Wonder

Wonder
- by R. J. Palacio

|   "Be kinder than necessary because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed" - R. J. P.

The last few books that I've picked up to read have subconsciously (or maybe consciously? I guess it depends on the way you look at it) been revolving around one central theme, incessantly drumming it home. And you just get fed up with the same old, same old. It gets repetitive. It gets boring. It gets tedious.

So lo and behold the second I stumble across Wonder by R. J. Palacio. I'll admit, I was hesitant to start it (I'll explain why in a second), but holy wow am I so freaking glad that I did. Quick synopsis: August (Auggie) is 10 years old and he has a genetic syndrome that results in him suffering from a craniofacial abnormality. His face is severely deformed and so has been home-schooled his life thus far to protect him from the cruelty of the world. The story begins with Auggie joining a public school and in mini chapters, he tells us about events that transpire from the summer before school starts, right through to the end of the school year.

The idea of seeing fifth grade through the eyes of a ten-year old made me reluctant to pick up the book. It's hardly the classic young adult fiction that dominates not only my bookshelf, but bookstores worldwide. Yet from the very first page, I became a sucker for Auggie's raw, honest commentary. I admired his strength and humour, and I felt his pain as he struggled, more than the rest of us, to fit in. I sadly understood the cruelties of his class-mates that he's subjected to; after all, if you put yourself in their shoes, would you be the bully, the bystander or the best friend? There are points in the book where my heart broke for him. And there are points where I had a goofy smile spanning the length of my face.

It's one of the most precious books I've ever read. You can't help but applaud Palacio's style; its simple dialogue is contrasted by the gritty themes that underpin Auggie's journey and the merge of the two, the harsh reality of society and the not-so-moral standards it proclaims, together with the perspective of a ten year old who gets the rough end of the deal, is brilliant. And ultimately, it's such an inspiring read. The lessons that it echoes are so profound that if I could, I would make every single person in this world read it. From kids to teenagers to adults. It's that powerful. And it's just so beautifully written.

If you're looking for your next book to read - this is it.