User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Be sure to visit Bantering Books to read all my latest reviews.I am conflicted.
I am a tad disappointed.
I thought I would love Dear Edward. I wanted to love it.
But I just didn't. And I think I know why -- but more on that in a minute.
Based on true events,
Dear Edward is the coming-of-age story of (you guessed it!) Edward, a twelve-year-old boy who loses his entire family when their plane to California plummets to the ground. Edward is the sole survivor of the crash, while the lives of his father, mother, brother, and nearly 200 other people on the flight tragically come to an end.
The novel flits back and forth between telling the story of Edward's personal journey after the crash and giving us glimpses of the lives of a handful of other passengers on the flight. Both narrative threads ultimately culminate with the passengers' final moments before the crash of the plane.
One only has to read the blurb for
Dear Edward to know that it is a novel about grief, loss, overcoming tragedy, and survival. Going into it, one expects a deeply emotional, heart-wrenching read.
But you know what? It really isn't-- and there's the rub.
Napolitano's writing is cold . . . distant, almost. Instead of a novel, I often felt as if I was reading a report written by a journalist . . . or that the story was being told by a play-by-play announcer.
Where is the emotion? The love? The grief? The sadness?
Because I didn't feel it. It just wasn't there.
And that absence of emotion was very problematic for me.
I didn't feel close to the characters. I didn't feel inserted into, consumed by the story. My mind wandered off at times because I just wasn't THAT emotionally invested in the novel.
Oh, there were a handful of times while reading where I was surprised to find that I had tears in my eyes. But I recognized that my tears were brought on more by my own personal empathy for Edward and his family -- not by Napolitano's writing. As a mother of two young boys, I couldn't help but imagine one of my sons in Edward's place. (How I shudder at the thought.)
But still . . . as flawed as it may be,
Dear Edward really isn't a bad read. I did enjoy it.
It's just not a great read.
And it could've been.
If Napolitano had put a little heart into it, it really could've been.
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Rating: really liked it
***ONE OF MY TOP TEN BOOKS OF THE YEAR***
This is my first 5 star read of 2020 and it is a great one! So many of my Goodreads friends were raving about this book and now I can see why.
The blurb tells a lot of the outline of this story. A plane en route from Newark to Los Angeles crashes, killing everyone on board except for 12 year old Edward Adler. I have found from doing some research that the author based this story on a real plane crash which occurred in 2010, it was traveling from South Africa to London when it crashed killing everyone except for one 9 year old boy. This isn’t a story about that crash but the author stated that it was this event which held her imagination for a long time and she knew that she had to write this story.
The novel travels back and forth in time between what was happening during the flight and Edward’s life afterward. The prose flows smoothly and I found both timelines equally interesting.
Fortunately for Edward he had an aunt, Lacey, and uncle John who cared very deeply for Edward. In the beginning Edward felt the most connection with Lacey because she lost her sister in the flight. Though never able to have a child of their own, Lacey and John play an integral part in helping to heal Edward and help him to carry on with his life.
It’s unimaginable to think of waking up in a hospital, having lost your entire family. He was also physically injured. The most dominant injury, to one of his legs, took many weeks in the hospital and many, many months of therapy for his body to become whole again. Of course the mind and heart are more difficult to heal and Edward was helped by many others in the novel. He becomes incredibly close to Shay, his next door neighbor, who is his age and they eventually form an unbreakable bond.
He has a wonderful psychologist, Mike, who seems to know how to gently steer Edward into finding ways to heal himself. The principal at his school asks Edward to help him care for his beloved ferns which he surrounds himself with in his school office. The adjustment to school was particularly difficult for Edward, not only because of his notoriety, but also because he had been home schooled for his entire life.
Without going into more of the plot I can tell you that this is a wonderful story that you will find yourself immersed in. The characters, along with the ones mentioned above, are very well developed and an interesting collection of people. On the plane there is a soldier on his way home, a pregnant single woman who is hoping her boyfriend will propose, a dying tycoon and a free spirited woman who is fleeing her present husband in the hopes of starting a new life in California.
At a point in the story Edward and Shay come across a finding which will come to help heal Edward in many, many ways.
The novel was heartbreaking in many ways but it was also filled with so many kind people that I was left feeling very hopeful in the end. Without divulging anything further I will say that it was one of the most satisfying endings that I have read in a very long time.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a great story with wonderful characters and a premise which will give you much to think about and ponder.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Rating: really liked it
Many of us know what it feels like to grieve the loss of loved ones, but how unimaginable to lose your whole family at twelve years old as the sole survivor of a plane crash. Who is there to understand what Edward Adler, this young boy, broken physically and emotionally, is feeling? Is there anyone to help him heal, to find his way through the trauma and horrific loss? Perhaps it’s his Aunt Lacey, who has not only lost her sister, but suffers her own personal losses. Or maybe her husband John, who is determined to protect Edward from those who may want to exploit him, from any more hurt. Or maybe his therapist, Dr. Mike. Maybe it’s the young girl, Shay, who lives next door and becomes a source of solace for Edward. Maybe it’s his principal who helps nurture Edward by having him nurture the plants in his office. Maybe it’s the families of some of the others who have perished in the crash. Perhaps it’s all of them. It takes a village.
This is such a heartbreaking story and I cried for Edward multiple times as he grieves the loss of his family, particularly at the moments when he thinks of his older brother Jordan, with whom he shared a special bond. The sadness I felt was not just for his family, but for a number of other passengers that we meet in alternating narratives which reveal their personal stories and why they are on the flight. We learn what his parents and brother are thinking about and also an injured soldier, a dying man, a pregnant young woman, a flamboyant woman who believes in reincarnation, among others. Later in the story we get a glimpse of the grief of their loved ones in a stunning way.
It’s thought provoking in a number of ways - how does a young boy bear his grief, this loss, the trauma of what he has experienced but it made me consider how little we know of the burdens that people whose paths we cross might carry. This book is full of sadness, without a doubt, but it is also filled with shared sorrow, love, friendship and caring. A beautiful story.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley.
Rating: really liked it
Wow! I got Arc copy of this book and wrote a review long time ago for NetGalley and now I realized I didn’t share on Goodreads. Luckily my favorite producer assistant Casey, who always gives me hard times by making me rewrite my scenes at least 80 times and taking my middle finger emojis as daily gift sent me this book as an Olive Branch with dozen Sprinkles cupcakes . Okay, she’s forgiven for now!
I started to flip pages as I was devouring banana dark chocolate cupcake. (I highly recommend this flavor and it fits well with tear jerker books because tryptophan in chocolate makes you happy and saves you from emotional breakdowns!)
So I reread some parts and remembered how much I loved this book and even though I consumed lots of cupcakes, I still cried a lot. Then I took my book to the gym and continue reading when I was running like a hamster on treadmill. I kept whining a lot and told the story of twelve years old Edward Adler who lost his entire family at the plane crash and how he gathers his broken pieces of his life while he was dealing with his grief, his new life conditions, guilt feelings because of being only one to survive. I realized I created a chaos and contagious panic attack crisis at my gym place.
Can you imagine those humongous guys who were even bigger than Jason Momoa started howling like wolves after hearing Edward’s story? They did. And it was so nasty and disturbing!!!So I left the place before they revoke my membership and locked myself at home to terrorize only my husband, dogs and douchebag neighbors with my ugly scream cries.
I truly love Edward and I cannot imagine someone’s brokenness after losing his loved ones at the same time. But luckily there are helping hands try to reach to him. His Aunt Lacey and Uncle John deals with their own problems but they also cared little boy a lot, doing their best to protect him suffer more.
The neighbor next door, definitely sweet kind of girl next door Shay and Edward’s growing friendship also warmed my heart and put wider smiles on my cheeks.
And let’s not forget Dr. Mike and school principal. One of them use therapy and other one use his plants to nourish his damaged soul by healing him mentally.
The flashbacks put more light on passengers’ back stories which were so intriguing. There are so many interesting characters from a young pregnant mother to wounded soldier, dying man etc.
I think I mostly affected by Edward’s grief about his elder brother. He didn’t only lose a family member, he also lost his best friend and I know exactly how it feels and hurts! Oh boy! Here comes another sob!
Overall: amazing book based on true story with remarkable and unforgettable characters. I’m drying my tears and telling you please go, get this book and read it! Then instead of sending me thank you notes, send me more black/ white Sprinkles cupcakes (second favorite flavor)
Thanks to Random House for publishing this amazing story👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Rating: really liked it
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is a 2020 Dial Press publication.
A sad, uncomfortable, and heartrending journey- but ultimately a story of hope and inspiration! Twelve- year old, Edward is the sole survivor of a plane crash, which took the lives of 191 people, including Edward’s parents and older brother. Now living with his aunt and uncle, Edward is faced with the daunting task of recovering physically, mentally and emotionally. This story follows Edward's coming of age journey, as he copes with the aftermath of the crash.
Along with his devoted family, Edward also finds an unexpected support system through his friendship with Shay, one his neighbors. The two become inseparable, when Shay offers Edward her unconditional support, honesty, and love. Their relationship defied convention at times, but Shay became Edward's rock on so many levels.
Edwards’s present -day journey is alternated with the stories of a select group of passengers who were on board the plane with Edward, giving the reader a bit of insight into their personal lives leading up to the flight, and how they co-mingled on the plane before the crash.
This book was inspired by true events and is understandably melancholy. The story is centered around grief, the way it affects people in different ways, and how they cope. How will Edward come out on the other side of something this traumatic?
Right from the beginning, I wanted to hug Edward and comfort him. What a resilient soul, so broken, but also brave and determined. If the story had stayed centered on Edward and the obstacles he and his family faced and how they worked through their grief and all the psychological pain of recovering under the glare of the media spotlight, I would have given the book all the stars and a rave review.
However, I have some mixed feelings about the airplane sequences. It was very uncomfortable to read about these people under those circumstances. I wondered if there might have been a different way to introduce them- perhaps telling their story as a prelude to the crash, before turning the spotlight over to Edward.
I felt it would only be right to give the reader some insight into Edward’s life before the crash, and naturally I could understand the impulse of the surviving family members to reach out to Edward, to want to ask him questions, but these passages made me squirm with unease and kept the book shrouded in pain and darkness longer than necessary- often overshadowing or disrupting insights into Edward’s progress.
I also found it a bit curious that the author chose to relate the story in such a neutral, disconnected format. Except for Shay, the other character's backstory and interactions often seemed to take place at a great distance, save for one or two moments of intimate conversations.
However, as the story progressed the grayness slowly lifts, and the sun gradually begins to peek out from behind the gloomy clouds, eventually lighting Edward’s world with long overdue, but generous warmth.
Edward's journey is long, slow, and painful, but he finds strength and wisdom through many avenues, building mental and emotional fortitude with grace, despite his profound grief.
But, of course, he didn’t do it alone. I would be lying if I didn’t admit, that for me, Shay steals the show. What an amazing character!! In this whole drama, she was the bright light that led Edward out of the tunnel of darkness. That is not to say that others in his life weren’t as essential- because they were. It took all these special people, who stayed solid and committed to Edward, for him to become whole again- and he was worth every bit of the effort! Their work and support paid off and I think each of them was blessed and touched by Edward as well. I loved the way the story concluded on such a wonderful and positive note. This story is a testament to the human spirit, and to the power of love and friendship.
Although, I felt the story was too remote much of the time, it did eventually morph into a stirring, inspirational and uplifting novel.
I’m very conflicted about my rating here. The book has some issues that were big enough to take me out of the story at times, but it was so moving and profound, I hate to lower my rating. I’ve been waffling between a 3 or 4- which usually means I seek middle ground with a 3.5- but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to round up or down. Ultimately, despite some reservations I’ve decided to round up because the story is one that has lingered in my mind for days, which, for me, overrides some of the book’s weaker areas.
3.5 rounded up
Rating: really liked it
3.5 stars...
Yes I realize I am going to be the unpopular opinion. I couldn't wait to chose this for my BOTM. I did worry that the material would be a bit too emotional for me and that I would be ugly crying all over the book....but I didn't. I am not sure why but it didn't elicit that strong of an emotion from me. OMG am I heartless??
Edward does the impossible. He survives a plane crash that claims the life of all the other passengers...all 191 one of them. His entire world is onboard that plane- his mom, dad and brother. How does one move on from something like this? Especially a 12 year old boy that just lost everything in a matter of seconds?
The timeline was split into after the crash and right before the crash. We get to meet his family members and several of the other passengers during these chapters of the book. Although I did appreciate it- I felt there wasn't much character development with the passengers and I felt a bit detached from them.
Although I did really find the whole premise very sad and an interesting story line..I lacked connecting with Edward. I guess the writing had a bit of detachment to it and it didn't dig deep enough into my emotions. Which is odd because I am a pretty emotional reader.
Overall I did enjoy the book- I just wanted to cry my eyes out!! I guess I am never happy- I hesitated picking up the book because it might be too sad, yet I complain because it didn't give me the ugly cries!! I did love the relationship that Edward and Shay developed- helping each other out in their own way. I found that to be a beautiful blessing for them both.
Rating: really liked it
4.5 stars
It’s been a long time since I read a book where the story and the characters took hold of my heart and wouldn’t let go. Anyone who has followed my reviews for any amount of time knows that I don’t typically like child narrators. This is the exception. It’s a stunning piece of storytelling. I love a story that delves into psychological issues, and how one heals from unbearable tragedy is the ultimate psychological challenge. I had the pleasure of buddy reading this with my good friend Marialyce, and it’s a book we both loved and tore through in record time.
Edward, his brother, and his parents board a plane to start a new life in California. They don’t make it, as the plane crashes midflight. 191 die while Edward is miraculously the only survivor.
Edward’s emotional struggles with the loss of his beloved family, the burden of survivor’s guilt, as well as his sudden notoriety as the “miracle boy”, is dealt with in such a compassionate and authentic way that I wondered more than once as I read if the author has experience with grief. She knows you never get over a loss, and there is no timeline or “closure”. But there is life after loss, although it’s a different life.
After Edward heals from his physical injuries he goes to live with his aunt and uncle, and does the hard work of learning how to live again. How do you move forward when you’ve lost everything, including yourself, the person you were before the loss? He befriends Shay, the 12 year old girl next door, and it is one of the most delightful friendships I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
All of the adults in Edward’s life, from his aunt and uncle, to the school personnel and his therapist have a part to play in his recovery and all were incredibly knowledgeable and insightful, even when dealing with their own struggles. They were all terrific characters that felt realistic. But Edward still struggles until he makes a discovery that, along with Shay’s help, serves as the catalyst for his healing.
The story alternates between Edward’s chapters and chapters that highlights the other passengers on the flight, from the quirky to the serious. Learning their backstories put the losses into perspective but thankfully the author doesn’t manipulate the reader into an emotional response. They simply add interest and depth to the story.
This sounds unbearably sad but it is a beautiful, heartfelt story that is never maudlin or manipulative. The ending brought tears through my smiles. This is a book that is ultimately hopeful, a story that restores faith in the human spirit, and one that will stay with me a long time to come. Highly recommended! 5 stars for how this book made me feel.
• I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
• For our duo review of this book and others please visit https://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpres...
Rating: really liked it
Ann Napolitano's melancholic novel depicts the coming of age of Edward Adler, who at the tender age of 12 loses the life he is familiar with along with the loss of his family, his parents and his beloved older brother, Jordan, in a tragic plane crash in Colorado, in which almost 2oo others die. Edward is the only survivor, the boy who lived becomes the centre of a storm of public and national interest. A traumatised Edward with his unbearable burden of grief and sorrow goes to live in West Milford, New Jersey with his Aunt Lacey, having to handle her own losses, and his protective Uncle John. Having been home schooled, he has to come to terms with going to school, getting used to other children, socialising with them. His greatest solace comes with his neighbour, a girl of his own age, Shay, and the close friendship he develops with her.
In a narrative that goes back and forth in time, we learn about the wide ranging lives and stories of the other passengers on that plane, their families, and the letters that bulge with their hopes and expectations of Edward. We follow Edward as he endeavours to initially just survive and then to forge a new path in life, and the response and support he receives from a community. This is a beautiful, moving, emotionally heartbreaking and tearful novel of what it is to be human, for sadly grief and loss is an integral part of what it is to live, and the importance of reaching out, connecting, and supporting each other. Edward is so young to be weighed down by such all consuming loss, guilt and grief, having to endure, and I could not help but feel for him, the enormity of what he must handle, until gradually glimpses of hope and joy begin to appear in his life. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Penguin UK for an ARC.
Rating: really liked it
A compassionate and realistic look at a young boy confronting paralyzing grief and survivor guilt. His family, moving from New York to LA, are on an airplane, when the plane crashes and Eddie, 12, is the only survivor. Taken in by his mother's sister and her husband, a couple that has suffered their own private grief, he no longer feels as if he fits in his own skin. Shay, a girl his own age, his new neighbor may be the door that allows him to find a way to move forward.
In alternating chapters we meet some of the people on the doomed flight, a look into their personal lives and hopes for their future and regrets from their pasts. Such great characters, this author has created, people who try to help Eddie and people who his life touches. The way to healing is hard, but Eddie is never alone, something he needs to realize for himself. Fate is not in ones control, and a tragedy such a this touches many, not only those involved. This emotional novel does a fantastic job showing how essential human connection is, and how it can be of benefit if one can open themselves to acceptance. Friendship, love, and hope. The ending had me teary eyed, despite the sadness, I loved watching these characters heal and grow.
ARC from Dial Press/Random House.
Rating: really liked it
Yep....as advertised: "Riveting. Uplifting. Unforgettable." Flight 2977.
Did you know...."Clouds usually float at 2,000 to 15,000 feet. Planes fly at 30,000 to 40,000. Outer space begins at 300,000."
I didn't know that exactly and don't know what it is about disaster novels (and movies) that entices me so, but in DEAR EDWARD, Eddie Adler himself, how his life evolves, and the stories of the other doomed passengers made for an addictive, fast read.
Eddie is only 12, his brother Jordan 15 when his family boards a plane in New York bound for a new life in Los Angeles to mom's new job and their new home, but Colorado is as far as they get....before disaster strikes.
In DEAR EDWARD, Eddie, now Edward amazingly survives the crash, but now must survive life without his family and with memories of the horror as he adjusts to a new world with Uncle John and Aunt Lacey, the media and everyone else who wants his story. But us readers are the only ones who get the details....right down to the bitter end....and a hopeful future.
Inspired by a true story, Ann Napolitano backs into the tragic event building characters and storyline into a beautifully written work of fiction.
We all know...."It is statistically more dangerous to travel in a car than in an airplane. In absolute numbers, there are more than five million car accidents compared to twenty aeronautic accidents per year, so, in fact, flying is safer."
Rating: really liked it
Dear Edward is powerful, poignant, and beautiful.
One summer morning nearly 200 people board a plane in Newark bound for Los Angeles. Some are headed to Los Angeles to start a new chapter in their lives, like 12-year-old Edward Adler, who is moving with his parents and older brother so his mother can take a screenwriting job. Others are traveling for business, pleasure, or obligation.
Somewhere over Colorado, the plane crashes, killing 186 of the 187 passengers onboard. Only Edward survives.
Edward is devastated by the loss of his family, especially his beloved 15-year-old brother, Jordan. He can’t fathom how, once he heals physically, he’ll be able to have a life when his family won’t, and he feels awkward living amidst the relationship challenges his aunt and uncle (who took him in) are dealing with. He likes to think that his family is still living somewhere up in the air while he is down on the ground.
Edward is viewed as a miracle by the families of those lost in the crash as well as the rest of the world. It’s an immense pressure to bear, especially for a young boy. He is unsure how to plan for a future when he understands how uncertain life is, and he knows what it’s like to be left behind.
"It feels unkind that they are shoving their emotions at him when his own sadness and fear are so vast that he has to hide from them. The tears of these strangers sting against his raw skin. His ears click and people hold handkerchiefs to their mouths and then the nurse reaches the end of the corridor and the mechanical door slides open and they are outside. He looks down at his busted legs, to avoid seeing the lethal sky."
One night he finds some things related to the accident that at first are overwhelming, but ultimately provide a source of comfort for him. He can be more than just the kid who survived, he can find a way to make a difference. But he also can’t do it alone, which means he has to let others in again.
This book was so moving, so thought-provoking. Ann Napolitano does such a great job because in less-skilled hands, this could be utterly maudlin and depressing.
The story alternates between the present and the time from boarding until the plane crashes, so you get to know some of those who were on the plane a little better, and you understand what caused the plane to crash. That's a little difficult to read.
This really was a great read, although I’m glad I don’t have to get on a plane anytime soon!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
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Rating: really liked it
I guess I have to be contrary on this one. I thought I’d really love it based on the great reviews and the premise. While reading I barely hung by my fingernails always ready at any minute to bail out of the book. I think part of the problem for me is a lot of tension is given up for two reasons. With the onset we know everyone dies in the plane crash accept Edward. The narrative alternates from post-crash with Edward to pre-crash with the victims on the flight. Although, they are interesting character studies I as a reader knows their ultimate outcome. Which might’ve worked had this structure not produced a staccato story telling feel. We just get into one character and we are ripped out to go to the next chapter, like in a car with one foot on the brake and one on the gas (I know I’ve used this analogy before). Also, the choice of the distant narrator that didn’t allow me to get right down on the ground with the characters added to my reading displeasure. So in the end it was a tad bit too stylistic and literary for my tastes.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series.
Rating: really liked it
“So much could be solved, she thinks, if we simply held hands with each other more often.”
12 year old Eddie Adler boards flight 2977 from Newark to Los Angeles with his parents, and his older brother Jordan.
191 souls will perish with Eddie being the sole survivor of the crash.
The whole country is captivated with Eddie (now referred to as Edward) and his story. They think he is LUCKY.
They don’t understand the pain of being the one “left behind”.
The story is told from the alternating timelines of “ the flight” and the years that follow..
The “flight chapters” acquaint you with some of the other passengers. Not all of them were likable, and I felt like I should’ve grieved more for these people who lost their lives...
Edward’s chapters were much more poignant, as he struggles to make sense of his new life. His chapters brought both tears, and smiles..
They were the more captivating, as were the people who rally around Edward to try and bring him comfort and hope.
His friendship with Shay is truly one of the most moving friendships you will ever have the pleasure of reading about!
My one critique:
The author shares that she spoke with those who administer insurance claims, with those in the military, and with pilots for AUTHENTICITY.
She SHOULD HAVE also spoken with flight attendants.
Veronica was a cliche. Not a chance that her unprofessional behavior would happen or go unnoticed.
And
what MIGHT be done with an elderly passenger who suffers what her passenger suffers while inflight...not a chance...and I have done the job for 34 years...
Would’ve been an easy 5 stars if not for those two things....
Still..highly recommended!
Available now!
Thank you to Netgalley, Viking, and Ann Napolitano for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!
Rating: really liked it
Went into this expecting an emotional gut-punch...left somewhat underwhelmed. I’m not even entirely sure what was missing for me, but I just didn’t connect to the story the way I was expecting.
If you’ve read any blurb or review about
Dear Edward so far, you probably are aware of the premise. A boy survives a plane crash that kills everyone else on board, then deals with the effects after the fact. It’s very sad, and I was expecting a lot of grief, but I didn’t really feel much of that overall. I think where Ann Napolitano succeeded was in the writing of a 12-year-old survivor’s trauma. Edward is a well constructed main character who is convincingly suffering from PTSD and depression, among other things. He feels disconnected from a good portion of the events of the book, which is a realistic depiction of someone going through this type of tragedy.
That said, I really think she dropped the ball on the flashbacks. It felt like Napolitano was trying to replicate those types of scenes from
Lost where they’d flash into random characters’ lives, but it just did not translate here. I don’t know how to fix it, exactly. Maybe if they were condensed and combined near the end? Or if we had gotten more information about the other passengers in the ‘present day’ story? But as it was just jumps to a half a dozen strangers, who were all stereotypes or caricatures (view spoiler)
[ flight attendant is a tease, closeted gay soldier, leering businessman, woman finds out she’s pregnant WHILE on the flight—very soap opera-y (hide spoiler)], that had no relevance to Edward and his family/friends....besides that they should be remembered? I guess? I think without those parts, the narrative would have been stronger.
(view spoiler)
[I didn’t like Part 3 on the whole, either. The resolution for Edward felt hollow and unfulfilling, despite the story going for something uplifting. I was expecting something impressive or at least thoughtful for him to spend the money on. But buy your teacher a greenhouse because he was sad his plants died? Why not something like a scholarship or grant for the specific wishes of the people who wrote him those letters? You want to be a chef? Okay! Here’s money for culinary school in Betty’s son’s honor. Just seemed like such a waste.
And the cockpit flashbacks were so unnecessary. That could have played out a hundred better ways, rather than going over in technical detail why one of the pilots was dumb for killing them all. We could have unraveled what happened slowly in bits and pieces throughout the novel, but instead we get that information dump at the very end. (hide spoiler)]I guess I didn’t know how disappointed I was until now. I appreciate that it wasn’t just tragedy porn, which something like this could easily fall into, but I don’t think the plot or characters carried the weight like those from Celeste Ng or Ann Patchett, which this has been compared to. There wasn’t much of a...story? It was just a tragic circumstance and not much beyond that. Napolitano is a talented writer, though, so I’m not put off from reading more by her going forward.
*Thanks to Random House & Netgalley for an advance copy!**
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Rating: really liked it
“Miracle Boy”....
“It’s like they think I’m famous”.
“You are famous, kinda”.
Oh My!!
This story broke my heart and left me in tears.
One of the things I thought about was the ways we hide from the world when we need others most - and how love, tragedy, and the need for connection may be the only things to bring us back out.
