2012-31 - Wonder, by R.J. Palacio

31 - Wonder, by R.J. Palacio, 313 pages, Random House, 2012

WHY I PICKED IT: Recommended by my niece Sahar
ELAPSED TIME: 2 days
RATING: Very Good

This is the story of August Pullman, who is entering the fifth grade.  What makes this story interesting is that, until now, Auggie has been home schooled because he has a facial deformity caused by a genetic condition.  He has already had 27 surgeries, and does not look "normal."

Palacio alternates in telling the story from the perspective of Auggie and the other people in his life, and does a great job of getting in their heads... to see the world from their different perspectives.


This book is quite engaging and can teach a lesson in empathy.  Highly recommend for younger kids.

2012-30 - A Century of November, by W. D. Wetherell

30 - A Century of November, by W. D. Wetherell, 164 pages, University of Michigan Press, 2005

WHY I PICKED IT: Recommended by an Aussie traveler that I met in England
ELAPSED TIME: 4 days
RATING: Good

 

WWI, Marden's wife has died of the Spanish Flu, and he has receives word that his son has died in the trenches of Belgium.  So begins this quixotic journey to the place his son lost his life.  From the boat from Victoria to Vancouver, the train across the continent, the ship across the ocean to England.  Armistice and the trip to mainland Europe.

 

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, made a similar pilgrimage; fathers and mothers, lovers and wives.  Wetherell's book is bleak and dark... and envelopes the reader.