Wow! This book continues to amaze me. We get a lot of insight about Via's boyfriend and her friend. First, I would like to point out the way the author typed Justin's part. It makes it seem like a teenager is writing it and it seems authentic. Justin seems like a sweet kid who cares for Via and her brother geninuely. I thought his reaction to Auggie was good and his interactions with him. He does not try to exclude him. Also, he continues to see Via after meeting Auggie which is clearly an important part of her life. It was sad when Via told him that some kids wouldn't be friends with her or come to her birthday parties because he was going to be there. One question I pose is about the very end of Justin's part, in which he says that the universe make it all even out. The universe takes care of all of its birds. What do you guys think about this? Do you think the universe makes the bad and good even out and ultimately takes care of us in the end?
The next part is from Auggie's perspective. He talks about getting stared at by all the parents at the same time during school functions. I feel bad for him because I can relate to feeling stared at or knowing that people are talking about you. Obviously not on such a large scale like Auggie but if it makes anyone uncomfortable to get stared at or talked about, Auggie must feel worse. I think it's interesting, as Auggie points out, that his parents, Jack's parents and Summer's parents all form their own group while Julian, Miles, and Henry's parents form their own group. It was so sad when Diasy died. But this made me think about what Justin said about the universe. Even though Auggie does not have Daisy anymore, he still has a loving and supportive family.
Finally, Miranda talks about what happened to her since the summer which explains a lot about her relationship with Via. In the beginning we learn that Via and her best friend Miranda have grown a part. Miranda has changed her appearance and the people she hangs out with. We learn that the reason for Miranda's changes is that her parents are getting divorced and her father has remarried. This is a lot for anyone especially a teenager that is growing up and has issues of her own. Many kids lash out and manifest their anger and frustration when their parents get divorced. Miranda has a special place for Auggie and really cares for him. I did not feel comfortable with her when she told kids at her camp that her brother was deformed. Auggie isn't her brother. Although she has been in his life since she was so young, I still do not think she had the right to do that. My question to the group is do you think that it was in her right to say Auggie was her brother?
It wasn't right for her to claim Augie as her brother, I don't think it was the right decision. But as I mention in my post some kids know the distinction between doing something right or wrong, but act differently because they are afraid of what others may say or feel towards them, at the end of the day all they want to do is be liked and accepted by the other kids.
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