Helpful Score: 3
Read this one because it's wonderful in a haunting, traumatic sort of way. It's the type of book that leaves a lasting impression. The tale toggles between past and present, which turned out to be really effective. It was like two tales at once, both equally riveting for different reasons. I began to dread the intimate accounts of the passengers on the flight in the final countdown to the crash. Those affected me deeply. All the what-ifs. In some sections, it was a tough and emotional read. And a novel that compels me to delve into the actual events that were the inspiration behind the work make it especially memorable. 4.5 stars.
Great book. Sad but hopeful. Edward is on a plane with his family, both parents and an older brother, when he is 12. The plane crashes and 191 people die. Edward is the only survivor. Chapters alternate between the plane flight and the next six years of Edward's life. His grieving process, his family and friends, and how he finds the strength to live again and forge a new path. And make good out of his new world.
Helpful Score: 2
Dear Edward tells the story of a 12 year old who is the sole survivor of a plane crash that kills the rest of his family. The story is told in chapters that alternate between the flight and Edward's life after the crash. Edward's story was sad and moving, but much of the plane portions focused on other people on the flight. I didn't feel much of a connection to the other characters, as not enough of their stories were told to have much emotional resonance. Although sad, the story is ultimately hopeful.
I just don't get the hype for this book. Yes, written well, and a page-turner in the beginning. Then it began to drag, and drag some more...
12-year old Eddie Adler is the only survivor of a plane crash that has killed 191 people, including his parents and his older brother, Jordan. His family was moving to California from New Jersey, and all having a hard time with that happening in their lives.
Eddie becomes Edward after going to live with his aunt Lacey and uncle John, who have been having a hard time conceiving children. Lacey was Jane's (Eddie's mother) sister. They try very hard to get Edward to start living normally, but Edward is not feeling normal.
This novel switches chapters from the present to the flight itself. You get to know some of the other passengers and their momentary connection to Edward.
I felt that this could have been more detailed in the way that Eddie was really feeling and living. While I liked the character and the friends that he makes after the crash, I really didn't feel the distress that is punctuated in the description of the book. I didn't really get a sense of Eddie's personality that much.
Eddie becomes Edward after going to live with his aunt Lacey and uncle John, who have been having a hard time conceiving children. Lacey was Jane's (Eddie's mother) sister. They try very hard to get Edward to start living normally, but Edward is not feeling normal.
This novel switches chapters from the present to the flight itself. You get to know some of the other passengers and their momentary connection to Edward.
I felt that this could have been more detailed in the way that Eddie was really feeling and living. While I liked the character and the friends that he makes after the crash, I really didn't feel the distress that is punctuated in the description of the book. I didn't really get a sense of Eddie's personality that much.
I'm so thankful that book group gets me to read books I would otherwise skip. The blurb for this sounded so sad that I'd never have chosen it for myself. While there is certainly sadness associated with a plane crash, this story highlights the hope and resilience demonstrated by its lone survivor and those around him. Instead of feeling depressed, I was cheered by how we can take care of one another.
