“If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.” -- Mr. Tushman, Wonder by R.J. Palacio
I'd seen R.J. Palacio's book Wonder, about a 10-year-old boy with a rare condition and severe facial deformaties, around and thought, "That sounds interesting." So when my son's 4th grade class read it, I decided to read it along with him. Words cannot express the love I have for this book.
On the physical, it is a quick read, an easy read. However, emotionally, it is anything but. My son and I wanted to finish it at the same time, so when we got to the last chapter, the plan was for me to read it aloud. Instead, I was sobbing so much I couldn't get through it. I kept having to stop and catch my breath.
The central character of August "Auggie" Pullman is so vulnerable, so real. Where we hide or worst parts or at least try to camouflage them, he is forced to bear his to the world. (See the book trailer here.) The result is heartbreaking, but uplifting. With the resiliency that belongs only to a child, he learns how the cruelty of others. He also learns that not all are cruel. There are those among us who truly do look beyond the surface and see who we are on the inside.
This is an amazing book on kindness, empathy, and not fitting in. It is all our insecurities laid bare and knowing we should judge others less for them. Read this book if you have not. Have your children and teens read this book. It is moving and thought provoking and truly does seek to bring out the best in a broken society.
We also had to go see the book-based movie -- starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Termbley -- when it came out in 2017. (See the official movie trailer here.) It, too, is moving and meaningful. It is not disappointing in the least, however, like most in these situations, the book is always better.
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