DEAR EDWARD

by Ann Napolitano

Dear Edward’s premise is horrific and if you are afraid of flying, avoid it at all costs. But if you can stomach the trauma, this book is riveting, tragic and entertaining. The story is split into two alternating parts. The first details the lives of multiple passengers on a giant flight from New York to L.A. The second is the story of the twelve-year-old boy who is the sole survivor when that plane crashes.

Edward’s life is smashed to pieces when the plane crashes and he loses his parents and older brother. His aunt and uncle take him in and he begins the long, slow road to acceptance and recovery. Napolitano does an incredible job of getting inside the head of this traumatized young man. She allows him to grow and change as time passes and he learns more about the crash and about himself.

I love that the author doesn’t reveal exactly what happened to the plane to make it crash until the very end of the book. In keeping that secret, the reader comes to know many of the passengers throughout the book, which makes the loss all the more devastating. I really did not want to put this book down, and I don't think you will either! (Lily)