I am fortunate enough to enter one of the prestigious senior high schools in Taichung. I am now a second grader in TCSSH. Being one of my habits, I have read numerous series of either Chinese or English novels over my childhood. Aside from reading fiction, I play volleyball as well, both of which make me released when I meet obstacles in senior high school. Last but not least, I am deeply persuaded by one quote: The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.

William Shakespeare, one of the remarkable writers, once said, “To be, or not to be. That is the question.” To be precise, how would you lead your life if you had physical defects? Would you be in low spirits and give up on yourself or keep moving forward with your life? In Auggie Pullman’s impressive story, though he extends the olive branch and tries hard to integrate himself into the school, he still gets teased and mocked rudely. But he stands stronger and even wins the respect and admiration from both the peers and adults alike. It is therefore worth learning from both Auggie and the ones who bring him through the ebb and flow.

Being diagnosed with Treacher Collins Syndrome, Auggie had been homeschooled until he was 10. As Auggie grew older and some subjects were beyond his mom’s scope of knowledge, he experienced his first time in a real elementary school, Beecher Prep. The novel describes several ups and downs he faced from his first day to his graduation. It is incredible for such a ten-year-old child to undergo so much hurtful gossip and trickery. On the first day of school, for example, most kids judged Auggie and saw him as peculiar. What’s more, some brutal students play the ‘‘Plague’’ game, where they believe if they touch Auggie they will be infected. If I were Auggie, I would back down when being jeered at for my weird-looking appearance. While I think what Auggie put up with at school would leave a trauma in his heart, however, Auggie was like, ‘‘ Fine, it doesn't matter.’’ Perhaps Auggie has got used to it, yet I think it is his kindness and tolerance that make him able to withstand the hostile treatment .

Aside from the positive attitude, Auggie’s friends also play an important part in his life. To begin with, Jack and Charlotte are friends with Auggie and stand up to Julin. Later, they hurt Auggie as they don’t want to be socially isolated. For instance, Jack participates in a cruel conversation about Auggie on Halloween, implying that he is forced to be friends with him by the principal, but takes no notice that Auggie is listening. Similarly, Charlotte becomes colder towards Auggie in an effort to maintain her relationship with the group who doesn’t like Auggie. Both Jack and Charlotte are easily swayed by peer pressure. On the other hand, Summer, who is one of Auggie's closest friends at school, sits with him during lunch time when she feels pity seeing Auggie eating alone. Then she soon discovers that he has a great sense of humor. Though Jack is aware that friendship is far more priceless than popularity and that he apologies, burying the hatchet with Auggie, I like Summer more than Jack since Summer stands with Auggie from the bottom of her heart all the time. Therefore, I feel Summer is the most compassionate of all Auggie’s friends.

Besides Summer, Mr. Browne is also my favorite. I view him as not only Auggie's English teacher but a philosopher. He introduced a precept to students every month. From my point of view, it is Mr. Browne’s ‘‘Precept’’ that enlightens Auggie. Mr. Browne once introduced a precept, ‘‘your deeds are your monuments.’’ In Auggie’s reflection, he mentioned,‘‘ The things we do are more important than what we say or what we look like.’’ Because of the encouragement from the precept, he no longer cares about his appearance, taking off his space helmet which is used to hide his queer-looking face, and bravely learning how to get along with others. He seems to be inspired and be able to find a sense of belonging at the school eventually.

Reading through the whole story with Auggie’s optimistic attitude, Summer’s sympathy, and Mr. Browne’s inspirational precepts, it can hardly be overemphasized that it is undoubtedly a captivating book with an intriguing plot. No one is born with a perfect appearance. Besides, happiness and disappointments have the same flavors the world over. Born of wonder, Auggie is able to overcome the obstacles through the optimism and encouragement from his loved ones.