| 商家名称 | 信用等级 | 购买信息 | 订购本书 |
 |
 |
The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story (Kindle Single) |  |
 |
|
The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story (Kindle Single) | |
网友对The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story (Kindle Single)的评论
I was worried that The Julian Chapter would ruin the magic of Wonder. For the uninitiated, Wonder is a YA novel for middle school students about a boy, August, with a several facial disfigurement. Wonder functions as a story about bullies, but also what it is to be a normal kid in abnormal circumstances. The main antagonist (bully) of that story is Julian. Different perspectives are revealed throughout Wonder from Auggie's to his sister to his supposed best friend. The Julian Chapter is Julian's perspective on the events that unfolded, and I was worried that his story would be too human and justify his actions; thankfully, R.J. Palacio has managed to create a cautionary tale, not only to bullies, but to the parents of bullies who often justify their children's horrible actions.
As a kindle single, the book is easily digested in a single sitting. The book stands at a scant 84 pages, and the text seems like a natural extension of the book's events. While some of the mystique around Julian is lost, receiving the other perspective could be argued as valuable. On some level, I wanted Julian to just be a rotten kid, and there may be too much time spent on why he is so rotten to Auggie, but after the initial revelation of Julian's nightmares is revealed, Julian begins to reveal his intentions to be mean to Auggie. Often they're often as horrible to read about in this as they were in Wonder.
In a moment of brilliance, R.J. Palacio reveals Julian as a remarkably unreliable narrator. He reveals information about the events slowly and often after they occurred. If you're like me and it has been a while since you have read Wonder, the events will resurface with vivid horror, and Julian's callousness is as sharp and horrific as it ever was.
R. J. Palacio's pension for a middle schooler's voice is as sharp as it ever was. Julian is, for the most part, a developed character. His voice and internal monologue feels real, and he is as tangible as August, Summer or Jack Will. While it has been years since I have read Wonder, Palacio manages to bring you back to those pages in Wonder with ease. I found myself shocked at how much detail I could remember throughout The Julian Chapter. Palacio's Wonder has resonated with so many for this reason; it sticks with you in a way almost no other cautionary tale has done.
Whether it is a must buy is another question. I find the story to be worthwhile, but it was a bit too neat and tidy. Learning more about Julian is both a blessing and a curse. Learning more can give too much credibility to a bully, and sometimes it's better to leave things unsaid. That said, where the story shines is in the horrendous parents (especially his mother). The doting mother who will stop at nothing to defend her child is fascinating to watch unfold. As a companion piece it's wonderful, and it is always nice to be reminded why I loved Wonder so much in the first place.
If you haven't read Wonder, there is no reason to start here. Read Wonder, it's brilliant on so many levels. For those itching for more perspectives or those wanting the reminder of why Auggie was so awesome, The Julian Chapter is worth the visit.
Wow. This will take some time to process for me as I had hated Julian in Wonder. He was such an unlikable character, and such a bully to Auggie. How could such a repellent character have any redeeming qualities? However, in The Julian Chapter, we find out more about Julian and why he had problems with Auggie from the beginning. He really doesn't grow emotionally until near the end of the book when he learns about his grandmother's childhood and his namesake. Perhaps his parents are a bit overprotective and his mother definitely seems to be a helicopter parent. They coddle him and know he can do no wrong. Once he has some time to mature on his own, he manages to bloom.
I wanted to hate Julian through the entire chapter, but I couldn't. I wound up understanding him and learning that I still have to work to choose to be kind.
this book was not what I was expecting. since I read the first book, wonder and since I knew it was from the perspective of a contrasting character. I was expecting the book to be told in a let's say "braty" way. my prediction was totally wrong. I loved the way the the book played out and liked how it was told from Julians perspective. Even though it wasn't what I was expecting I still loved it. and I will probably read it again and again.
My sisters and I love Palacio's Wonder, so when they urged me to read this extra 'chapter' from the same story, I enthusiastically sat down and read it in one setting - took me under an hour and a half. Julian, who is the main antagonist at August's school, gets his chance to explain things. But the voice Palacio gives him isn't unique or interesting enough to make it on its own. The best and most interesting voice and narrative in this 'chapter' is actually that of Julian's grandmother. She tells him such a good story that her adventure should and could be made into an entirely different book all on its own. It's more interesting than Julian's story and takes wind from his sails. If this 'chapter' had been a full book-length production, or had been included directly in the book, it would have fit better and read better. Taken on its own though it is too short, as Julian's change doesn't get enough room to transpire properly. It's too obviously formulaic. Wonder was long enough for August's classmates to undergo a believable change of attitude toward him. I would suggest that the author come out with a new edition of Wonder, with Julian's chapters worked into the book in their proper place.
I absolutely loved this book. I have read Wonder and was eager to buy the sequel The Julian Chapter.
The beginning of the book is a recap of what happened in Wonder from Julian's perspective. This portion of the book was intriguing and explained a lot of questions that I had about August. Julian's parents were such believable helicopter, our-son-can-do-no-wrong parents.
SPOILER ALERT
The second part of the book follows Julian as he goes to stay with his Grandmere in Paris. This part of the book almost brought me to tears, and I thought Grandmere's story about Julian was sweet and beautiful, but the thing I found most interesting was that the full name was Julian Auguste. Like, woah! Also, when Julian sent the apology note, I was touched!
My only complaint was that the book ended with me wanting so much more! Maybe R.J. could do Charlotte's point of view next. I felt she could have been a bigger character.
Overall, one of the best books I've read this year.
喜欢The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story (Kindle Single)请与您的朋友分享,由于版权原因，读书人网不提供图书下载服务
