Wonder By R. J. Palacio: Book Review

About the Author

R. J. Palacio is an art director by profession. She got the idea for the book wonder when she and her children were on a vacation. While there, they saw a young girl who had a condition similar to Auggie's. People around her reacted very badly to her. This made the author think about the girl and what she had to go through on a daily basis. And this gave  author the idea about the book 'Wonder'.

Background

This book is a story about August Pullman (Auggie), a 10 - year - old boy, who is born with facial deformities and has gone through 27 surgeries but none of them were able to correct his face. All this prevented him from attending school and thus, he was homeschooled by his mother. His parents, after too much of thinking admit him to 5th grade in Breecher's Prep School. But Auggie wants to be treated like a normal kid without being stared too much.

The book tells the story about Auggie and people around him. It is about his journey from being a homeschooled boy to a 5th grader school boy. In the school, he is bullied and mocked by other kids. The kids get scared of him and try to stay away from him and avoid him. The book begins with the perspective of Auggie, switches to his classmates, his sister, and others.

Review

This is the kind of book which is inviting as well as engaging. The book goes way beyond expectations. This is such a touching story that it will definitely give you tears. The book leaves an everlasting impact on the reader. The way the contents of the book is lead out is truly amazing. The story shows the perspective of various people like Auggie, his sister, his best friend Jack and others. For instance, Auggie's sister used to feel alienated in the house because her parents gave so much attention and priority to Auggie that they didn't even realise that their daughter also needs care and attention.

This is really a great novel which teaches you love, sympathy and compassion towards others irrespective of their appearance.

Final Verdict

The message which the book conveys is compassion and sympathy for others. This book also focuses on anti-bullying. The book helps us to realise that simple act of kindness towards each other can make a huge difference. Hence this book is highly recommended to all!

Rating

4.9/5

Book Details

Title: Wonder

Author: R. J. Palacio

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Genre: Fiction (Young - Adult Contemporary)

Pages: 316

Cover type: Paperbound

Price: INR 399