Book Description Review “In another moment of wonder for the Newmans, Magda and Nathaniel are now authors themselves, just finishing their new book titled aptly enough, NORMAL: One Kid’s Extraordinary Journey.” — 20/20, ABC-TV “[A] narrative that capably explores self-image, human dynamics, and the meaning of normality.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Despite being dubbed ‘Auggie Pullman come to life,’ Nathaniel abundantly shows that he’s his own multifaceted person… Funny, compassionate, and thoughtful.” —Kirkus “Nathaniel’s story will inspire all children to celebrate their differences.” —Booklist “[I]t’s the honest—sometimes joyful, sometimes painful, and occasionally unflattering—memories that prove most compelling.” —Publishers Weekly”Nathaniel and his mother have written a powerful and honest memoir together….a compelling story, but when coupled with additional information about the much-beloved book Wonder (and the movie), this title is sure to fly off the shelves.” —School Library Journal Read more About the Author MAGDALENA NEWMAN lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and two sons. Magdalena and Nathaniel Newman live in Seattle, Washington, together with the rest of the family—dad, brother, and 4 dogs. Read more Customers Review: Loved your story so far, not finished yet.You are one amazing boy. You inspire me.Would like to read his mom book too
I really enjoyed reading this book it was sad for a while. This family had there share of troubles but they pulled together with there love
Wonderful book. Well written from the perspective of the child and parent. Very personable.
OK, I admit it . . . I didn’t see the movie. I’m pretty sure I am one of maybe 5 people who didn’t BUT . . . I didn’t. The truth is . . . my son has microtia and atresia, which means his ears are mis-shaped and he has no ear canals. I deal with stares, rude comments, and stupid assumptions and actions of people on a daily basis . . . and not just from strangers. No, my son doesn’t have a caniofacial difference (which is what the boy in this book has, Treachers Collins syndrome) . Yes, a dad yelled at his son to get out of the pool before he “caught” what my son has. Yes, a teacher told me that my son should be held back until he could learn to “listen” better — after she had taken his streamer system (how he hears) because the other kids wouldn’t leave it alone. Delving into the experience of another mother with a similar and I would consider more serious condition was just not something I had the strength to do.So when the book arrived I decided to set it aside, which I did. I promised myself to read what I could, as I could, and if I got too overwhelmed I would stop and review what I had read. To my surprise, once I started reading I simply could not put it down. Yes, it is heartbreaking, but it is also heartwarming. And that is what life is, right? The story is simply and honestly crafted, working through the emotions of the characters as it progresses. It is an easy, fast read, but there are and will be sections you will want to savor and re-read. There are things that you can’t imagine happening, and others you can’t imagine not. Just a rich and vibrant story, with lessons that I will be applying to the raising of all my children.
In alternating passages, the authors relate how, after being born with severe craniofacial deformities affecting his hearing, eating, and breathing, Nathaniel underwent “sixty-plus” surgeries before age 16. Along the way, he and his family faced kids’ curiosity and adults’ insensitivity. Nathaniel abundantly shows that he’s his own multifaceted person. Flashbacks to Magda’s childhood in Poland emphasize the importance of family and imagination in tough times. Though their story sometimes feels disjointed or overstuffed, its breadth reflects their personally extraordinary but emotionally universal journey. As Nathaniel observes, “I’m not normal, and neither are you.” It’s a story about the love between a mother and a son, a child and his family, and the breadth of friends, helpers, and doctors that step in when the unexpected happens. It’s a story that will make young readers reevaluate the word “normal” — not only as it applies to others, but to themselves.
I expected to absolutely love this book. I was able to review Wonder before it came out and I loved that. And I loved the concept of this book — son Nathan and Mom Maggie telling their stories in dealing with Nathan’s facial differences and all that that entails. What a great concept! And I liked some of the parts that were from Nathan’s point of view. I liked Maggie’s stories from the old country. That being said this is what I didn’t like: Sadly, I just dont’ think this book works for a general audience. It will be perfect for someone who wants to know what Nathan and his family and other families who deal with the same issues go through. Yes, for that reader this book will tell them. But other than that I don’t see this book becoming the next Wonder or other best-selling books because I think it was edited emotionally rather than seeing it objectively. I enjoyed reading Maggie’s childhood stories but they dont’ fit with the rest of the book. And I very much appreciate and am amazed at the pain and surgeries Nathan has bravely endured, but it doesn’t work for great reading. I admire this family — what they’ve gone through but still make sure to live an “ordinary” life. They don’t make Nathan into anything other than Nathan, a boy who is growing up. And that is the way differences should be approached. There are parts that shine but the format just doesn’t sing. To me I think they should have written this book as is and then ripped it to shreds to find the parts that shine and then start over. Maybe the problem is that there is such a big connection to Wonder and Wonder’s author. That is talked about a lot. I think the better story would have been focused completely on Nathan. His feelings. His way of being just a typical boy despite the stuff he has to deal with. Seeing scenes from school where kids freak out and then seeing those same kids figure out that Nathan is just Nathan no matter how he looks physically. Seeing those same kids no longer see Nathan’s differences — they just see Nathan. Ah….I think there is so much potential here but it was published too soon. It needed to be read by an objective editor who doesn’t know Nathan and Maggie — who just read it for its appeal to a wide audience. |
18 reviews