Book review — Wonder by R. J. Palacio
It’s difficult to review a book that has moved you, has resonated with you and that relates with you on a deep, personal level. And so, I was putting off reviewing “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio, a heartwarming and beautiful book about August Pullman, Auggie, our 10 year old protagonist. Auggie was born with a facial deformity and had undergone 27 surgeries before the age of ten. Due to his frequent stays at hospital, he has been homeschooled by his mom. But now Auggie’s parents, Isabel and Nate, want him to join a regular school. The decision is all upto Auggie. And despite hesitating and resisting the idea at first, he willingly agrees to attend 5th grade at Beecher Prep middle school.
Childhood can be tough when you aren’t normal or ordinary. When you stand out. With age you develop maturity and don’t give a fuck what others are thinking. Because it really doesn’t matter. When you have a condition and so stand out from other kids, you gain maturity early on. You have to learn to face things not expected of a child and in the process, you lose a part of your innocence instantly, shown a part of the big bad world too soon. That all is not hunky dory. And that people can be mean. Really mean. But also that there is good in the world too. People you can count on. Friends, family, teachers.This is a story about all of them. The good, the bad. But generally good. Auggie faces all this while starting middle school.
Auggie is well aware of his condition and the effect it has on other people. He knows his deformed face is a thing of repulsion, shock and curiosity for others. And like any other kid with a deformity or disability, he avoids being in large groups. His reluctance towards mingling with people or his peers, is something I can relate to. He navigates through the year of 5th grade and all the while, faces his fears, to attend classes silently and courageously despite being an outcast.
‘Wonder’ is a story not only of Auggie but also of people surrounding him. We get a peek into the perspectives of Auggie, his sister Via, Auggie’s closest friends Summer and Jack, Via’s friend Miranda and her BF Justin. They narrate their lives and the effect Auggie has on their own day to day experiences. As much as I could relate to Auggie, I found myself also agreeing with these other characters. Accepting the differences in others is an easy feat if you are only willing to do so. The book addresses the issue of inclusion in society without being outright preachy. The story upholds the values of true friendship, family love and support from good teachers.
The book is a light hearted read of 100 pages and I breezed through it. Auggie comes across as a funny, smart, confident and a friendly individual. Goes to show that people are more than their looks and appearances, more than their shortcomings and disabilities. Auggie’s parents remind me of my own, so do his friends. The fear on Isabel’s face for her son’s safety and well-being is something I’ve witnessed on my mom’s face. Teachers play an important role in a child’s life. This has been perfectly depicted by Palacio in ‘Wonder’. Mr. Brown’s precept idea was refreshing, something that can be actually implemented in schools. It’s a great way to groom impressionable minds. Friendships in here are to die for. Auggie’s friends are a reflection of friendships to be cherished for life.
I’m not the one to easily tear up while reading a book but this one was an emotional ride. The whole experience of reading the book and watching the movie afterwards, has left me feeling warm and fuzzy, despite it dealing with a serious subject of inclusion. It’s a positive book and gives out good vibes. It shows that people gravitate towards kindness and compassion. And all you have to do is accept people for who they are. “When given the choice between being right or being kind, chose kind.”
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I watched the movie with mom, and I could see her welling up on many occasions like scenes where Auggie first walks into the school, his mother feeling lonely at home after he starts going there and when Via felt alone and left out. It’s a feel good movie and I highly recommend it. Like I recommend the book, “Wonder”.
