Part Two: Via

"I don't remember the day they brought August home from the hospital. I don't remember what I said or did or felt when I saw him for the first time..." (page 84)

It is obvious in the beginning that Via  feels almost "second" in her family. She understands it and she accepts the fact that "August is the Sun" and she and her family are the plants orbiting around August. From the beginning I know that Via truly wants the undivided attention from her parents.

Via mentions that there's no point in complaining, which is a short quote I believe everyone should live by. 

Via accepts the fact that the plants will always orbit the sun and understands the way of the universe in her family. The chapter titled "A Tour of the Galaxy" Via says "but this year there seems to be a shift in the cosmos. The galaxy is changing. Planets are falling out of alignment." To me, this is foreshadowing of what is to come and change in Via's life.

Much like August's life, Via's life takes her through many different circumstances throughout this novel. Via is entering into high school and the girl who were her friends before, become almost strangers. This happens to most high school freshmen, including me. As best friends change and evolve into what they think they are, Via stayed true to herself and I respect R.J Pallacio Via for that. That is what is most important, to be yourself in a world that is forever changing. She never lost the sense of who she was as a person, even when Mom and Dad were too busy with August.

The idea of being true to yourself is something all children,teenagers, and even adults should carry with them wherever life may lead them.