The good thing about that day was that it could not get any worse from then on.
The bad thing was that it did not have to.
Luckily, I had a brand new copy of Wonder that day. I couldn't read it then... but the next day, when I skipped college because I really.really.needed.a.break... I read Wonder.
And it was like this balm that made everything temporarily okay. It was hilarious, poignant, emotional and impactful. This book made that day okay. Or at least, it made me feel like everything was going to be okay.
Today, I (belatedly) celebrated the Day of Compassion as a part of my Social Psychology course on Coursera.org. As a part of it, it seemed inevitable that I use it as an opportunity to giveaway an e-copy of Wonder because... not only does the book have personal relevance to me... not only do I wish you read it now if you haven't read it already, but the characters in Wonder exemplify genuine warmth in a way that makes you feel cared for; like the world is a decent place and you're in good hands.
Hopefully, it will brighten up your day as well or change your life or perspective in some way!
Publication date: February 14th, 2012Publisher: Knopf
Stars: 5/5
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?
R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.
I'm going to leave you with a few quotes from Wonder that I feel captures a bit of the book:
“Now that I look back, I don't know why I was so stressed about it all this time. Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing.”
“...your deeds are like your monuments. Built with memories instead of stone.”
“My mom smiled at me. Her smile kind of hugged me.”
“MR. BROWNE'S SEPTEMBER PRECEPT:
WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING
RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND.”
To enter the e-giveaway, sign into the rafflecopter below. There aren't any requirements to follow my blog or tweet or anything; though I'd appreciate it if you spread word about the giveaway, all the same!
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I hope you have a great week! ❤
It is the little innocent acts of compassion that I witness that move me to tears. The pure ones like a small child on the playground witnessing another child crying and without saying a word, hands the other child his toy..if we could all live in those moments and act with a pure heart. Wonderful post Pooja and thank you for sharing, That Day.
ReplyDeleteLovely post (and giveaway). I do want to read this one at some point. It sounds fantastic. More than anything, I'm glad the book was there when you needed it. It's great when things like that happen.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway, Wonder sounds like a book I'd like to read. Your question got me thinking and I'm still thinking. Of course that does mean people around me aren't compassionate but they do such little things that most times it goes un-noticed. Thanks for reminding me to be observant Pooja :)
ReplyDeleteHey Pooja,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a lovely giveaway.. and congratulations for such a lovely blog as well. May your blog gets lovelier by each passing day :)
Books seems interesting and cover is rather catchy :)
God Bless
XOXO
Ankita Singhal
This book is such a hit among my friend. I have the Indonesian translation, but I'm just curious how the original book would make me feel.
ReplyDelete