Wonder Appearances Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

In the hallways, which were always crowded, my face would always surprise some unsuspecting kid who maybe hadn't heard about me. The kid would make the sound you make when you hold your breath before going underwater, a little "uh!" sound. (1.Wake Me Up When September Ends.3)

Auggie wants to think that he has gotten used to this kind of reaction, but it seems to us that it still hurts him enough that he continues to wish he looked normal. Poor kid just doesn't get a break when it comes to his appearances.

Quote #5

"Are you always going to look this way, August? I mean, can't you get plastic surgery or something?"

I smiled and pointed to my face. "Hello?" This is after plastic surgery.

Jack clapped his hand over his forehead and started laughing hysterically.

"Dude, you should sue your doctor!" he answered between giggles. (1.Jack Will.14-17)

Jack has begun to grasp the permanence of August's plight and how hurtful people's reactions to his face must be. But more importantly, Jack's ability to laugh about the whole situation shows how comfortable he is with Auggie.

Quote #6

Unfortunately, while I managed to avoid having the portrait taken, I couldn't get out of being part of the class picture. Ugh. The photographer looked like he'd just sucked on a lemon when he saw me. I'm sure he thought I ruined the picture. I was one of the ones in the front, sitting down. I didn't smile, not that anyone could tell if I had. (1.School Picture.2)

To make matters worse, Julian's mom proceeds to Photoshop Auggie out of the picture and then distribute her "cleaned-up" versions to other parents. It makes our blood boil.

On the flip side though, just to play devil's advocate for a second, do you think the photographer really thinks that August ruins the picture? He might have been thinking about the speeding ticket he got on the way to work, for all Auggie knows. Is it possible that Auggie imagines the worst?