2013 Hub Reading Challenge discussion

I can see why so many people were upset that this wasn't honored by the Printz and Newbery committees. I will say, though, that I had some problems with it, particularly the ending.
(view spoiler)[Why did Auggie win the Beecher Medal? Why not Jack? Auggie himself says that they just gave it to him for being a normal kid despite his face. It felt like an apology for tokenism, and rubbed me wrong. Jack showed the Beecher qualities -- Courage, Kindness, Friendship, Character -- just as much as Auggie, and he had an actual character arc. The more I think about this book, the more I feel that Auggie is objectified. He becomes the issue that everyone else's character growth depends on, but how does he change? Other than a haircut and hearing aids? (hide spoiler)]

I wasn't upst at all that it wasn't honored by Printz or Newbery. I found the story to be extremely manipulative. There was a shrill yelling in my ear "be nice! Be nice!" Ugh. And, why so many viewpoints? Once we get the sister's boyfriend chapter I was sick of the whole thing.

Audio-wise, I couldn't stand the reader for Auggie's voice. So scraping and babyish! But I suppose it was an attempt to communicate Auggie's disabilities. Nick Podehl, however, is one of my favorites. He never disappoints!

I agree with Diane--Auggie's voice about drove me nuts. I thought it was puzzling that they included so many viewpoints (Justin??) but Julian didn't get his say. I know he's the villain-in-chief, but knowing why he is the way he is would have helped a lot. Maybe he's just a good person with a bad situation? His mother certainly sounds like a piece of work. I would have liked more dimension to his character.