Checked this out at my local library ...

My thoughts so far on, Wonder by RJ Palacio

I am 3/4 done reading Wonder by RJ Palacio. I ran across this book while searching for new books to read online. As with most my online searches for new books, I cannot recall my original search. I often do a search and then it takes me to one link to another. Nonetheless, I am grateful I am reading this book.  

On my online search it does state it is categorized as juvenile fiction for ages 9 years and up. In my opinion, it should just be categorized as fiction.  However, as a juvenile fiction book, I am truly glad of its honesty. This book talks to and with the reader, not at the reader.

This is one of the best books I have read this summer.  The main character of the book is August who was had quite a few facial surgeries to assist with his medical needs.  The book’s chapters are done from the perspective of August, his sister and her boyfriend, along with Augusts’ classmates. Each character discusses their relationship with August, how they truly see him, and how their lives intertwine with one another.

This book also raised another question for me. Hopefully, this does not come across as if I am standing too much on a soap box. But this book has made me reflect on a lot of things I have seen in my life, on the news, online. One question being, is it nature verses nurture? Or, do (in this case) the characters in the story use their environment, or bad day, wanting to fit in, etc. as a reason to say and act as they do.

Wonder is a book that everyone can relate to. As I am reading this book, it makes me question what true kindness is, and how much the human spirit can endure. It also makes one reflect on when someone says they didn’t mean to hurt you, or that person. It still hurts even if they may not show their true feelings. It makes you sincerely question and think about the saying, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

So with Wonder almost done I am reluctantly finishing this book. Why reluctantly? As I tweeted once, when I am in love with a book I will not read the ending. With this book I feel I must finish. Not only to see how the story ends, but not to let go of knowing what I already believe - it does not take much to truly be kind.