Reviewing : Wonder by R. J. Palacio

"I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives."

 I recently completed reading a beautiful book called Wonder by R.J. Palacio. The theme of the book mesmerized me and I really felt like sharing my views on this book.

It basically revolves around the story of young August Pullman. He had a severe facial deformity from his birth due to which he never had any friends. He casually describes how people get frightened by looking at him and try to get away from him as if it was a contagious disease. Though the people never tried to understand him, but his parents and elder sister, Via always supported him. He was homeschooled till grade 4 due to the many surgeries he underwent. His parent's decision to send him to a proper middle school proves to be a turning point in his life. It has always been difficult for a new kid to settle, especially when that kid is someone like August. But as the year passes by, he makes several new friends, excels in his studies and with the teachers' support bestowed upon him, he makes it to year end, successfully. 

What I like about the book is how Palacio, through the mindset of a 10 year old, pointed out that stereotypes and prejudices  are still prevalent in the society. People often judge a person based on their looks, and their physical features. They forget that appearances are deceptive, and whom they are mistaking as evil or bad, might turn out to be the most humble, kind and funniest person they've met. They are unable to understand that they should never judge a book by its cover. A person may seem quiet and shy at first, but what if upon talking, you find them to be very gentle, humorous, simple and kind ?

The best thing about the book is perhaps that the author writes the same story from the perspective of all the characters of the story. It is due to this unique writing technique that we get to know the real reason behind the behavior of the characters and what they truly feel about August. It taught me that we should see the situations from everyone's point of view. We should consider and give attention to everyone's feelings, opinions and thoughts. 

One more important thing highlighted in this book is that it is very important to be kind. It is important for us to understand how our simple act of kindness has the potential to change someone's life, and make our earth a better place to live in. Kindness is true authentication of us as humans. It has always been in human nature to help others. It is our duty to ensure that it stays in human nature in upcoming generations as well :)

In short, it is a great book and I highly recommend it for readers of all ages!

If you have already read the book, then I would like to hear your views on the story too!