I loved everything about Wonder by R.J. Palacio. If you’re looking for something heartwarming, sweet, and will make you want to hug all of the characters in a book, Wonder should be your next read. Oh my gosh, I cried way too many times to count.
WONDER BY R.J. PALACIO
THE PLOT
Ten year old August Pullman has been homeschooled by his mother his whole life. August has an extremelly rare medical condition that closely resembles Treacher Collins syndrome. His severely disfigured face stops strangers in their tracks. But that doesn’t weigh down August’s positive, humorous and upbeat attitude, nor his intelligent insight. Though, upon the start of fifth grade, Auggie’s parents decide he should widen his experiences and begin attending a regular school. Now Auggie is faced with navigating a whole new world and set of rules. Of course, kids being kids, Auggie is relentlessly bullied through most of the school year.
THE BOOKS INSPIRATION
Wonder was written after an incident at an ice cream shop. Palacio’s three year old son noticed a girl with a severe facial deformity and started to cry. Palacio didn’t want to upset the girl and her family any further, so she and her son left the ice cream shop, which ended up worsening the situation. The lyrics to Natalie Merchant’s song “Wonder” made Palacio realize that the incident could illustrate a valuable lesson. The book is named directly after Merchant’s song, and uses the song’s chorus as the prologue of the first chapter.
They say I must be one of the wonders
Of God’s own creation
And as far as they see, they can offer
No explanation.”
SHEER VOLUME OF TEARS
I listened to this book via Audible, and I’m really glad I mostly listened while I was either driving alone in the car or cooking. I’m pregnant and hormonal, yes, but even if I wasn’t… this book would still have done it’s job of shattering my heart. Also, Natalie Merchant is one of my favorites from the 90’s and I still regularly listen to her.
If you choose to read Wonder just know you will cry from sheer sadness, then cry tears of joy, some solid weeping, and then back to sadness and joy. It was an emotional rollercoaster that will make you believe in the good of people.
This is a Young Adult book (more geared towards children) but it’s one that you don’t want to miss. I can’t recommend it enough. You’ll walk away with even more empathy and compassion in your heart.