The last book I remember making me feel that way was Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Before that, I think Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust swept me away like that.
I've had that experience again. I've read a book that not only delved deeply into the characters and their relationships, but transcended them and touched on our larger humanity, our inner-connectedness. This book told the truth in a universal way. It let us in on sweet bravery and the power of kindness. It was filled with hope and love.
That book is WONDER by P.J. Palacio.
WONDER's ripples will spread beyond the realm of children's literature to the larger world. I hope it wins the Newbery Medal. (Read more at this NPR interview.)
5 comments:
I can't say that I've slowed it down to stop it from ending, but I have read books multiple times because I don't want to have to leave the world of that book, I want to relive it over and over again. That was Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke for me, and the Harry Potter series.
OK. Sold. (I never even HEARD of it till this second.)
Amy, that's how I felt when I first heard of it. I'm so tired of books NOT living up to the hype. This one doesn't even need hype. It's just a great book.
Bonnee, thanks for your comment. I know what you mean about being swept into a world and revisiting again between the pages of a book.
Books have amazing power, don't they?
I love Wonder, too! I think it should win the Schneider Family award but I would be thrilled if it could win the Newbery! It's a great book.
You're right, Jen. Wonder would be perfect for the Schneider Family Award!
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