The Wonder of Kindness
I have been mumbling and grumbling about the sorry state of affairs the world is in. You know what I am talking about; Bill Cosby, NFL domestic abuse policy, Ferguson Mo., Republican idiotic-mess, and the final slip into insanity, Isis; who think nothing of cutting off heads.
What is wrong with these people? It is overwhelming and leaves me no energy for a decent rant. I worry too, that I am adapting an older person’s perspective; the world is coming to an end or a Chicken Little belief that the sky is falling.
Then I heard about “Wonder,” a book my ten-year old granddaughter is reading, that is so good she could not put it down, and read while walking home from the school bus stop. So I got the book, thinking we would start a Nana & Alexandria book club. “Wonder,” by R.J. Palacio, is a New York Times Best Seller and there was a wait for the book at my Library.
Book Summary: Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.
In this book, the heroes are kindness, courage, friendship, and character; the message about leadership and solving life problems. I could not but it down either.
The book even has a happy ending, when Mr. Tushman, the principal, gives the middle school address and quotes J.M. Barrie from book, “The Little White Bird.”
“Shall we make a new rule of life . . . always try to be a little kinder than necessary?”
Although I always make an effort to not be rude, and treat others the way I want to be treated, have forgotten to be kind and rarely, kinder than necessary.
The icing on the cake is when the Henry Word Beecher Medal is awarded to August Pullman. Mr.Tushman quotes Beecher defining greatness.
“Greatness, lies not in being strong, but in the right using of strength. . . He is the greatest whose strength carries up the most hearts.”
Auggie gets a standing ovation as he accepts the medal. It is a feel good moment for the reader and food for thought, what is kindness?
Kindness is a step beyond polite. Kindness is compassion, consideration, benevolence, goodwill, cordial, gentle, generous, decent, charitableness, sympathy, sweetness, towards others. Kindness is a wonder.
Thank you to author R.J. Palacio for giving us hope.
. . . just saying
claudiajustsaying 
And thanks to you for promoting a book that sounds like it deserves it.
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Ellen,
Thanks for commenting. And the kids love this book, Claudia
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Your post is very inspiring! And I thought I was the only one to worry 🙂
When I get that way I try focusing on what does come out right in this world…it lifts up my spirit & that’s what you just did!
Thanks for bringing light to our planet 🙂
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You are so kind and right. I watched Own TV today and Marianne Williamson and others expressed the same attitude, come from a place of love. . . just saying
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Those are brilliant links I checked & will probably get back to. It’s good to know we are on the right track. your feedback is truly heartwarming.
Thank you!
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Hi Claudia, your posts are always wonderful! This one inspired me to get the book and read it myself. I also told three of my grandchildren about it who are at a good age to read it. I never followed your lead to write. I don’t think I could ever be as good as you are. But I really enjoy reading all kinds of books and your blogs. When it was my turn last year to review a book for the New Horizons book club, I discovered that the author lived in Grand Haven and invited him to be our guest. He accepted! It was a wonderful meeting. He was very interesting and gave us a lot of insight into the book and self-publishing pros and cons. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Betty Doherty (I am not sure you remember me, but just thought I write you anyway.)
Sent from my iPad
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Betty, Yes I remember you because Doherty was my grandmother’s maiden name, and spelled the same way. I appreciate you kind words and hope the grand-kids enjoy the read. Claudia
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What a wonderful post. So thought provoking. Exactly what is needed now–more kindness.
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Shelly, Appreciate your feedback, Claudia
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How lovely a message and what a great write up. If only our world were kinder. After all this real estate mess, I’ve lost such faith in people and this world. I need to read this book. And I could really use a nap. That always helps too. I appreciate your support as I muddle through and try to find my way back to the comfort of words on a page. Yours always comfort me. Always. Always. Oh, and hey! I’m back in Florida. Maybe we can finally meet after all!
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Now I’m smiling! Merry Christmas and kiss the baby for me, Hugs, Claudia
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Claudia, I finally got around to reading this book. I LOVED it. The Ebook included a bonus section–told from the perspective of Julian, the bully. A very different angle and wonderfully done. It brought home the importance of understanding ALL the players, including the bully, and how important it is for the adults to teach compassion. Thanks for recommending.
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