Read Precepts and Wonder

I took the opportunity today to read a book that has been given a lot of press recently.

 It was so good, I read it in a few hours.

This is R J Palacio's first novel, Wonder.  It has a strong anti-bullying message attached to wrapped around a whole melting pot of issues that Teens experience.  It's a very character driven novel with some really interesting characters.  August, the main character, is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary appearance that shocks everyone who first meets him.  However August's situation isn't unique. There are lots of kids who have these monumental hurdles to overcome just to be accepted.  Not all of these kids have physical differences either, as a Mother of a child with autism, I am all to aware of the painful daily struggles Claire has to be accepted by her peers.

A lovely touch that the author has included in her novel are precepts.  Some are well known No man is an island, entire of itself - John Donne and others less well known Don't be friends with Jerks. Henry Joplin.

On that note, I hope you have a relaxing weekend.  I'm off to Somerset this weekend to do some long overdue packing.  Oh joy!