Wonder

Auggie Pullman is about to start fifth grade. It's his first day at school having been homeschooled all his life. Auggie has a severe craniofacial abnormality. As he puts it, “Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.” This is his story.

You can probably imagine the rest. Any synopsis would read like the plot of a saccharine after school special. You've got all the usual suspects. The sneering bully, the tentative best friend, the supportive family, the pretty girl who sees what everyone else can't. Ugh - I've just thrown up in my mouth a bit. I'd also argue that while several sections of the book are told from alternate viewpoints, they all read the same. Their voices are not distinct.

I loved it. Hope, friendship, love and above all, kindness. Loved the punchy chapter arcs. The frank narration and warm tone throughout. Even the outright manipulation of heartstrings (you can all but hear the swelling tones of the soundtrack in your head as you read) can't dissuade me that this was anything other than a beautiful read.