(Book Post) "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

smithsonianapa.org

I picked up this little gem while I was wondering the not-so-full bookshelves of our local bookstore. At first, the cover and the title intrigued me. I figured it's a not so average book, because upon reading the description at the back*, I instantly fell in love with the plot. Okay, it may seem a bit biased, because one does not simply fall in love with a book until he has actually read the whole story, but...you know what I mean. It's about the quiet transformation of a (to be blunt) deformed boy. He's normal, he's not a kid with disabilities, he just has a different looking face. But he's normal, average, likes the same stuff boys do though he seems to take a liking to Star Wars most of all.

Reading the book, I felt his pain. Reading through what August Pullman thought, said, felt, and did, it was like I was in his place. Not only that, you don't seem to hate a particular character in the story because the beauty of it is that it's not just Auggie's point of view that is being written about. There's Via, his sister, Justin, Via's boyfriend, Jack Will and Summer, Auggie's friends, and someone else. The book reviews are right, this book has characters that you can't help but root for. 

(SPOILER AHEAD) 
I even shed tears when Daisy the dog* died. I could relate to Auggie's take on that, too. My dog is very near and dear to me, and if anything happens to her, I don't know what I'd do. I'd fall apart, and a very big piece of me will be buried along with her, if and when she departs. But I'm hoping that wouldn't be for a very, very long time.

So, do I recommend this book?

YES!!

_________________________________________________________
sidenotes:
*never judge a good book by its cover, because some of the best books make up for their covers with the story. I realize I sound like I'm judging the entire contents of the book by the summary at the back, but I'm not. The book reviews there also aided in my decision whether to purchase the book or not. And I'm glad I did.

**you might notice I refer to my dog as a 'she'. Well. If you didn't know (and I'm betting you don't), she's kind of my sister. Not biologically, of course, but she's a kindred spirit. She's the doggie form of my late baby sister (moment of silence, please...) who unfortunately, didn't make it into the world. Every day that passes is another day that I miss her, and what could have been our sisterly relationship. But never fear, Fudge the dog is here!!!

Thanks for dropping by!