the book I wanted to find out more about the author. Who is the person who can write something like this? What I learned from her blog only made me love the book more. Her last note of thanks went to "the little girl in front of the ice cream shop and all the other "Auggies," whose stories have inspired me to write this book." She said that there were passages where she cried while writing it, and gives a moving account of reading it to her own son. This is a person I would like to know. www.GoodReadingGuide.com (less)

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Feb 27, 2012 Capillya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To call this book charming, endearing or uplifting just doesn't feel right. The words aren't STRONG enough. Also, to simply say this is a "beautiful little book" just doesn't feel like I'm doing this book justice, either. This isn't the kind of novel that has you flipping pages because it's plot-driven and every short chapter ends on a mini cliffhanger. Reading about life from the perspective of several different kids that focus on one remarkable little boy made me curious to know which side of...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Paul Hankins rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: can-t-miss-read-aloud, mr-hankins-says-don-t-miss, young-adult-memorable-writing, young-adult-issue-don-t-miss, middle-grade-fiction, middle-grade-memorable-writing, middle-grade-discussion-ready, middle-grade-touching-poignant-dive

I read this in September of 2011 and realized that I had never posted a review. Wow. . .

I did, however, post a look at WONDER with THE TIPPING POINT at THE NERDY BOOK CLUB on June 10th, 2012 (you can find "Tipping Point of Wonder" in the archives).

Finished Wonder for the third time over the weekend.

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Feb 28, 2013 Scarlet rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bittersweet, child-narrators, impressive-debuts, kiddie-books, made-up-stories-on-real-issues, multiple-povs, 2012-releases

-----Immediate Reaction after reading----

I'm so torn. On one hand, I loved Auggie so much that it feels insensitive to give this anything less than a stellar rating. Yet, if I'm being honest, I do have a few issues with the book.

Going back and forth between 3 and 4.

----Full Review----

So I finally decided to be honest and not emotional, so 3 it is.

Let me start by saying that Wonder is a really good book. It’s original, relevant and well-written, with a very strong protagonist. Ten-year old August...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Stella ☢FAYZ☢ Chen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird

Shelves: favourites

If there was one book I wish I had with me when I was in grade 5, this book would be it. Usually, I am not a big fan of coming-of-age stories. I always figured I read a book to get away from real life, why would I read about all of life's ups and downs just to throw me back down to reality? I was forced for read Alice, I Think back in grade 9 and I still get shivers down my spine when I think about it. I could never connect with Alice and that was the book's ultimate downfall.

August Pullman, ho...more

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Oct 14, 2012 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: middle-grade, for-review, vine, contemporary

Auggie Pullman, main character of Wonder by RJ Palacio has been home schooled his entire life because of a severe facial deformity. This year all that is about to change as Auggie will go to a real school for the first time– and begin fifth grade at Beecher Prep. Wonder details Auggie’s first year attending school -with it’s ups and downs. Palacio masterfully conveys themes of family, friendship, and bullying in her debut middle grade novel.

Read the rest of my review here

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Nov 25, 2012 bakanekonomama rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: anak-anak, slice-of-life, terjemahan

Saya selalu menganggap bahwa anak-anak yang memiliki perbedaan seperti Augie adalah anak-anak istimewa, yang dikirimkan langsung dari surga untuk menghiasi dunia. Memang, banyak di antara mereka yang mungkin tidak sedap dipandang secara fisik. Namun, jika kita melihat langsung ke mata mereka, maka yang terpancar di sana adalah kesejukan dan kejujuran yang tak kan kau dapati dimanapun.

Sejak dulu, saya memang memiliki ketertarikan pada anak-anak berkebutuhan khusus. Mungkin, karena sejak kecil say...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Francine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Stacy Goldberger Kay, Joy Macpherson and Jim Kay

Shelves: modern-lit, young-adult, heartbreaking, heartwarming, favorites, humor

Shall we make a new rule of life...always try to be a little kinder than is necessary?

In that one sentence is wrapped the premise of Wonder: to be kinder than is necessary. That it's not enough to be kind but that one should be kinder than needed. That the decision to be kind is a choice each and every single one of us faces, but that not every one chooses to do so, because, let's face it, it's hard.

I don't really want to say too much about this book, only that it is simultaneously beautiful and...more

Shall we make a new rule of life...always try to be a little kinder than is necessary?

In that one sentence is wrapped the premise of Wonder: to be kinder than is necessary. That it's not enough to be kind but that one should be kinder than needed. That the decision to be kind is a choice each and every single one of us faces, but that not every one chooses to do so, because, let's face it, it's hard.

I don't really want to say too much about this book, only that it is simultaneously beautiful and ugly and all too real. I think each person has to discover it for themselves and take whatever meaning they want to from it, because each person is different. Each person is flawed, and those flaws -- whether real or perceived, regardless of whether they are physical, emotional or psychological -- almost always affects how we behave and are perceived by others.

This is an adult book that I think children should read. Many will say this was written for young adults (and I think that's probably true as well) but I believe adults would benefit from reading this anyway. It's very easy to lose sight of things when people, regardless of age, are caught up in the drudgery of their own quotidian existence. It's easy to lose sight of how lonely life can be even when you're surrounded by so many people, or how uplifting it can be when someone notices you.

There's much to be learned by everyone from this novel, least of which is this: we all have a choice about how we are with others -- and everyone, to a degree, is imperfect, flawed, damaged -- and that being kind or nice is not easy, even if you love someone very much. Sometimes it's easier to be cruel or mean or even neutral. That sometimes, in the need to want to belong to a group, in the desire to be accepted, it's easier to do something atrocious and demeaning just so you're not alone or ostracized. And sometimes, part of growing up is making the hard choices and not conforming, that we all need to accept and love our flaws.

Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world. -- Auggie

I could've finished this book in one sitting, but I didn't. I wanted it to last. I re-read a few chapters again and again, because it touched me so much.(less)

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Feb 11, 2013 Rachel Niemeyer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As a mother of three children (ages 10, 12, and 14), I read this book because I heard from a friend that it was a must-read for my youngest daughter. I wanted to see if I agreed with that recommendation. Turns out, not only do I agree with my friend, but I am also having my husband and oldest two kids read it.

Wonder is an easy and quick read, written from the perspective of six different characters in the book. I was really impressed by Palacio’s ability to write from the point of view of a 10 y...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Kungkang Kangkung rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: novel

Katakan saya cengeng. Ya, saya ini memang sangat cengeng. Haha.. Mata saya bengkak karena buku ini. Sehari sebelumnya saya menangis (cukup histeris) karena marah-marah. Dan sehari sebelumnya lagi saya ingat, saya menangis karena menonton film—yang bahkan saya sendiri tak tahu judulnya. :p Bisa dibilang dalam 3 hari itu saya menghabiskan berliter-liter air mata. #ketawasetan

Semua orang yang mengenal saya di luar rumah, pasti menganggap saya sangat konyol. Menangis sambil marah, menangis karena fi...more

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May 31, 2012 C.S. Einfeld rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 9-to-12, 5th-grade, 6h-grade, 7th-grade, inspirational, middle-grade, modern-classics, tweens

A few weeks back, I ranted a bit (okay, a lot), about the absence of aspirational heroes in Middle-Grade fiction these days. For the most part, I’m still feeling tantram-y about the general state of things in this regard.

HOWEVER—

WONDER, by R.J. Palacio, goes a long way to correct this.

Let’s face it: there are books and then, there are BOOKS! And, by the latter category, I mean those rare gems that not only captivate us but also change us—-for the better—-by us having had the good fortune to h...more

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Julia Hi! can you please help answering some of these questions? You seem to know a lot about this book.
1. What does the astrounat helmet signify to Auggie'...more
Aug 07, 2012 08:19am

C.S. Einfeld Well, I'll give it a go, :o)

1. Auggie's Dad doesn't like the helmet because he doesn't want Auggie to hide behind it, nor does he feel he should have...more
Aug 07, 2012 08:31am

Mar 29, 2013 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

2.5 Stars

I have fairly complicated feelings in regards to R.J. Palacio’s critically acclaimed debut, Wonder. On the one hand, I can see why so many readers have fallen in love with this story of a young man who is deformed (forgive me for using a word the characters in this book hate, I’m not sure how else to put it) and those who come to know and care about him in various capacities. On the other hand, I see so many glaring issues with this story and the structure of the book itself that I fee...more 2.5 Stars

I have fairly complicated feelings in regards to R.J. Palacio’s critically acclaimed debut, Wonder. On the one hand, I can see why so many readers have fallen in love with this story of a young man who is deformed (forgive me for using a word the characters in this book hate, I’m not sure how else to put it) and those who come to know and care about him in various capacities. On the other hand, I see so many glaring issues with this story and the structure of the book itself that I feel are completely overlooked for the overall message. Throughout the first portion of the book I was groaning inwardly, certain from Auggie’s perspective and the nauseating inclusion of particular song lyrics and quotes that this was headed for heavy-handed message territory of the Saccharin sweet middle grade variety, but I soon realized that there was a greater depth to Wonder that took it away from that direction while still imparting the all-important and basic message of–”be kind”.

I felt that where R.J. Palacio’s work excelled was in her writing of the various viewpoints other than Auggie himself–Auggie’s sister, her boyfriend and ex-best-friend, Auggie’s friends–these were the characters I felt Palacio truly infused with a complicated understanding of what it can be to learn to care for this child that is physically so different from anyone around him, and mentally quite the same. However, where Wonder faltered for me in its narration was that of Auggie himself. These were the portions that felt the least genuine to me. I do realize that everyone’s life experience varies, and that perhaps R.J. Palacio herself is acquainted with such a child, but Auggie’s character came across as too simple for me. We see only small signs of struggle with his condition, and usually from those other perspectives. I find it hard to believe that a young man entering not only middle school, but also public school for the first time could deal with all of these trials so simply. I felt Auggie’s struggles to fit in lacked the complexity and emotion that he himself must surely feel–instead this complexity was shown more from outsiders. Auggie seemed so content to fit in the here and now, seemed perfectly happy with being demeaned by his classmates as long as they were doing so in a friendly fashion, and didn’t at all struggle with wants and desires for anything beyond a very surface acceptance. Perhaps it is the cynic in me that calls for more anger in such a character, and Auggie did have flashes of anger, but it wasn’t enough for me that he received kindness–I wanted him to truly receive the respect of his peers and be looked at as an equal rather than being defined by his deformity. Let us be reminded that The Golden Rule is not “be kind”, it is “treat others how you would like to be treated”–there is an important difference.

Auggie, unsurprisingly, deals with his condition by having a sense of humor about it. This is how he breaks through to many children his own age and gets along with his family, but it’s never addressed how this need to hide behind humor has to really hurt him on occasion. It is clear however, in a very positive sense, that Auggie’s ability to laugh at himself comes from hi family. Auggie’s family is absolutely wonderful; one of the brightest aspects of this book is their being very supportive, loving, and humorous with one another, though not without real struggles. I was happy that we saw a struggle between his parents not only with issues regarding Auggie, but also those regarding his sister, Olivia. I was glad that we saw his sister take on so much and finally break under the strain of always being defined by her brother’s deformity, unlike Auggie who seems unable to define himself without it.

However, my other greatest issue with Palacio’s construct is that she doesn’t seem to know how to resolve conflict. When the more explosive and complicated issues arise in this story, she simply sweeps them under the rug, or attempts to distract readers. *Minor spoilers coming up, so feel free to skip to next paragraph if you want.* (view spoiler) I just found this overwhelming sense of resolution at the end of the book so unbelievable, it almost feels as if Auggie’s trials in life are all over, everyone accepts him for who he is and he will live happily ever after. I just can’t believe that of any young kid.

All of these issues aside, the audio production for Wonder is, indeed, wonderful. Again, my least favorite part of the narration was of the character Auggie, and I will admit that this may have had some reflection on my feelings toward the book in general. Diana Steele does a fine job of narrating this young man, but honestly the scratchy sensation of having a grown woman narrate a boy’s voice gave me the feeling that I was watching an episode of The Simpsons. Nick Podehl’s sections were, no surprise, the highlight of Wonder via audio for me, as he does an impeccable job of voicing several male characters both with and without strong New York accents. Kate Rudd’s sections were also excellent, though with less audible differentiation between characters; as the book is split into sections by character, this really isn’t an issue. One aspect of the written book that you miss when listening is the unique way it is printed. I believe there are different fonts used for the various characters, as well as misspellings, etc. for when characters are writing to one another. Personally I believe this is an aspect that may have further annoyed me and I am happy to do without, but other readers do enjoy these types of distinction.

While I have many reservations about Wonder and its immense popularity, I can definitely see its value as a work for young readers, and think it is an excellent book to place in the hands of boys and girls. It examines issues of bullying, economics, friendships made and broken, family, and school in a way that provides readers with uniquely varying viewpoints to remind them to attempt to look at all issues from another’s point of view. I would certainly recommend this one, though I remain skeptical that it truly deserves the amount of accolades it has received.

Original review posted at Bunbury in the Stacks.(less)

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Jun 21, 2012 Nicholas Sparks rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nicholas-recommends

A wonderful read for all ages.

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Nov 05, 2011 EeeJay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: netgalley, young-adult

What can I say? Where do I begin? How do I express what reading this book made me feel? It's not a book, it's a journey. It's a tragedy and a comedy and true and false at the same time. I feel privileged to have been allowed to read this (typos and all). And Auggie's right, I don't want to imagine him. I don't want to avert my eyes from his face. I don't want to hurt his feelings and feel like I behaved like all the other people did. But you know that it would happen if you saw him. That's the s...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Kayla rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads, read-want-to-own

I loved this book. It was such an easy read, but it really pulled on my heartstrings. I was worried going into this book because I thought it was going to be too sad for me. See, I'm one of those people who tear up really easily (especially when it comes to kids facing tough ordeals) and I can't stand hearing about bullying and how mean kids can be. This book's about a boy who I knew was going to get teased or bullied a lot due to being different. Yet, it surprised me! Some parts were sad and ma...more I loved this book. It was such an easy read, but it really pulled on my heartstrings. I was worried going into this book because I thought it was going to be too sad for me. See, I'm one of those people who tear up really easily (especially when it comes to kids facing tough ordeals) and I can't stand hearing about bullying and how mean kids can be. This book's about a boy who I knew was going to get teased or bullied a lot due to being different. Yet, it surprised me! Some parts were sad and made me angry, but overall it was a really sweet story with a beautiful message that actually gave me a little more faith in humanity.

"My name is August, by the way. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse."

August Pullman thinks of himself as an ordinary ten year old boy. Well, except for the fact that wherever he goes people stare at him. Or the fact that sometimes other kids in playground will run off screaming after they look at him. August was born with severe facial deformities. He's about to start school for the first time and being the new kid in grade 5 isn't easy, especially when everywhere you go people notice you and not for the best of reasons.

I loved August! He was such a smart and funny little kid. Even with everything he was facing, he was so brave and a real inspiration. I loved a lot of the characters. I was a little surprised when the book first started switching the point of view on me. In total, we see August's world from 6 different pairs of eyes: August, Via (August's sister), Summer (one of August's friends from school), Jack (another one of August's friends from school), Justin (Via's boyfriend), and Miranda (an old friend of Via's) which was very intriguing! At first I wasn't sure how I felt, but in the end I liked seeing how other people thought of August and what he had to deal with. It was also interesting to see what these other people had to deal with just by being close to August.

Yes, this book shows just how mean kids can be. This book even shows just how mean adults can be (to a kid, for that matter) which seriously made me feel ill while I was reading. The best thing about this book is that it also shows just how nice people can be. How if people rise to the occasion and are brave when it comes to being nice to someone who's a little different, they can really make a HUGE difference! That was what was so heart-warming about this book. I loved reading about people who show a little kindness and how it can make someone's day, and I think that's a beautiful message this book has. That's probably what makes this book so beautiful to me. I definitely recommend this book to kids, teens, and adults alike. It's just such a nice story to read and I loved reading about people who can make someone's day just by being a little kinder.(less)

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Sep 02, 2012 Norain MT rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book

This book was not difficult to write, in my opinion. It was about a boy with some 'defects' on his facial feature who left the cocoon of his family protection when he started going to school like normal boys. It was about how people changed their view about the world through their interaction with August. It was about being kind.

My feelings for this book was very mixed. I was never a sucker for heartwarming story about sick people but I did like to read them. When I first started Wonder I was su...more This book was not difficult to write, in my opinion. It was about a boy with some 'defects' on his facial feature who left the cocoon of his family protection when he started going to school like normal boys. It was about how people changed their view about the world through their interaction with August. It was about being kind.

My feelings for this book was very mixed. I was never a sucker for heartwarming story about sick people but I did like to read them. When I first started Wonder I was sure I would like it and by the end of the story, I would rate it with four stars. August's narrative was close to my heart. I could relate to August's feeling as an outsider, one who was not normal, one who was simply 'ugly' by other people's definition, and I really warmed towards him. And I liked the story even more when the perspective of August's sister Via was also being explored. But then the momentum just cracked on the floor.

I think it was pushing too much for a book with this length and not much of a plot to be narrated by too many people. Apart from August and Via, Summer, Justin, Jack and Miranda also told their own version of the story. The author tried hard to give depth to these characters by giving them concrete background. And you know what, none of these characters had real happy background (and by background I mean family). It was as if the author was ticking some boxes in a long list for the characters she created, trying to make sure that she was being 'fair'. Like, oh August was sick and ugly, he was unfortunate enough so let us make him come from a rich background and have a happy loving family. One could not be too cruel to a character and anyway, if he was too unfortunate he might become pathetic. What if the characters were normal? They could not be rich, no, no, that would not do. Or too happy. So let us make Jack poor and Justin unhappy and Miranda's parents, let us divorce them...

Duh! Here was another author who tried too hard. Because of many limitations in the end the depth the author was seeking was nowhere to be found. Only the surface of this supposed deepness was touched, making most of these characters shallow and even artificial. The author struggled to bring in some values other than the main one, which was kindness - for example through the interaction between Miranda and Via readers were taught not to be judgmental and prejudiced - but for most part it was quite a failure. The author failed to strike balance between August's story and the other characters'. It ended happily for August but the author made it as if the other characters disregarded the reality of their life. Yes, they were glad they got to know August, but that did not change anything in their miserable lives. It was fine you were happy for August but had you forgotten about your own problems?

I was also really unsatisfied with the inconsistency of the voice in this story. While Wonder was mostly rated as a children or more precisely middle grade's book, it also involved the narrative of teenagers (half of the narrators actually), which caused me to feel confused. Was this really a middle grade's book or was it more to YA? What made it more suited to being classified as a children's book? Was it just because of the main character was a child?

Wonder was not a failure. It was heartwarming, it had values and I did cry at least once (that part with the dog, oh!), I would not lie. I especially loved the kindness shown by August's family. If you enjoyed books the like of The Fault in Our Stars or Ways To Live Forever and did not want to baffle your mind with complicated plot or even wanted to weep a little, then you would like this. But for me, no, I wanted more.(less)

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Apr 01, 2012 Kwoomac rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, of-course-i-cried, reviewed, social-commentary, spring-2012-challenge, young-adult, there-s-a-message

Ok, this book took me by surprise. I was less than impressed for the first half of the book. I felt manipulated. Then, I don't know, I started to care about all these kids and what they were trying to deal with. Auggie, our hero, has some pretty serious facial deformities. This is a tricky one for anyone to deal with. Lots of adults would struggle with accepting Auggie. Maybe Auggie's family was a little too perfect but I guess people do rise to meet a challenge. I'm just going to accept that th...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Kellee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: middle-grade, realistic-fiction, survival, about-books-or-reading, teach-mentor-texts, bullying, website-review-done, my-best-of-2012, nyt-notable-of-2012, schu-and-scope-2012-top-20, 2012-nerdies

Reviewed at: http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...

Summary: August, Auggie, has never been to school. It isn't because he never wanted to, it was because he never could. After being born with an almost unknown birth defect, he has had over 25 surgeries in his short 10 years of life. Now, after a time of surgery-free life, Auggie's parents have decided that it is time for Auggie to go to school. As a 5th grader. Which is the first year of middle school. As Auggie's dad says, it is like leading...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
What did you think of the scene where Jack apologizes to August over text?	1	5	3 hours, 50 min ago
Do you think that what Jack Will said to Julian about August on Halloween was okay because he didn't actually mean it?	3	20	7 hours, 50 min ago
Feel bad for Auggie?	29	57	May 18, 2013 10:19am
august's face	45	334	May 17, 2013 06:05pm
Carnegie book war...: Wonder	14	10	May 14, 2013 02:53pm
Bookworm Bitches : April 2013: Wonder	85	161	May 09, 2013 08:11am

title link	preview: Wonder
avg rating	preview: Wonder Goodreads rating: 4.38 (33436 ratings)
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