Wink by Rob Harrell is the book version of 20/20 vision. I loved this book! Think Wonder but with humor and some seriously fantastic illustrations!
I had this book at home and started in on it but switched to the audio version on our road trip to see my sis. Since I had ears everywhere, I wanted to listen to a kid-friendly option. Insert Wink!
If you read Wonder (gold!), you’ll see some similarities right away. A kiddo (Ross) who wants to be known as himself instead of labeled by what’s ‘wrong.’ A few solid friends. A total scoundrel making daily life a drag for the main character. BUT. There is so much humor in this book and funny references that made this feel like a lighter coming-of-age novel, not a book about pediatric cancer.
Also really beautiful was the dynamic between the main kiddo, Ross, and his dad. That’s so refreshing to see a strong relationship with dad, not mom. I feel like I see the mom connection a lot, but not dad. And secretly, I loved the dialogue between the parent and child. It gives me hope when our kiddos enter that chapter of life that maybe they’ll still want to open up. At least more often than not.
Characters:
Ross – average middle schooler kiddo trying to fly under the radar, diagnosed with a rare cancer
Dad – very cool guy, very understanding
Linda – stepmom (Ross’s mom passed away from cancer when he was 5)
Frank – proton treatment tech
Abby – Ross’s best bud since 1st grade
Isaac – Ross’s best bud since 4th grade
Sarah – Ross’s crush since foreverrrrrrr
Jimmy – resident evil-doer
As if Ross’s mom passing away isn’t enough of a crap sandwich, Ross is diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. Super rare. And it’s in his EYEBALL. As if 7th grade wasn’t hard enough. Don’t misconstrue my deep feelings for cancer (you evil animal). There is no good time to be diagnosed with anything. Cancer is a monster and attacks relentlessly. But wow, a 7th grader. And now he has a perma-wink. Hard to imagine unless you’ve walked a similar path. It’s so sad and gutting and yet the author writes this novel so that you can walk in this boy’s shoes. You can truly visualize this being you or your kiddo’s friend. That is TALENT!
There are some fun comics at the end of the chapters (Ross gives himself a nickname of Bat Pig) that help describe his feelings in a fun and funny way. And there are little illustrations sprinkled throughout the book as well. The audio of the comics is fuh-nee! One point: audiobook!
After finishing this, I couldn’t help but hope that my kids are strong friends like Ross’s. I hope I can model the same attitude as Ross’s dad – not just in times of pure fear but everyday. I hope I can show the type of bravery Ross shows in Wink. This is beautiful!
Rarely do I read the acknowledgements. Author’s notes, sure. But I generally skip the acknowledgements. I read this page and I won’t share the whole thing (but it’s worth reading), but I have to share this part:
In closing, if there’s a caregiver in your life, drop everything and go give them a huge bear hug. Seriously. Go do it now before you forget.
Wink, Rob Harrell, 316
So not only did you just finish this phenomenal book about a hard topic BUT you also end with this super thoughtful sentiment from the author. Hooked. Rob Harrell, you are such a good soul.
Something I love SO much about reading is learning. Stuff I didn’t know was out there. Cultures I don’t know much about. How I can grow. Bet you’re the same. Ross was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. The author shares that he, too, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.