Scan barcode
A review by jenbsbooks
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
5.0
My original review (below. 04/2013 - 10+ years ago) was 4* ... but I'm upping this to 5* with my re-read (well, listen, I went with the audiobook this go round). I have retained a memory of the book through the years, perhaps augmented by the movie (out in 2017, I probably watched it a few years after that).
Beyond this being a great story, with characters you care about, the presentation with the different POVs was enlightening. Great in audio, with different narrators (age appropriate sounding) for the various parts. There are no chronological chapters (which can be a bit of a pet peeve with me, makes it difficult to track, move between formats - I checked out the kindle copy in addition to the audio edition) but eight different "parts" which had a number of chapters with descriptive headers in each. Auggie's POV is the first, sixth and eighth sections, and then we get different POVs for the other five sections. Via, Summer, Jack, Justin, Miranda. Via/Summer/Jack are obvious choices, very involved in Auggie's story. It's interesting as each section covers some of the same periods of time, so often the time 'resets' to earlier again with each POV change. It's something to note, that Julian's POV is missing ... from this book. This re-read caused me to delve deeper (looking up Q&A sessions, discussions, other works by the author) and I see there was a follow-up companion that does show Julian's POV (as well as two others). This is now on my "to read" list, as well as a graphic novel featuring the grandmother's younger years. There's a children's book, a 365 days ... kindof wish it was a daily desk calendar :)
Just one of the reasons I've upped this to 5* ... any book that pushes me to do additional study after finishing it, that makes me want to read more and discuss it... this does that. Even in my early review, before I was in a book club, I mentioned this would be a good book club read (looks like my book club read it back in 2015, I just joined in 2023. Very grateful one of the member is a GoodReads user and kept a list!) I'm thinking of purchasing the illustrated edition (some additional illustrations, reflections from the author) for my home library, even though I keep a limited number of physical books on hand. This is one I'd definitely recommend - although I don't feel I would be introducing it to anyone, it is quite well known.
*************************
Original review 04/2013
This was a very quick and easy read. While it is a "middle school" book, I think it is one for all ages. It would be an interesting book club selection, many points to ponder (I know I wouldn't mind discussing a few things). I did find myself highlighting a lot ...that is a sign on a book making an impact on me. I really enjoyed the shifts in point of view. I felt an emotional connection and found myself wiping away tears throughout the book. It's one I will look back on fondly.
Beyond this being a great story, with characters you care about, the presentation with the different POVs was enlightening. Great in audio, with different narrators (age appropriate sounding) for the various parts. There are no chronological chapters (which can be a bit of a pet peeve with me, makes it difficult to track, move between formats - I checked out the kindle copy in addition to the audio edition) but eight different "parts" which had a number of chapters with descriptive headers in each. Auggie's POV is the first, sixth and eighth sections, and then we get different POVs for the other five sections. Via, Summer, Jack, Justin, Miranda. Via/Summer/Jack are obvious choices, very involved in Auggie's story. It's interesting as each section covers some of the same periods of time, so often the time 'resets' to earlier again with each POV change. It's something to note, that Julian's POV is missing ... from this book. This re-read caused me to delve deeper (looking up Q&A sessions, discussions, other works by the author) and I see there was a follow-up companion that does show Julian's POV (as well as two others). This is now on my "to read" list, as well as a graphic novel featuring the grandmother's younger years. There's a children's book, a 365 days ... kindof wish it was a daily desk calendar :)
Just one of the reasons I've upped this to 5* ... any book that pushes me to do additional study after finishing it, that makes me want to read more and discuss it... this does that. Even in my early review, before I was in a book club, I mentioned this would be a good book club read (looks like my book club read it back in 2015, I just joined in 2023. Very grateful one of the member is a GoodReads user and kept a list!) I'm thinking of purchasing the illustrated edition (some additional illustrations, reflections from the author) for my home library, even though I keep a limited number of physical books on hand. This is one I'd definitely recommend - although I don't feel I would be introducing it to anyone, it is quite well known.
*************************
Original review 04/2013
This was a very quick and easy read. While it is a "middle school" book, I think it is one for all ages. It would be an interesting book club selection, many points to ponder (I know I wouldn't mind discussing a few things). I did find myself highlighting a lot ...that is a sign on a book making an impact on me. I really enjoyed the shifts in point of view. I felt an emotional connection and found myself wiping away tears throughout the book. It's one I will look back on fondly.