I may be the only person in America who has still not watched the movie Wonder, even though I really wanted to see it in the theater. But at least I’ve read the book, thanks to the local book club that formed recently.

Even if you are one of the rare birds who hasn’t seen the movie, you’ve probably seen trailers for it. So you know the premise: Auggie has been homeschooled because of his facial deformities and surgeries. For fifth grade, he goes to school for the first time, with plenty of angst about how the other students might treat him.

What I like about the book (and can’t imagine coming across well in the movie, but what do I know?) is the way Palacio shows events and characters’ actions through one point of view at a time. For instance, we see an action of Auggie’s classmate through Auggie’s eyes, then later see the same exchange through the classmate’s eyes.

Most of the pivotal characters have a section giving their point of view and in their own voice. Only two exceptions: No adults, not even Auggie’s parents, tell their story. And the only major child character whose point of view is not included is the Really Mean Boy.

I found the story heartbreaking and inspiring. It changed me by showing me how to better treat people with any kind of obvious handicap. As a bonus, it helped me understand why people can be well-intentioned, but still act in a less-than-desirable way.

I highly recommend this Great Weekend Read.

Thanks for reading,
Jan