#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face—who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are.Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement, a major motion picture, and the critically acclaimed graphic novel White Bird.
And don't miss R.J. Palacio's highly anticipated new novel, Pony, available now!
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie’s point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope.
R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives." This quote pretty much sums up this book. I mean, this book deserves that! It was amazing, absolutely amazing. To me, it was the kind of book that makes think more than it was the kind of book that makes you feel things.
I liked the different POVs, it was interesting to see how August had an impact on the different people and their lives. I especially loved hearing the story from Justin's POV (apart from August, that is).
I find that more often than not the parents are absent in these kind of books. Well, not in this one. August had the most caring parents ♥ They treated him like they would treat any other kid, and gently helped him grow older and used to the cruel world around him. They fought a bit, but it felt so so real! And that's part of why I loved this book so much.
I was touched by how cruel kids can be. I mean, I already know that of course, but still, it had an impact on me. It felt like Palacio was just describing the real world and it kind of hurt, you know? Why are kids so cruel? Smaller kids, well, they just don't know any better, but bigger kids? Well... There's a lot of reasons for that, I guess.
August seemed older than ten years, he was so smart! It still seemed fitting though, because wouldn't you be older on the inside if you had his life? I think so...
Even though this book is about how looks aren't important and that you should accept one another, I think it's the most heartfelt book I've read all year. August's life is not easy and the situations he got into? Well... It's not easy being him, let me tell you that! Still, this book gives me hope. I really believe that this book can change your look on things, maybe even your life. It changed mine.
