Wonder by R. J. Palacio - review

Wonder

Rate: ★★★★☆

"You can't blend in when you were born to stand out."

 When my professor Jeff recommends this book, Wonder, The face which has an eye looks on the cover was interesting. I guessed it would be a story about a special boy who has a different sight in his age. And it was right! It was "special." He introduces himself like this;

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

The boy, August, used to how other people look at him. He knew he didn't look exactly normal, but he is desperate whenever he meets many strangers seemed so shocked when they saw him. This mook reminds me a movie "Like Stars on Earth." They are both drive the story in a child's in first person's narrative. They say what is the hardest point. They describe when they feel okay, sad and mad. Both have a problem and cannot make a good relationship with their friends. And they need some help and change.

<"Like stars on Earth" trailer>

<"Wonder" trailer>

Thus, the special thing that "Wonder" has but "Like Stars on Earth" hasn't, which is the best reason I like this book, is "Surrounders of Auggie's story." If you think Auggie is the only the main character, You can call them surrounders but I insist they are another main characters of this book. Every child is related to Auggie like his sister, friend or classmates. In their view, they felt something and changed when time goes by. Still, the most changed person is Auggie-he become more careful to others and brave compare to before-yet others changed and grew, too. Now I can understand the special kids' mind a little bit. Sometimes giving them too many help make them more stand out. Didn't I ever do that? I should reflect my teaching history and change my mind.

Quotes :

“MR. BROWNE'S SEPTEMBER PRECEPT:
WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND.” 

“Do people look the same when they go to heaven, mommy?"
"I don't know. I don't think so."
"Then how do people recognize each other?"
"I don't know, sweetie. They just feel it. You don't need your eyes to love, right?” 

“the only reason I’m not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way.”

Song: 

Wonder   Natalie Merchant

Doctors have come from distant cities, just to see me
Stand over my bed, disbelieving what they're seeing

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

Newspapers ask intimate questions, want confessions
They reach into my head to steal, the glory of my story

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

Ooo, I believe, fate, fate smiled 
And destiny laughed as she came to my cradle 
Know this child will be able
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience, and with faith
She'll make her way, she'll make her way

People see me I'm a challenge to your balance
I'm over your heads how I confound you 
And astound you
To know I must be one of the wonders

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

Ooo, I believe, fate, fate smiled 
And destiny laughed as she came to my cradle 
Know this child will be able
Laughed as she came to my mother
Know this child will not suffer
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience, and with faith
She'll make her way, she'll make her way

Songwriters: Natalie A Merchant

Notes from BUFS TTP 2016