Mom-Finds: Wonder and Amusing Grace

Last Friday of the month: Shopping / Books

Don't judge a book by it's cover.  Literally, and figuratively. These books here will prove that. But why am I reading? I've never been a voracious reader (and that's my loss). I rarely buy novels, or anything thicker that an inch, heehee! Seriously, you can't talk to me about books, authors, or popular novels, bios, business and philosophy books.  But I have my moments. Recently, I had two!

I have not been shopping much lately so I don't have anything in beauty or fashion or for home just yet. For today, I thought I'd share with you these very inspiring books that you'll find on my bedside table. But please don't expect a book review, okay? =) I never liked writing one since I was a student, and I won't start now. Instead, I'm gonna tell you why I like them enough to feature it on Mom-Finds. Amusing Grace was a gift, while Wonder caught my eye in the bookstore so I bought it. Even if I have not finished reading them yet, I've already learned so much.

These books are very well-written by women authors, both moms. The books are equally witty, humorous, realistic, heart-warming, thought-provoking, and very inspiring. They will change the way you look at life and make you appreciate what you have even more. Promise!

WONDER, by R.J. Palacio, is about a kind and intelligent boy named August. Just like my son, August is in fifth grade. I guess Auggie's character resonated with me because I can see his struggles in my own son.  

Auggie was described here as having an in-born physical deformity -- a disfigured face.  There are no pictures in this book, but the characters are so well-defined that the story allows you to imagine each one of them vividly and the dynamics between the characters. Auggie was also home-schooled, until his parents decided it will be good for him to go to a conventional school.

The heart of the book is about the precepts that were weaved into the story with the colorful personalities. Even middle school kids will enjoy reading this and will gain wisdom from the life lessons revealed through the struggles and accomplishments of the characters.

PhP 359.00 (Paperback)

In the book, you'll find these lessons and quotes to live by, presented as Mr. Browne's Precepts:

SEPTEMBER

"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

OCTOBER

"Your deeds are your monuments." - Inscription on an Egyptian tomb

NOVEMBER

"Have no friends not equal to yourself." - Confucious

DECEMBER

"Fortune favors the bold." - Virgil

JANUARY

"No man is an island, entire of itself." - John Donne

FEBRUARY

"It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers." - James Thurber

MARCH

"Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much." - Blaise Pascal

APRIL

"What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful." - Sappho

MAY

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can." - John Wesley’s Rule

JUNE

"Just follow the day and reach for the sun!" - The Polyphonic Spree

AMUSING GRACE is the second book of Rosanne Romero. It's a collection of articles that she wrote for Kerygma. You can learn more about the author here and her positive spirit despite having multiple sclerosis. I've only read through half of the book but I can say she's really amazing!

I did not expect the book to be a light read. Each chapter has a short story with different lessons and real-life characters that the author has encountered in her day to day life and past experiences. The way Rosanne wrote her stories is very relatable, even self-deprecating at times, and grounded in her strong faith in God.

Php 250.00

Since I don't like long dragging chapters, I appreciate the format of this one -- I don't have to read it straight because each chapter is a different story. And each one has lots of insights and a good lesson to share.

Auggie's character in Wonder and Rosanne of Amusing Grace did not let their disabilities stop them from living their life the best way they can.  I need to have that "I Can" attitude too, and I want that for my kids as well.  There are many things we have that we all take for granted...and we complain a lot too. Reading these literary works gave me a better perspective of where I am now, and to be very grateful for what I have. 

Some life lessons learned from Wonder and Amusing Grace:

• Count your blessings.
• Complain less.
• Stop making excuses.
• Be kind. Always.
• Show compassion.
• See the positive side of things.
• Have faith.
• Family first.
• Be true to yourself and to others.
• Don't judge.
• Listen to your children.
• Keep moving forward.
• Pray.

Grab a copy of these books and feel good after reading them! =)

Amusing Grace by Rosanne Romero

Available at Powerbooks, National Bookstore, Fully Booked, and more major bookstores

Purchase online and have it signed by the author:  www.amusing-grace.com 

Get updates and inspiring tidbits from Facebook: Amusing Grace by Rosanne Romero

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Available at National Bookstore and major bookstores. 

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