Book Beginnings is a book meme hosted by Rose City Reader where participants share the first sentence (or so) of the book, along with initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.
The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice, and the rules are quite simple: Grab a book, any book, and turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader. Find any non-spoilery sentence(s) and post.
This week’s book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Title: WonderAuthor: R.J. Palacio
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Publication Date: February 14, 2012
"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. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
Thoughts
This is such a beautiful story and I can’t believe that I waited this long to start reading it. I am really looking forward to seeing the upcoming film. It will be interesting to see how it will translate to the screen.
Book Beginning:
I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an Xbox. Stuff like that makes me ordinary. I guess. And I feel ordinary. Inside.
Fridy 56:
“She seems very nice.”
“Yeah, she is.”
“She’s very pretty,” Mom said.
“Yeah, I know,” I answered. “We’re kind of like Beauty and the Beast.”
I didn’t wait to see Mom’s reaction.
About R.J. Palacio
R.J. Palacio lives in NYC with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. For more than twenty years, she was an art director and graphic designer, designing book jackets for other people while waiting for the perfect time in her life to start writing her own novel. But one day several years ago, a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store made R. J. realize that the perfect time to write that novel had finally come. Wonder is her first novel. She did not design the cover, but she sure does love it.
I missed this when it first came out, and found it recently almost brand new looking in a charity shop – so I’m yet to read it, but I’ve heard great things ! Hope you enjoy it!
Here’s mine: http://bit.ly/2hiAJA3 Enjoy your weekend, may your books be with you!
I love those finds! I am enjoying it so far. 🙂
I have heard so much about this book and enjoyed the movie trailers I have seen. I’ll have to read it someday. This week I have Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet. Happy reading!
Oh sad commentary there. But the book sounds intriguing.
I haven’t read this one yet but I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. Glad you’re enjoying it!
Thanks for sharing,
~Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
I feel like someone is watching me. lol
sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes
I haven’t read this book yet but have heard a lot of good things about it. Enjoy your current read.
I still need to read this one. 🙂 Happy weekend!
This book!!! If I had to pick a required reading book, it would be this one. Young and old could learn a lot about compassion, kindness, and the human spirit. I am crying just thinking about this book, and I actually do not fast forward when one of the movie ads come on. I adored the Julian Chapter too (I hope it’s in the version you are reading). The story his grandmother shares with him made me a puddle.
YES. This is such an amazing and powerful book and I am so excited for the movie too. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! <3
My son came across this and wanted to read it so I’ll be looking for it at a couple of local used book stores I’m going to this weekend.
My Friday 56 from The Memory Trees
I really want to read this one, but I am super excited about the movie. I will definitely be waiting until I see the movie to read the book. I don’t want the normal frustration that comes with watching a book turned movie. Because THIS movie looks phenomenal and emotional and absolutely perfect.
I have been seeing Wonder around in different bookstores. I should really get a copy and start reading it. It sounds really interesting.
This is a beautiful book. I loved it.
I’m going to see the movie version of this today! I’m wishing I’d read the book first, though!