How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
i guess i thought her brother would have some scars here and there. but not this. i definitely wasn't expecting to see this little kid in a baseball cap who's sitting in front of me right now. […] i like to think i'm able to hide my surprise. i hope i do. surprise is one of those emotions that can be hard to fake, though, whether you're trying to look surprised when you're not or trying to not look surprised when you are. i shake his hand. i shake the other kid's hand. don't want to focus on his face. cool room, I say. (5.Olivia's Brother.2-5)
When Justin meets August, he is one of the few characters with the self-awareness and self-possession to be mindful about how he reacts to his appearance. Not only is Justin sensitive about how his reaction impacts both August and Via, but he is also mature enough to make an intentional choice to look beyond Auggie's face, focusing instead on Auggie's cool room.
Quote #11
"Come on, Auggie, please try to understand," he continued, putting his hand under my chin and tilting my face toward him. "You were wearing that helmet all the time. And the real, real, real, real truth is: I missed seeing your face, Auggie. I know you don't always love it, but you have to understand…I love it. I love this face of yours, Auggie, completely and passionately. And it kind of broke my heart that you were always covering it up." (8.The Drop-Off.33)
There's regular old "I love you," which Auggie's family says plenty. But to hear "I love your face," and to hear it said with such absolute wholeheartedness is a hugely meaningful message. Auggie has struggled his entire life with his appearance, which creates so many challenges for him, and for much of the story Auggie wishes away his terrible face. His dad's all-in acceptance and love helps Auggie finally begin to accept his face too.