WWRW: The Cuckoo's Calling and Wonder

So you remember back when there was that big "news" story that J.K. Rowling had "secretly" wrote and published a book but it wasn't doing very well. Then, remarkably, right after the "news" story the book became a best seller? Well I wasn't about to buy it. But I did put my name on multiple multiple Library lists. Having 3 different library cards gets you on 3 different digital copy lists and then 1 hard copy list because I only live here so it didn't make sense to try and get a 2 week book in Minnesota for instance.

And I forgot about it and read a lot of other books.

Then apparently Ms. Rowling got a little too far away from the limelight and had to stir the pot again with the whole Ron/Hermoine debacle. She is wrong.  All I can say is it's a good thing I already liked Harry because her antics wouldn't make me want to run out and read the books.

Then, the very day after a sequel was announced, I got the lovely email from the library letting me know my very own digital copy was available for 2 weeks! Delightful!

So "Robert Galbraith" wrote this book called The Cuckoo's Calling. And here's the scoop: 

It wasn't bad. There was a lot of British slang. And I think it went on a little too much. But overall it was not a bad book. The characters are well developed and interesting to read. You are curious about their back story but slowly the onion skin layers are peeled back and you're given what you wanted. I can even see how a sequel will be well received. It's definitely a whodunit and certainly I thought it was going to go a different way for quite a while. I am delighted that I am wrong. J.K. has strength is in believable dialogue. And while it all wrapped up a little too "cherry on top" there's a sequel so it probably isn't all sunshine and roses. Though I am worried for Robin's relationship and it's future, just sayin'.

Overall: worth a read. Not appropriate for kids. 

Also this week I got another email for another book from the library I had been waiting for. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

I feel like everyone's heard of this book at least. A 10 year old with a severe cranio-facial abnormality is switching from homeschool to traditional school for the first time. Along the way August (our main guy) discovers how the world works, mean people and all. He also works on his family relationships and creates lasting relationships. 

Was this book a little bit "happy ending you could see coming?" Yep it was. 

Are there some elements that seemed forced or trite? Yes. 

Was it all around a pretty accurate portrayal of fifth grade, ninth grade, family life and friendship? Yes. 

And I loved it. Yes, there are some happy happy parts and some people may feel that some of the "tragedy" seems forced but it just seemed like life to me. Things that sneak up on you when you least expect it, like not recognizing a family member is sick until much later. Life is full of ups and downs ranging from tragedy to wonderful, so it just felt realistic to me. Plus emotions are complicated. And it's written for youth so there's that. I think some reviewers out there are jaded souls. 

Wonder is not all written from August's perspective, it switches to his sister and friends occasionally. It isn't typical YA where it goes every other chapter either. Palacio uses the other voices to give more insight and clarity to situations so the reader is given a more well-rounded picture. Because everyone has a story to tell. 

The book made me cry, both of sadness and happiness, and I couldn't put it down. From start to finish it took only a few hours and I read straight through. I haven't done that in a long time. If Wonder doesn't fill your heart with kindness... well I don't know because it probably will. In high school I took a Modern Dance class and I had a teacher who always said "In this room we watch with love in our eyes." It stuck with me and I try, generally, to have love in my eyes as I go about my day because everyone could use a little less judgement. That's what Wonder reinforces. 

I'd say 10 and up would do well with this book but younger readers may have questions or a want to discuss with someone. There are some teenagers kissing (only mentioned) but that's about as racy as it gets. 

Linking up with Jessica for WWRW

3/7 for the week. Nice.