Book Review - Semi-Fiction

I love fiction books, but it doesn't mean I'm all fantasy and magic. I also appreciate realistic stories, stories based on true events since they're more heartfelt and emotional. 

So here are three books I would recommend which are fiction, as the story itself isn't completely true but based on real communities/people.

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1) Wonder by R.J. Palacio

A very popular book and movie! It's about a smart boy named August Pullman or rather called Auggie by his friends and family. He has a condition called Treacher Collins Syndrome and has been through many surgeries for the same. He has been homeschooled his whole life, but his parents finally decide to enroll him in a real school for 5th grade. The book goes through his journey of how he adapts to his life in school, and it also contains the different point of views of the characters in the book. 

It's a really beautiful story about never giving up, second chances, being true to yourself and how you should never judge someone who is different, but rather be kind and empathetic. 

The author drew inspiration from both Natalie Merchant's song "Wonder" and an experience where her son reacted with distress upon seeing a girl with facial deformities.

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2) Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Again, this is both a book and a movie. I didn't watch the movie, but I did read the book! I must say, I went through a lot of emotions, anger, sadness and laughter. If you have read Wonder and like it, then this book should also be on your reading list. It's about a girl named Melody is very intelligent. She has cerebral palsy meaning she can't walk, and in this case, is also nonverbal, but has a photographic memory. We see how people tend to underestimate her abilities throughout the story and how she proves them wrong. The themes this book explores includes determination, kindness, forgiveness, inclusion and proving misconceptions/prejudices wrong.

According to book review sites, it is inspired by the author's experiences with her daughter who also has cerebral palsy and other students with disabilities.

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3) The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree by Paola Peretti

This book is slightly less popular, I would say and it isn't a movie......yet. 

It was originally written in Italian but later translated to English by Denise Muir. It does have a lower age rating but I think it's suitable for all ages (if you're interested in knowing the story). It's about a young girl named Mafalda who has a rare condition called the Stargardt Disease which causes her to gradually lose her eyesight. We learn about her fears and how she copes with giving up things she won't be able to do in the future like playing soccer, a sport she loves or climb her beloved cherry tree. The cherry tree plays a key role in the story, as every once in a while, Mafalda measures the distance it takes for her to see the cherry tree. This distance gradually decreases, showing the reader how much her eyesight is deteriorating over time. We see how she tries to fulfill certain wishes before she loses her eyesight and how she finds things she will still be able to. It's a heart touching and emotional story which includes themes of hope, friendship, determination, overcoming challenges/fears and dealing with losses. 

The story itself is not true but is inspired by the author's own experience with the Stargardt Disease.

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So, these are the top 3 books I would recommend from semi-fiction! Do check them out if you're interested, you can read the book or watch the movie. 
(In my opinion, starting with the book is better since it allows you to use your imagination to picture the story exactly how you would like to envision it, but it's your choice!)

That's all for this book review! Ciao!

- *Twinkle*