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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
(Read this review and more at Pretty Bookmarks)
Disclaimer: I received a review copy c/o the Publisher via Netgalley.
I'm glad that this book was released; I wanted there to be a Julian chapter but I realize now that this companion novel made more sense than lumping it in one book. The Julian Chapter follows Julian, the main antagonist in Wonder. Julian is a bully and we never really learnt why he was that way and why he chose to pick on Auggie until now.
Before reading The Julian Chapter I always thought that Julian was a product of bad parenting. After all, his mother did photoshop Auggie out of the class picture. She's quick to defend her son, and in many ways she enabled him to harbour such hateful thoughts and say such hurtful words to Auggie. Julian's mum has constantly tried to justify her son's actions and to put it simply: her son is the king. As I continued reading, I understood that his mum only wanted the best for him. And it is her misplaced affection and care that she's allowed for Julian to be nasty to others. She was one of he factors that contributed to Julian's behaviour.
Julian himself isn't quite a mean kid. He has a lot of fears and it is evident that Auggie scares him. Perhaps the fact that he's scared of another person (being the top dog of the school and all) embarrassed him, so much that he took it out on Auggie who just so happens to be his trigger.
I got very angry with Julian, of the way he felt no remorse and of his silly mother's behaviour. But as more people began reaching out to him, he begins to slowly understand the enormity of what he's done.
Julian is an excellent character. There were much character development and it happened slowly over the course of time, as people do.
Even though The Julian Chapter was so short, it was a really thought provoking piece, similar to Wonder. The Julian Chapter is a must read for everyone -- especially if you've read Wonder.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy c/o the Publisher via Netgalley.
I'm glad that this book was released; I wanted there to be a Julian chapter but I realize now that this companion novel made more sense than lumping it in one book. The Julian Chapter follows Julian, the main antagonist in Wonder. Julian is a bully and we never really learnt why he was that way and why he chose to pick on Auggie until now.
Before reading The Julian Chapter I always thought that Julian was a product of bad parenting. After all, his mother did photoshop Auggie out of the class picture. She's quick to defend her son, and in many ways she enabled him to harbour such hateful thoughts and say such hurtful words to Auggie. Julian's mum has constantly tried to justify her son's actions and to put it simply: her son is the king. As I continued reading, I understood that his mum only wanted the best for him. And it is her misplaced affection and care that she's allowed for Julian to be nasty to others. She was one of he factors that contributed to Julian's behaviour.
Julian himself isn't quite a mean kid. He has a lot of fears and it is evident that Auggie scares him. Perhaps the fact that he's scared of another person (being the top dog of the school and all) embarrassed him, so much that he took it out on Auggie who just so happens to be his trigger.
I got very angry with Julian, of the way he felt no remorse and of his silly mother's behaviour. But as more people began reaching out to him, he begins to slowly understand the enormity of what he's done.
Julian is an excellent character. There were much character development and it happened slowly over the course of time, as people do.
Even though The Julian Chapter was so short, it was a really thought provoking piece, similar to Wonder. The Julian Chapter is a must read for everyone -- especially if you've read Wonder.
4.5 stars - 4 for the Before section of the story. Solid 5 for the After portion. Loved learning more about Julian's perspective and the effect of his grandmere's story on his change of heart. Short but powerful.
I absolutely loved Wonder, and this was a cute viewpoint. What made the book for me was the Grandmother's story at the end. Quick little read.
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved 'Wonder', so I was super excited to find this novella on Overdrive. I need books about kindness and trying to understand others right now and this did not disappoint.
I don't have enough words to say how unexpected and wonderful this little short story is. I love it, I actually sobbed in the last third of the book.
I was so angry at Julian, just denying everything... until something.
Really, if you loved WONDER, this is for you.
I was so angry at Julian, just denying everything... until something.
Really, if you loved WONDER, this is for you.
It's always cool to see the "bad guy's" side of the story. I didn't really enjoy reading in Julian's voice (he's young and so his writing reflects this), but I think the message was realistic and refreshing.
The bully's side of the story with a background tale from Grandmere in Paris. Good insight into his character but not as deeply moving as August and friends.
It was really good.
I thought from Julian's point of view it would say how much he hated Auggie and how much of a freak Julian thought Auggie was. But I was wrong. I enjoyed this book and I hope you do to.
I thought from Julian's point of view it would say how much he hated Auggie and how much of a freak Julian thought Auggie was. But I was wrong. I enjoyed this book and I hope you do to.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Given Wonder is the only book to make me cry as an adult, I was hoping for more from this one (though it has been three years since I read Wonder). It just didn't have the emotional impact I was hoping for — apart from one part — nor did it generate the empathy I was expecting to feel for the titular character. Still, I really appreciated having the chance to revisit this story from Julian's perspective!