Wonder by R.J.
Palacio is a beautifully written book about a young boy called August. Because
of the boy’s facial deformity he is often being ignored by others, laughed at,
ridiculed, stared at every second, and judged by appearance. All this when he
is barely ten years old. The agony which he undergoes every time while dealing
with all this ugly stuff, makes this tale an extraordinary one.
While
narrating the little boy’s plight of facial deformity, other issues like bullying,
body shaming, parenting and lot of other important issues are dealt with a lot
of sensitivity. While the story revolves around Auggie's life, the author has
beautifully brought in the different perspectives of the people around. The way
the language differs with each character's narration is mesmerizing; one can
almost hear each of their voices.
The book is
wonderfully written, using simple words and doling out valuable lessons.
Readers may go on an emotional roller coaster while reading the book - anxious
at times, beaming with pride, happy tears, lump in throat. For or less, this is
most certainly one of the most favourite books for people who handle children
with deformities.
August has a
loving family - a cool dad whose humour pulls them up, elder sister Olivia who
loves Auggie despite the sacrifices she has to make due to the extra attention
and care he needs, his loving and protective mom who loves him unconditionally,
his dog Daisy who loves him for who he is. Also his friends who stand up for
him against all odds. Like one of them mentions, the bravest thing they have
done is probably being friends with Auggie, knowing very well how almost the
entire school is against them. Each character is beautifully sketched out.
The director
of the school, Mr.Tushman, embodies educators who not just do their job but
inspire children to be better humans. In a world where such people are fast
dwindling, hope there is at least a Tushman for every school.
The journey of
Auggie is not just a story of a little boy grappling with societal acceptance
but also of triumph of kindness, courage and love. This is the story of a kid
wanting a normal life. The world needs these important messages of kindness,
empathy, friendship, values, courage and love to be reinforced and shared until
it becomes a way of life.
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